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Ice Cream Sales & Operations Planning Partner

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Unilever

3d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Junior & Mid Level
  • Business, Operations & Strategy
  • Toronto

AI generated summary

  • You need 2-3 years in sales or related roles, a degree, Excel proficiency, strong communication skills, attention to detail, and an entrepreneurial mindset to thrive here.
  • You will forecast ice cream volumes, ensure alignment with cross-functional teams, analyze market trends, automate reports, and manage SKU forecasts while providing insights for business planning.

Requirements

  • A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant business experience, preferably in cross-functional departments
  • Must have previous experience in sales as a Business Analyst or in CS&P or Account Management
  • The ideal candidate will possess a university degree
  • Ability to work collaboratively with 3rd party stakeholders while challenging the status quo
  • Founder's / Entrepreneurial mentality to quickly get up to speed on unfamiliar subject areas
  • Attention to detail, critical thinking, organization, and time management are essential skills
  • Must be proficient in Excel
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills are critical for success
  • Significant independent responsibility with a strong bias for action/ entrepreneurial spirit

Responsibilities

  • Develop, maintain & distribute an unbiased 18 month rolling volume forecast for the Ice cream business unit though:
  • Facilitate adherence to the business monthly rhythm; alignment with Global S&OP Process/Calendar;
  • Lead consensus and alignment with cross-functional teams by playing an active role in activity review & demand review;
  • Ability to provide clarity and understanding to changes vs PY, target and SOP/RF forecasts;
  • Financial Forecast submission (RF) to Global;
  • Lead & manage the forecast mix at the SKUs level in the planning system (Kinaxis) to send the right signal to production team.
  • Ensure forecast consistency between Anaplan, Kinaxis and Evergreen (+95% accuracy) by working closely with Customer Business Development, CD Operation Manager and Production teams.
  • Support BU discussions with a deep understanding of external markets & trends.
  • Provide category/macro level insights to all levels of the organization.
  • Provide recommendations to improving the forecast through continuous evaluation/understanding of:
  • Promotional Activity, Inventory Changes, Consumption Trends
  • Category Trends, Competitive Trends, Competitive Activity & Seasonality
  • POS/Shipment Triangulation
  • Macro Trends and One-off (ie. Service level impacts, stop-ship due to costing, inflation, etc.)
  • Supporting the future-fit agenda by championing the usage of new tools/processes within supply chain/forecasting process
  • Automating Daily Sales Report Process
  • Annual Innovations performance tracking
  • Involvement in the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process including inputs on Innovations, Discontinuations, Transitions, Category and Customers performance
  • Collect data from the different sources needed
  • Update from P2 on live inventory
  • Update from planned receptions in transit or not yet fully received
  • Update from promotional activities per week (manual calendar built from information from UL sales team)
  • Update from historical sales (Socs)
  • With the data, there’s two major tools that are updated daily. (our own built excel files)
  • Inventory position and number of days worth of inventory
  • Forecast for the upcoming weeks
  • As part of the CS&P team, active engagement & problem solving with cross-functional teams (CBD, Demand Planning, Production, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain, Customer Experience/CPFR, etc.

FAQs

What is the primary role of the Ice Cream Sales & Operations Planning Partner?

The primary role is to manage the end-to-end forecasting process for the Ice Cream business unit, supporting critical KPIs such as Forecast Accuracy, Service Levels, Business Waste, and Inventory.

What experience is required for this position?

A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant business experience, preferably in cross-functional departments, is required. Experience in sales as a Business Analyst or in CS&P or Account Management is also needed.

Is a university degree necessary for this role?

Yes, the ideal candidate will possess a university degree.

What tools will I be using in this position?

You will be using planning systems such as Kinaxis and Anaplan, as well as Excel for various forecasting and data management tasks.

What kind of growth opportunities does Unilever Ice Cream offer?

Unilever Ice Cream is committed to developing and nurturing talent, providing ample options for career growth and exploration within the new organization after the planned separation.

What are the key KPIs I will be responsible for?

Key KPIs include Forecast Accuracy, Service Levels, Business Waste, Inventory, USG, and PBO.

How does the company view diversity and inclusion?

Unilever Canada is committed to diversity and inclusion, believing that it drives business results and fosters a better future for its employees, consumers, partners, and communities.

Will I be working with cross-functional teams?

Yes, the role involves active engagement and problem-solving with various cross-functional teams, including Demand Planning, Production, Finance, Marketing, and Customer Experience.

How does Unilever Ice Cream plan to support new tools/processes within the supply chain?

The company supports a future-fit agenda by championing the usage of new tools and processes within the supply chain and forecasting processes.

How can I request assistance if I have a disability?

Individuals in need of assistance during the recruitment process can contact NA.Accommodations@unilever.com for help.

A better business. A better world. A better you.

Manufacturing & Electronics
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1872
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Be 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 promote innovation, big and small, to make our business win and grow; and we believe in business as a force for good. Unleash your curiosity, challenge ideas and disrupt processes; use your energy to make this happen. Our brilliant business leaders and colleagues provide mentorship and inspiration, so you can be at your best. Our portfolio ranges from nutritionally balanced foods to indulgent ice creams, affordable soaps, luxurious shampoos and everyday household care products. We produce world-leading brands including Lipton, Knorr, Dove, Axe, Hellmann’s and Omo, alongside trusted local names and innovative-forward thinking brands like Ben & Jerry’s, The Dollar Shave Club and Dermalogica. Every individual here can bring their purpose to life through their work. Join us and you’ll be surrounded by inspiring leaders and supportive peers. Among them, you’ll channel your purpose, bring fresh ideas to the table, and simply be you. As you work to make a real impact on the business and the world, we’ll work to help you become a better you.