UFS Category & Sales Operations Manager

ppEarlier this year, Unilever announced an agreement to combine its Foods business with McCormick Company, creating a scaled global flavour powerhouse. The proposed combination would bring together iconic Foods brands, including Hellmann’s and Knorr, with McCormick’s portfolio to create a global leader across spices, seasonings, condiments and complementary food categories, supported by strong retail and foodservice platforms. McCormick brings more than 135 years of heritage, a presence in 150+ countries and territories, and a portfolio of trusted brands. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, with completion estimated for mid-2027. /p pbFunction /b: Customer Strategy and Planning /p pbScope /b: Local /p pbLocation /b: Uffici di Roma /p pbTerms Conditions /b: Full-time – Permanent /p pbCollective Labour Agreement /b: Food Industry (CNEL Code E012) /p pbSalary Range /b: €51.200 – €70.400 gross per year /p pAs part of a truly global organisation, you’ll gain more than a career. You’ll tap into a vibrant, diverse network in a culture that cares deeply where everyone can succeed and grow. You will have the opportunity to make an impact and be eligible for the bonus plan, based both on business results and individual measurable contribution and performance, as well as for the long-term incentives, in line with the current company policy. /p h3Job Purpose /h3 pThe Category Sales Operations Manager is a critical leadership role within Unilever Food Solutions Italy, responsible for translating business strategy into disciplined commercial execution and delivering profitable growth across channels and customers. /p pReporting directly to the UFS Head of Country, the role acts as the central orchestrator of the commercial agenda, leading end-to-end sales planning, forecasting, pricing and mix strategy, trade investment governance, promotional effectiveness, customer planning, and performance management. /p pThe role sits within UFS leadership team, ensuring alignment between Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain and Customer Development teams while driving the execution of the PUSH agenda and enabling the successful deployment of the PULL growth model. /p h3Key Responsibilities /h3 ul liLead the annual commercial planning process and sales execution framework. /li liOwn the SOP and forecasting process, ensuring alignment between demand, supply, and commercial priorities. /li liDrive Net Revenue Management across all levers, including pricing, portfolio transformation, active mix management, promotional optimization, and trade investment governance. /li liDevelop and implement customer and channel strategies that maximize profitable growth and return on investment. /li liLeverage sell-out insights to shape customer strategies, optimize promotional activities, and drive sustainable profitable growth. /li liLead commercial performance reviews, identifying growth opportunities, fostering ownership, and ensuring accountability for results. /li liEnable the sales organization through advanced analytics, performance dashboards, business insights, and decision-support tools. /li liGovern commercial investments to ensure disciplined execution and optimal allocation of resources. /li liDrive cross-functional alignment to guarantee flawless execution of business priorities and accelerate growth. /li liSupport innovation and renovation programs through strong commercial activation and execution excellence. /li liBuild capabilities and processes that improve commercial effectiveness, route-to-market performance, and customer profitability. /li /ul h3Key Requirements /h3 ul liMinimum 3-5 years in Net Revenue Management (NRM), Trade Marketing Investment (TMI) and Sales within the FMCG industry. /li liDemonstrated experience in forecasting, commercial planning and execution, with a strong focus on contract and pricing management. /li liData-driven mindset, strong story-telling and analytical skills (in Power BI, Microsoft Excel), with the ability to translate data into actionable route-to-market recommendations. /li liStrong leadership skills with the ability to influence, collaborate with, and manage diverse stakeholders and customers. /li liInterest in the Food industry. /li liResults-oriented mindset combined with a collaborative and inclusive approach. /li liFluency in Italian and English. /li /ul h3Preferred Qualifications /h3 ul liFoods, Beverages or Out of Home experience. /li liExposure to sales or distribution channels. /li liThe ability to use AI or analytical programming. /li liInternational educational or professional experience. /li liDegree in Business, Economics, Finance, Marketing, or a related field. /li /ul h3Additional Information /h3 pBenefits (in line with the current company policy): /p ul liSmart working /li liCompany Canteen /li liHealth and Life insurance /li liDigital Learning Academy /li liCompany shop discounts /li liMental Physical wellbeing programs /li liEnhanced parental leave /li /ul h3Tools /h3 ul liPC /li /ul pLimited travel to customers foreseen by the role. /p pThe compensation package and contractual level will be defined based on the candidate’s experience, technical skills, and seniority, as well as in alignment with internal equity principles. /p pIf you’d like to learn more about our benefits and policies, further details will be provided by Unilever’s Talent Acquisition team! /p pUnilever 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. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr