The company profile:

At Unilever you are more than your job title, you are part of the world’s most successful, purpose-led business. Work with brands that are well-loved around the world, that improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. 

We produce world-leading brands including Knorr, Dove, Axe, Hellmann’s and Omo, alongside trusted local names and innovative-forward thinking brands like Tresemme, Rexona, Vaseline.

Be part of the most successful purpose-led business in the world. Have the opportunity to see the true impact that you’re having in the work you do - every small thing counts. 

Job Scope:

The Innovation & Business Development Assistant Manager for the Export Department at Unilever NALI will play a pivotal role in driving volume growth, market penetration, and project management for all innovation initiatives within the department. He/ She will be responsible for developing and executing strategic business development plans to expand market reach, establish partnerships, and drive Export volume growth. Additionally, will oversee the project management of all innovation projects, ensuring successful implementation and alignment with departmental objectives.

I. Innovation Planning

• Innovation network development & execution: Responsible for the timely roll-out of innovations in the region; develop the Supply Chain part of innovation network and execute against this network; deliver QOTIF implementation.
• Lead the project management of all innovation initiatives within the Export Department, from ideation to implementation.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets for innovation projects, ensuring adherence to deadlines and resource allocation.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including R&D, marketing, finance, and supply chain teams, to drive innovation projects forward.
• Monitor project progress, track key milestones, and mitigate risks to ensure successful project delivery.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of innovation projects and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Define optimum sourcing network that will meet the cost and timing targets of the innovation aligning with Group Category SC team.
• Partner with Export Markets marketing team and represent the SC in the regional innovation project meetings, prepare supply chain decision documents as input into gate discussions for assigned innovation projects.
• Allocate innovation capability and capacity, support CAPEX request process for innovations with the Category Engineering Manager & local I&P Team
• Anticipate any network risks / delays in advance, identify opportunities that will allow BFI (better & faster innovation).
• Develop the plan for the 1st production, ensure that the capacity for the pipeline is ensured at the sourcing site, considering stock building targets, in consultation with the sourcing unit and country supply planning team.
• Develop transition plan (rundown) with the Sourcing Unit and country supply planning team.
• Secure customer service at the targeted levels within the first 6 months after the innovation, assist in providing solutions regarding any supply/quality issues within this period via coordinating the sourcing unit, the country teams, and other related stakeholders.
• Manage innovation business waste, ensuring minimization at lowest possible level.
• Coordinate supply chain assessment of Raw/Pack materials, manufacturing capability, capacity, and availability regarding innovations in consultation with the Regional Supply Management, Supply Planning, and the sourcing unit.
• Coordinate indicative transfer prices for business cases to innovation projects together with Finance, Procurement & SU Export Teams and ensure actual costs are not materially different from business case.

II. Business Development

• Develop and implement strategic business development plans to drive volume growth and market penetration within Unilever’s global network.
• Identify and evaluate new market opportunities, conduct market research, and formulate market entry strategies.
• Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with key customers, and stakeholders to expand our reach and increase Export Volume.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to foster collaboration and drive business growth.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to ensure alignment of business development strategies drive competitive pricing & superior quality.
• Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and trend forecasting to identify growth opportunities and market trends.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Innovation Planning
• Short & Long terms Supply / Capacity Planning
• Supply Network Design & Optimization
• Business Development Plans
• Volume Growth & Market Penetration

Key Competencies & Skills – Standards of Leadership

Role requirements:

• Educational background: University degree (preferably Engineering)

• Experience needed: min 4-6 years of experience Project Management, Supply Chain, Planning, Custoimer Service, Logistics, and/or Procurement.

• Interpersonal skills required:

• Fluent in English, Arabic is a plus.
• Cross functional business process knowledge
• Project management skills
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and technology
• Analytical skills
• Relationship building & influencing with external parties.
• Business awareness and growth mindset
• Leadership & Managerial Skills
• Proficiency in MS Office application

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.