UNILEVER IS LOOKING FOR Head of Procurement Strategy, Excellence and Insights
JOIN OUR ICE CREAM TEAM!
Location: Weena, Rotterdam – The Netherlands - moving to Amsterdam in Q1-2025
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.
Scope:
The Head of Procurement Strategy, Excellence, and Insights is responsible for driving the long term global procurement strategy, optimizing processes for operational excellence, annual business planning, Procurement performance management, and leveraging advanced analytics to deliver actionable insights. This role ensures alignment with business objectives, fosters innovation and sustainability, digital transformation and data-driven decision making and develops best practices in value delivery and operational efficiency for Procurement and end users. Additionally, the role involves leading a high-performing team, engaging with key stakeholders, and positioning procurement as a strategic enabler for the organization’s success.
If you 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.
ABOUT ICE CREAM: Life Tastes Better With Ice Cream
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:
Are you passionate about Procurement strategy and excellence? Then this role is tailored for you.
The purpose of this role is to drive the long term global procurement strategy, optimize processes for value delivery and operational excellence, annual business planning, Procurement performance management, and leverage advanced analytics to deliver actionable insights. By fostering innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and best practices, this role ensures procurement operates as a key enabler of value creation and competitive advantage for the business.
As a key member of the Procurement Leadership Team, the Head of Strategy, Excellence and Insight will spearhead strategic programs such as enhancements to Strategic Category Management, Supplier Relationship Management, Supply Resiliency, Supplier Diversity, and ESG initiatives. The role involves working in concert with Procurement Leadership and key business stakeholders to harmonize and improve our Source-to-Pay processes, and provide governance and compliance monitoring over the Ice Cream Company Purchasing and related policies. Additionally, the individual will drive skills and competencies development across the Procurement function.
The Head of Strategy, Excellence and Insight will lead Global Procurement and cross-functional initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable and measurable business results, focusing on continuous improvement and operational excellence. He will support the CPO in creating the functional vision, strategy and operational plan, driving change management for maximizing contribution to the Ice Cream Company sustainable and profitable Growth during and after the carve-out from Unilever.
WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE?
Strategic Leadership
Carve-out preparation: map contracts, systems, and procedures for the Ice Cream business carve-out from Unilever, ensuring supply continuity, compliance with The Ice Cream Company governance, and smooth transitions of contracts and TSAs.
Develop and drive the global procurement strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization’s overarching business objectives.
Identify and prioritize key procurement initiatives to optimize value creation and risk mitigation. In particular, assist in developing CPRM strategy, hedging tools, and governance for raw material categories in collaboration with Finance and Direct Material Category Team.
Build a roadmap for procurement transformation, incorporating value creation, innovation, digitalization and sustainability as key pillars.
Excellence in Processes and Operations
Establish procurement best practices, tools, and methodologies to ensure operational excellence.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance standardization, efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance in procurement processes (e.g. Source-to-Pay)
Lead Procurement operations including system controls, financial, and compliance reporting to improve end-user support and maintain service standards.
Develop frameworks for supplier relationship management (SRM), category management excellence, Tail spend management, Supply Resiliency program and ESG initiatives (including supplier diversity and responsible sourcing, in partnership with Sustainability and Procurement teams).
Assess the benefits of external Shared Services for low-value activities, improving compliance and efficiency.
Insights and Analytics
Leverage advanced analytics to generate actionable insights and fact based decision-making.
Oversee the development of dashboards, reports, and KPI frameworks to monitor procurement performance.
Translate market intelligence and data trends to support decision making, risk mitigation and create competitive advantage.
Team Leadership and Development
Lead and develop a high-performing team of procurement professionals.
Foster a culture of ownership, performance (result driven), collaboration and feedback within procurement organization.
Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of procurement initiatives.
Develop and facilitate a procurement learning program, identifying training needs and fostering continuous learning within the team.
Stakeholder Engagement
Act as a trusted advisor to CPO and senior leadership on procurement strategy and trends.
Collaborate with key internal stakeholders (e.g., Finance, Operations, Legal) to align procurement strategies with business needs.
Engage with external partners, suppliers, and industry leaders to ensure best-in-class practices and innovation.
EXPERIENCE YOU SHOULD HAVE/THE QUALITIES WE LOOK FOR
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, Business (MBA preferred).
Minimum 15 years of procurement leadership experience, including at least 10 years managing high-performing procurement teams, preferably within the CPG sector.
Comprehensive 360° understanding of the procurement function, including stakeholder engagement, financial acumen, and strategic procurement practices.
Proven experience in process improvement, transformation, and implementing procurement strategies.
Knowledge in risk management and contingency planning to address operational challenges effectively.
Experience working in multinational, multicultural organizations, leading cross-functional teams, and managing high-visibility projects in a highly matrixed environment.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, with hands-on experience in Source-to-Contract (S2C), Procure-to-Pay (P2P), and ERP systems.
Skills and Competencies
Strong strategic thinking and business acumen.
Passion for excellence and performance
Ability to develop and execute strategies for the Procurement function, including technology roadmap, and proven track record in end-to-end processes and organizational change management.
Expertise in procurement processes, tools, and systems (e.g., e-sourcing, ERP platforms).
Advanced knowledge of data analytics, market intelligence, and performance measurement.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills (including cross-functional Teamwork). Effective written and oral communication and stakeholder management.
Ability to constructively challenge status quo and think out of the box combine with strong hands-on problem-solving skills, able to define problems, synthesize data, drive insights, and develop clear recommendations and implementation plans.
Well established external network for best practice sharing.
Passionate and actively engaged in people development
CRITICAL BEHAVIORS:
PERSONAL MASTERY: Sets high standards for themselves. Has emotional intelligence to take feedback, manage mood and motivations, and build empathy for others.
PASSION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE: Generates intensity and focus to motivate people to deliver results at speed. Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results.
BUSINESS ACUMEN: Creates sustainable growth with purpose, engaging different partners across the system for change.
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.
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