Head of Channel Strategy & Business Operations, Foods US

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Background & Job Overview

Foods North America has a vision to be a World-Class Force for Good in Food by serving consumers and protecting our planet through our portfolio of brands such as Hellmann’s, Knorr, Sir Kensington, and Maille. We are seeking a Head of Channel Strategy & Business Operations for Foods business in the US: to lead the development and delivery of the Foods Channel Strategy & Operational plan through strong leadership of internal & external teams. The role oversees a $2B Business in the US, with a team of 7 - reporting directly to the SVP of Channel Strategy & Planning USA.  

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

The Head of Channel Strategy & Business Operations, Foods US will lead the translation of the category strategies combined with consumer and shopper insights, to all channels. In addition, the incumbent will also develop and land the channel planning expertise across our US Foods business, be responsible for the entire Trade Marketing budget and drive the S&OP process to deliver the ambitious growth agenda on the business for 2026 & beyond.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leader in developing US Foods Long Range Plan for each channel, with a clear vision for future growth opportunities and shape of trade investments to deliver.   
• Develops key customer & channel drivers to deliver Annual Operating Plan (AOP); communicate & deliver with the field team.  
• Makes strategic trade-offs and define investment framework (Trade, SM, ISV, Retail coverage)

• Plays a critical role in Foods business operations to provide accurate and efficient customer insights into the S&OP process.     
• Significant engagement and relationship building with top 10 customers, landing our Foods strategy externally and leading key partnerships (e.g., FMI, ASP).  
• Bring the category customer voice into the Foods business; Pioneer ‘consumer love’ for the Business Unit and Business Group. 
• Use Shopper Insights and trends to understand and leverage new opportunities for growth as the path to purchase evolves. 
• Leverage Revenue Growth Management (RGM) strategies and capabilities to drive investment for the future.    

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED

Experiences & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with 12+ years of experience as a CPG Leader with both Field sales and headquarters experience. 
• Passion for High Performance: Generates operational intensity, accountability, and learning agility behind the target framework.  

• Talent Catalyst: strong managerial experience is a must; the incumbent lead will create an inclusive environment that empowers everyone to be their best; deliver new heights; and develop our people.  
• Consumer love: Brings the voice of the category and customer into everything we do, always.  Passionate about the food business
• Highly skilled at using data and insights to influence. Strong analytical skills with the ability to develop strategies, tactics and measurable implementation plans across many areas.  
• Strong business acumen; able to generate innovative growth opportunities 
• Experience setting and rallying different stakeholders behind the established vision; ability to liaise with teams at all levels.  
• Experience developing disruptive strategies in highly competitive segments.
• Have practical know-how, demonstrating a high-performance orientation while empowering and holding the team accountable for results.  

• Create a clear view of the future state, helping others understand and feel how things will be different when this is achieved.    

What We Can Offer You

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Pay: The pay range for this position is $221,100 to $ 340,925. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs.  

Bonus: This position is bonus eligible.  

Long-Term Incentive (LTI): This position is LTI eligible.  

Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents  

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