Head of Commercial Strategy & Channel Development

The Ice Cream division at Unilever is preparing to stand on its own, aiming to become an independent, EUR 8.3 billion publicly listed company by the end of 2025. We’re on a mission to create the ultimate snacking company, a place where growth, innovation, founder and ownership mentality, and performance are cultivated and rewarded. We craft extraordinary ice cream experiences—transforming ordinary moments into lasting memories, because life tastes better with ice cream.

ABOUT THE MAGNUM ICE CREAM COMPANY :

The Magnum Ice Cream Company is all about growth—growing our business, our customers’ businesses, and our people’s careers. Growth begins with empowerment, so we free our people to be innovative, responsible entrepreneurs, driven and equipped to give our consumers more amazing products and unforgettable moments—and having fun doing it.

With 19 000 expert ice cream colleagues and iconic brands like Wall’s, Cornetto and Ben & Jerry’s, loved in 76 countries, we are the world’s largest ice‑cream company leading the industry. We have taken pleasure seriously for more than 100 years, serving happiness with every lick or scoop of ice cream for generations.

We are investing to unlock the full growth potential of The Magnum Ice Cream Company as a standalone entity, once we separate from Unilever, which is planned before the end of 2025.

We dream big but keep things simple to act fast. If you want to grow with us, make an impact, and shape the future of ice cream, this is the place for you!

JOB PURPOSE :

The Commercial Strategic & Channel Development Head is the strategic engine for the category, driving both current performance and future expansion by linking brand strategy with commercial execution. You will be the expert on your category’s holistic market opportunity—including market dynamics, competitive landscape, and price & promotional effectiveness—and identify and size untapped white space and new commercial channels (e.g., HoReCa, Corporate, Leisure).

This role involves leading the integrated business planning cycle, shaping demand forecasts, developing winning go‑to‑market strategies for both established segments and newly developed channels, and managing the trade investment budget to deliver on top‑line sales and bottom‑line profitability. You will work in a highly cross‑functional environment, collaborating closely with Brand, Finance, Supply Chain, and Customer Development teams to ensure flawless planning and execution. By championing a high‑performance culture, you will develop a team of strategic thinkers and commercial experts to secure our long‑term success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :

Strategic Planning & Commercial Leadership

• Lead the annual Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process by conducting comprehensive 6P analyses (incorporating channel‑specific dynamics) to identify key category insights and opportunities across all channels.
• Develop the annual Category Development plan, translating brand objectives into a clear commercial strategy and execution roadmap for core channels and emerging channels.
• Spearhead the development of Joint Business Plans (JBPs) with key retail partners and establish Strategic Partnership Frameworks for priority new channel accounts to drive mutual growth.
• Prepare and deliver compelling presentations for key business processes, including quarterly cascades to the Customer Development (Sales) team and strategic alignment meetings with leadership, detailing channel investment priorities and white space progress.

White Space & New Channel Development

Demand Forecasting & Financial Management

Go‑to‑Market & New Product Launch Excellence

Market Intelligence & Performance Analysis

Team Leadership & Talent Development

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED :

SKILLS

Technical & Analytical Capabilities

Core Competencies

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT :

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

As publicly announced, Unilever will separate its Ice Cream business which is expected by the end of 2025. This role will transfer to the new Ice Cream company.

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

For the recruitment of this position, local conditions apply to the position.

ARE YOU EXCITED TO CRAFT THE ICE CREAM FUTURE?

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.

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.

We take pleasure seriously. Join the Ice Cream team now!

#TMICC

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.

#J-18808-Ljbffr