ICE CREAM INNOVATION MANAGER

Are you a change agent?

Do you want to be at the forefront of transforming how Unilever innovates?

Do you love Ice Cream, Sweet Treats and Desserts? 
 

BUSINESS NEED

In mid 2017 the Ice Cream team set out with an ambition to put our innovation strategy at the heart of our long-term competitive growth agenda. Since then, we have progressed our agenda to get ‘future fit’ with a more experimental and entrepreneurial mindset including a broad-based innovation approach going well beyond ‘NPD’ into channel and business system innovation. 

Despite continued success we are just scratching the surface of what great looks like. We need to really dial up how we drive the programme across the world and with all IC BUs. This needs a change agent. Is this you? 

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The main purpose of the role is to be the category owner for implementing both the ways of working and the new Innoflex approach which provides both the back end (process) and the front end (are we doing enough in the right areas). The role will drive market leading sustainable growth in Ice Cream by:

• Supporting the Ice Cream Innovation Strategy update and socialising this with the world so we truly live ‘any 10 can become the next 70’.
• Review white spaces & broader category opportunities globally and identify long-term innovation & portfolio opportunities across globe in markets including how to differentiate the offer vs. competitors including new business models.
• Define and help implement repeatable models, scaling opportunities, open innovation, and new partnerships to accelerate IC growth.
• Initiate, drive and lead high impact projects which help drive the business across functions.
• Drive development and usage of a suite of tools to enable all innovation to be driven in an agile and most effective way to create an impact whether core, future core, existing or new brand.
• Identify the core innovation leaders and ensure they have the capability and access to the tools that transform our speed to market and the transformative impact we can make.
• Work closely with Innovation Boards (Global and Local) to ensure they adapt to and adopt the new ways of working to ensure the change programme is successful i.e. Innoflex. This requires you to drive the change programme to transition from current system including building the communication plan, and identifying the capability building requirements 
• Support the planning, organisation, draft and follow-up on Global Innovation/Investor Board 

You will report directly to the Ice Cream Innovation and Portfolio Transformation Lead and work within the innovation ecosystem with close relationships to CMI, R&D Operations, IT, GBCs and BUs who drive the innovation engine. 

Key competencies / experience required

• Likely to be 2b or knocking on the door, candidates from all functions are welcome.
• Experience in leading different kinds of innovation projects within Unilever – deep understanding of current process and system and desire to lead the change.
• Experience in change management, with a passion to make a difference on our innovation process.
• Deep understanding of the business innovation requirements, marketing, and Category Strategy experience ideal.
• Having good skills of negotiation, data analysis, finance concept and project management.
• Understanding and be interested in systems and processes, and ability to combine user insights with technical opportunities.
• A system thinker who can effectively leverage consumer insights to shape and develop strategies.
• A compelling and engaging communicator who can inspire others to adopt and embed new behaviours.
• Able to build close working relationships internally /externally with key stakeholders.
• The ability to influence & motivate all sorts of teams, developing their competence, skills and autonomy.
• Entrepreneurial learn-through-doing mindset with an ability to react swiftly in response to changes and new information.