ICE CREAM - Head of Commodity & Price Risk Management & Directs Procurement

UNILEVER IS LOOKING FOR ICE CREAM - Head of Commodity & Price Risk Management & Directs Procurement

Location: Weena, Rotterdam move to Amsterdam – the Netherlands

Local conditions apply

Full-time

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.

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. 

We want our business to flourish, and we know that our success depends on others flourishing around us. That's why our purpose is to make sustainable living commonplace, and why sustainable, long-term growth is at the heart of our business model. 

If you are in the Unilever Ice Cream business or consider 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, 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. 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 for 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.

Unilever Ice Cream is the largest global Ice Cream Company in the world, with over 100 years of experience delivering a diverse range of indulgent, yet responsible, craft food experiences and treats delighting consumers. Committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability we have 35 brands, including 3 one billion Euro brands (Magnum, Wall’s, Ben & Jerry’s), a strong presence in over 60 countries, generating annual revenue of over $8 billion. All brands are driven to transform moments into memories through indulgent yet responsibly made and marketed products. We have a well-developed strategy to deliver growth and value creation which is clear on where to play and how to win.

We turn the ordinary into the extraordinary by designing unique and innovative Ice Cream experiences that make life taste better, creating joyful experiences. In our Ice Cream business, we’re crafting the future through innovation and imaginative minds, creating unique products. We spark moments of happiness for people and within the communities where we operate. However, it is not as simple as it may seem. As Ice Cream makers we are serious about happiness. With warm hearts, we create the coolest products.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Head of Commodity & Price Risk Management & Directs Procurement is a strategic leadership role responsible for managing the procurement of direct materials and overseeing commodity risk management. This role focuses on securing supply, managing costs, and mitigating risks associated with volatile commodity markets. The successful candidate will leverage their deep expertise in commodity markets, procurement strategies, and risk management to drive value across the organization while ensuring alignment with the company’s overall business objectives.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE?

Commodity & Price Risk Management: Develop and execute strategies to manage commodity price volatility and supply risks. Monitor global commodity markets, trends, and economic indicators to anticipate market changes and adjust strategies accordingly. Implement hedging strategies and other financial instruments to mitigate exposure to price fluctuations. Collaborate with finance and other key stakeholders to align commodity risk management strategies with overall business goals.

Direct Procurement Strategy: Lead the procurement of direct materials, including raw ingredients, packaging, and other essential inputs for the production of snacks or food products. Develop and implement a robust procurement strategy that ensures cost-effective sourcing while maintaining high standards of quality and sustainability. Negotiate contracts with suppliers to secure favorable terms and long-term partnerships.

Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, ensuring a reliable supply chain for critical materials. Lead supplier performance evaluations and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, delivery, and cost-effectiveness. Foster collaborative partnerships with suppliers to drive innovation and sustainability initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D, operations, finance, and marketing teams to align procurement strategies with product development and business needs. Collaborate with global and regional teams to ensure consistency in procurement practices across different markets. Engage with senior leadership to provide insights and recommendations on commodity markets and procurement strategies.

Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing: Champion sustainability initiatives and ethical sourcing practices within the direct procurement function. Work with suppliers to ensure compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.  Support the company’s sustainability goals through responsible procurement practices.

Financial & Performance Management: Develop and manage budgets for commodity procurement and price risk management. Track and report on key performance metrics, including cost savings, supplier performance, and risk mitigation outcomes. Provide regular updates to senior management on procurement performance and market conditions.

Innovation & Process Improvement: Identify and implement opportunities for innovation in procurement practices, including the use of digital tools and data analytics. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement efficiency and effectiveness. Stay current with industry trends and best practices in commodity management and procurement.

EXPERIENCE YOU SHOULD HAVE/THE QUALITIES WE LOOK FOR

SKILLS: Proven track record in developing and executing global procurement strategies.  Negotiation skills, communications skills, digital and analytics knowledge for reporting capabilities. Financial acumen for business cases and reporting. Strategic sourcing expertise with demonstrated success in Procurement, especially with commodity management and direct procurement within the food or snacking industry. Experience with cost models, large-scale negotiations, knowledge of supply market and suppliers, ERP systems, e-sourcing platforms. International business and leadership experience, business acumen, good interpersonal skills for business influencing. Experience in Procurement transformation projects, tools, and technologies.

EXPERIENCES & QUALIFICATIONS:    University degree, Master's degree preferred; At least 15 years’ experience in Procurement, Supply Chain or R&D; Expert buying, negotiation, and contracting skills; Strategic sourcing, experience in global procurement, with a strong focus on commodity management and direct procurement within the food or snacking industry. Experience on large-scale project management roles.

WHAT DOES UNILEVER OFFER/WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

Unilever 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.

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

By highlighting the gender diversity at the workplace, Unilever encourages women equally men to apply. If you look for a job after a long career break or after any type of leave, do not hesitate to apply.

Please save a copy of this vacancy for personal use as it will disappear from the website after closing of the role.