Channel Strategy Support Manager - LMT

The Channel Development Manager leads the design and execution of Local Modern Trade (LMT) channel strategies that drive competitive and profitable growth, ensuring that shopper and customer insights are fully embedded in business plans. This role is a key interface between Customer Development, Brand, Supply Chain, Finance, and Category Management.

Key Responsibilities

1. Channel Strategy & Planning

• Develop and deploy a comprehensive channel strategy aligned with overall business goals and growth plans.
• Translate shopper and market insights into actionable plans that unlock business-building opportunities.
• Build annual business plans for assigned channels, integrating brand/category priorities with customer needs.

2. Execution & Activation

• Deliver channel growth including profitable and competitive growth
• Ensure excellence in in-store activation working closely with field sales teams.
• Deploy trade category plan and ensure cross-functional alignment for on-ground execution.
  

3. Portfolio, Pricing & Trade Spend

• Design channel-specific programs focusing on portfolio, pack, and pricing interventions.
• Manage category trade budgets, monthly forecasts (MRF releases), and spend optimization.
• Identify trade spend opportunities, allocate funds, and assess risk vs. return.

4. Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Serve as the key liaison across multiple functions to ensure seamless strategy deployment.
• Collaborate extensively with Customer Development, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, and Customers
• Influence stakeholders, resolve issues proactively, and drive ownership across teams.

Success Profile:

Leadership & Mindset

• A born leader with strong initiative, cross-functional influence, and stakeholder management skills.
• Growth mindset with proactive problem-solving and bias for action.
• Able to challenge inaccuracies, drive efficiencies, and manage risks.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong business and financial acumen.
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to transform insights into strategy.

Depending on the specific channel (GT, OOH, Ice Cream, CRM), typical requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of experience in FMCG, Sales, Customer Development, or Trade Marketing.
• Experience in General Trade, or LMT is a plus.
• Strong proficiency in data analysis

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.