Ice Cream Business Development/Strategy Manager

UNILEVER IS LOOKING FOR AN ICE CREAM BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/STRATEGY MANAGER

JOIN OUR ICE CREAM TEAM!

Location: Weena, Rotterdam – The Netherlands - moving to Amsterdam in 2025.

Local conditions apply  

For the recruitment of this position, we would like to emphasize that local conditions apply to the position and for this vacancy in principle we will first consider candidates based in the Netherlands. If you are based outside of the Netherlands and you are interested to apply, please feel free to do so but we can only take your application on if a decision is made to also recruit outside of the Netherlands.

If you are choosing to work for the Unilever Ice Cream business, you will work for the Global, leading Ice Cream player with €7.9bn Turn Over in 2023. The Ice Cream business is operating in a highly attractive category, as we are part of the 1 trillion snacking and refreshment industry, growing consistently at high pace. We have strong brands equities: 5 of top 10 selling brands including Wall’s, Magnum, Calippo, Solero, Festini, Talenti and Yasso.

We're committed to creating innovative products that bring unforgettable moments to our consumers—because, after all, “Life tastes better with ice cream.”

Ice Cream has distinct characteristics from Unilever’s other operating businesses and the growth potential of Ice Cream will be better delivered under a different ownership structure. As Ice Cream company we are committed to developing and nurturing talent within our Ice Cream company. You will have ample options for career growth and exploration, allowing you to explore roles and opportunities across the new organisation. Your career development will be a priority for us, and we are dedicated to supporting your growth journey within the new company. We hope that you will want to build the new chapter of our Ice Cream history together with us.

The Ice Cream division at Unilever is preparing to stand on its own, becoming an independent, EUR 8 billion single-category focused company by the end of 2025. This move reflects our belief in the power of our unique frozen footprint, which we see as having huge potential for growth as a pure-play business. Our focus is all about unlocking that potential, driving value for our consumers, customers, employees, and shareholders.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Business Development/Strategy Manager, Ice Cream Business, will play a critical role in shaping and executing strategic initiatives that drive growth, innovation, and operational excellence within our ice cream portfolio. This individual will collaborate with senior leadership to develop business strategies, provide market insights, and lead cross-functional projects that align with our long-term business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Analysis:

• Support development and execution of the ice cream strategy aligned with company goals.

• Conduct market analysis, competitive benchmarking, and consumer insights to spot growth opportunities and risks.

• Build financial models for new initiatives and investments.

• Track industry trends (e.g., Ozempic-type drugs) and recommend strategic responses.

• Identify and assess new business opportunities, including partnerships and Merger and Acquisition.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, R&D, and Operations to align on innovation, go-to-market strategies, and efficiencies.

• Facilitate strategy reviews and cross-functional discussions on key initiatives.

• Align strategy with corporate communications and HR for talent planning.

• Collaborate and Support our 4 regional business units with strategic alignment and resource allocation.

Project Management:

• Lead high-impact, cross-functional projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and objectives are met.

• Monitor project progress and recommend solutions for roadblocks.

Performance Measurement & Reporting:

• Analyze business performance, including P&L and market share, to provide insights to leadership.

• Support board-level presentations and executive communications.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR FOLLOWING KEY SKILLS:

• Master's degree in business administration, Economics or related field.

• 5 years of experience in strategy, management consulting, or a related field, preferably in Consumer Packed Goods industries.

• Strong financial acumen and experience with Profit & Loss management, market analysis, and business modeling.

• Proven track record of managing cross-functional projects and driving measurable outcomes.

• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and relevant data analysis tools.

• Experience in Ice Cream, Snacking industry, Consulting, or Strategy & Transformation is a plus.

AND KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to execution.

• Strong modelling or analytical skills is a must.

• Strong business acumen and commercial awareness.

• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset.

• Ability to translate complex data into clear business recommendations.

Why Join Us?

When Mr. Thomas Walls declared, “We take pleasure seriously” in 1922, he set a standard that has defined us for generations. As the original house of ice cream, we hold this promise at our core, aspiring to be the ultimate pleasure food company by creating an environment where our people thrive, knowing that their growth and success directly fuel our journey in outpacing the industry.

“We take pleasure seriously,” is not merely a slogan – it is a commitment. A commitment to our consumers, our customers, our employees, our shareholders, and the shared future we are building together.

WHAT DO WE OFFER

This is the place where you can be yourself and bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. We offer an exciting & dynamic work environment where you can make things happen. Furthermore, we offer some great reward and benefits!

• Attractive total remuneration package; excellent company pension, bonus, share scheme.

• Flexible cross-disciplinary career opportunities and a wealth of training opportunities & wellbeing resources whenever and wherever.

• Plenty of company-paid holidays to further ensure your work-life balance is maintained.

• We encourage an inclusive culture, which comes to life with interchangeable public holidays, paid paternity leave of 6 weeks and our transgender policy.

• Under the Hybrid Working principles, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 40%-60% in the office or at customers, suppliers or partners to connect and collaborate.  For the time you work from home, we will ensure you are well equipped. When you are at the office , you can enjoy our tasty canteen with prepped food and own products.

• Informal culture and being the first one trying our new products. 

• My Fitness Plan (reduction on your Fitness Subscription).

• Home work allowance

• Company laptop and mobile phone

• Green Mobility Policy.   

EXCITED?

Join Unilever and our team! To apply, you must do so online. Please do not forget to upload your CV and a motivation letter.  Your application will be reviewed against our requirements and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date to provide you with an update on the status of your application.

Looking forward to meeting you! 

Please note this is a Direct Search led by Unilever. Applications from agencies will not be accepted, nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs.

Disclaimer

Equal Opportunity Employer: Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.