Ice Cream Modern Trade Manager

Unilever is currently hiring for an Ice Cream Modern Trade Manager.

**Function**: Ice Cream

**Work Level**: WL 2B

**Reports to**: CBD Lead

**Scope**: Local

**Location**: Katherine Street Sandton

If you are in the Unilever Ice Cream business or are considering working for the Unilever ice Cream business, you will work for the global, leading Ice Cream player with €8bn 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 the top 10 selling brands including Wall’s, Magnum, Ben &Jerry’s. We are investing to unlock the full growth potential of Ice Cream as a standalone entity, once we separate from Unilever, which is planned to happen by November 2025. 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.

Following the period of establishment of around 12-15 months, you will have options for career exploration and growth, allowing you to explore roles and through opportunities across the new organisation.

**We hope that you will want to build the new chapter of our Ice Cream history together with us.**

**ABOUT UNILEVER**

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people - we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world.

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don’t believe in the ‘one size fits all’ approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

**JOB PURPOSE**

The Modern Trade (MT) Manager is responsible for driving sales, maintaining healthy relationships with the customers, ensuring availability, visibility, assortment, and merchandising for all brands, and achieving set targets. S/He will work closely with the Customer Business Lead, MT NAM team, the Customer Sales Planning team, and other key stakeholders to drive strategic growth in the modern trade channel.

**WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE?**

**Account Management**:

- Develop and nurture strong relationships with key personnel at national retail accounts.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned accounts, addressing inquiries, issues, and business opportunities.
- Collaborate with customers to understand their business objectives, challenges, and opportunities.

**Sales and Revenue Generation**:

- Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve revenue and volume targets for assigned accounts.
- Drive sales growth by identifying opportunities for product placement, promotion, and expansion within the Customer.
- Negotiate and manage pricing, price increase, promotions, and campaigns (digital included) to maximize profitability while utilising TPA pre & post-evaluations and category strategies.
- Monitor sales performance, analyse data, and identify areas for improvement.

**Strategic Planning**:

- Develop and execute joint business plans with key Customers, aligned with the company's overall business objectives.
- Identify growth opportunities within accounts and develop strategies to capitalise on them.
- Stay updated on industry & customer trends, competitor activities & landscape, consumer preferences, and other market dynamics to inform & adjust strategies accordingly.

**Cross-Functional Collaboration**:

- Collaborate with CSP, shopper marketing, marketing, iOps, supply chain, finance and other internal teams to ensure effective execution of account plans and customer service.
- Provide input on product assortment, new product launches, and marketing initiatives based on customer insights.

**Forecasting and Analytics**:

- Analyse sales data (Sales In & EPOS), market trends, and consumer behaviour to make informed decisions and recommendations.
- Provide input into sales forecasts, track performance against targets, and identify corrective actions when necessary.
- Work closely with Sales Analysts; Demand Planners; CSP & Finance to close of forecasts.

**Trading Terms/Adspend/Promotion Negotiations**:

- Prepare, & align with Account Lead on Trading Terms, Adspend, Omni-Channel & Digital Media negotiations.
- Negotiate terms, conditions, and adspend with Customers to maximize profitability & implementing business strategies while maintaining mutually beneficial relationships.
- Manage contractual agreements, amendments, and compliance with terms.

**