Innovation & Portfolio Assistant Manager Foods Arabia

Unilever; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consumer goods company is seeking a Regional Innovation & Portfolio Assistant Manager to support the Foods Category planning agenda in the Arabia region. This role involves managing innovation roll-outs, coordinating supply chain assessments, and engaging with cross-functional teams. Candidates should have a university degree (preferably in Engineering) and 2-5 years of experience in supply chain, production, or procurement. Fluent English and strong analytical skills are essential. The position offers opportunities for personal development in a diverse environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-5 years of experience in supply chain planning, production, quality, R&D, and/or procurement.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and technology.
• Experience in 3PM management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning agenda of Foods Category in Arabia region.
• Manage the timely roll-out of innovations and supply chain assessments.
• Assist with CAPEX request processes for innovations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management skills

Cross functional business process knowledge

Relationship building & influencing

Fluent in English

Education

University degree (preferably Engineering)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

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.

JOB PURPOSE

The Regional Innovation & Portfolio Assistant Manager supports the planning agenda of Foods Category in Arabia region together with Foods I&P manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Innovation Planning

  - Short & Long terms Supply / Capacity Planning
  - Supply Network Design & Optimization
  - Savings and Cost Optimization
  - Management of Controlled Cost Agenda of the re 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.

• Define optimum sourcing network

  that will meet the cost and timing targets of the innovation aligning with Group Category SC team.

• Partner with 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.

• Anticipate any network risks / delays

  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.

• Supply / Capacity Planning

  Understand category growth assumptions in 8Q Funnel and translate them into volume assumptions as input for long term capacity planning.
  Responsible for midterm (9/12months - 24months) to long term (+24months) capacity planning process RCDSR for Finished Goods to ensure necessary capacity in place in all SUs to support category growth.
  Drive capacity increase plans with relevant teams and lead investment needs.

• Supply Network Design & Optimization

  Drive simplifications on the supply network and on sourcing sites (Unilever and/or CM) via identifying harmonization opportunities i.e., formulation, RM, PM (primary and secondary), SKU rationalization and managing the portfolio in cooperation with Marketing through delist plans of tail variants/SKUs.

• Savings and Cost Optimization

  Support Category procurement team on category savings plan aligned with the agreed targets and ensure delivery via effective project management and coordination.
  Agree capex requirements for savings projects with Cat. Engineering Team and ensure capex allocated in budget and implemented as per plan.
  Analyze controlled costs (Logistics, Production) and create cost saving projects which will benefit to region and sourcing strategies.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

• Educational background: University degree (preferably Engineering)
• Experience needed: min 2-5 years of experience supply chain Planning, Production, Quality, R&D and/or Procurement
• Fluent in English
• Cross functional business process knowledge
• Project management skills
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and technology
• 3PM management experience/knowledge is a plus
• Analytical skills
• Relationship building & influencing with external parties
• Business awareness and growth mindset
• Proficiency in MS Office application Leadership

LEADERSHIP AND BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

• PASSION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE: Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results. Has an owner’s mindset, using data and insight to make decisions.
• PERSONAL MASTERY: Sets high standards for themselves. Actively builds own wellbeing and resilience.
• CONSUMER LOVE: Whatever their role, always looks for better ways to serve consumers. Invests time inside and outside to understand the needs of consumers.
• PURPOSE & SERVICE: Has humility, understanding that leadership is service to others, inside and outside Unilever.
• AGILITY: Explores the world around them, continually learning and developing their skills.

INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY STATEMENT

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.