Organisation: Unilever
Business Unit: Unilever Food Solutions (UFS)
Job Title: Retail Foodservice Manager
Job Requisition ID: R-1172216
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Arrangement: Remote
Location: United States of America (Major metro area preferred)
Closing Date: 23 January 2026
About Unilever Food Solutions
Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) is the €3bn+ foodservice division of Unilever, operating across 72 countries and serving operators, distributors, and partners throughout the global foodservice industry. UFS is focused on delivering culinary solutions that improve the food experience while driving sustainable growth.
As part of Unilever’s digital transformation, UFS is building data-driven, technology-enabled go-to-market capabilities with the ambition to reach 3 million operators by 2030 through integrated online and offline engagement strategies.
Purpose of the Role
The Retail Foodservice Manager is responsible for driving sustainable business growth across the Top 100 Retail Chains and their manufacturing partners, including commissaries and CPUs. The role involves direct ownership of key retail and manufacturing accounts, as well as leadership and development of a team of national account executives.
You will operate within a multi-touchpoint digital ecosystem, using data, CRM tools, and customer insights to generate demand, increase market penetration, and grow market share in the Retail Foodservice channel.
Key Responsibilities
Business Growth and Demand Creation
- Manage and grow Unilever Food Solutions’ Retail Foodservice business across the United States
- Drive top-line and bottom-line growth through customer-specific plans and profit improvement initiatives
- Identify and secure new commissary and CPU partners to expand UFS market presence
- Execute multi-touchpoint engagement strategies (digital and face-to-face) to generate demand
Team Leadership and Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of national account executives
- Spend time in-market supporting team members with customer engagements and new business development
- Set clear performance expectations and ensure delivery of growth objectives
Customer and Partner Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key retail, commissary, and CPU stakeholders
- Co-design and support customer marketing and promotional plans
- Network with decision-makers to influence solution adoption and long-term partnerships
Sales Execution, Reporting, and Analytics
- Manage trade spend by customer in line with profit objectives
- Prepare accurate forecasts, promotion plans, and customer presentations
- Use data and market insights to drive solution selling and activation
- Leverage Salesforce CRM to manage customer interactions and sales pipelines
- Support monthly order coordination to ensure growth targets are achieved
Critical Skills Required
- Strong hunter mindset with a focus on new demand creation (70% hunting / 30% farming)
- High proficiency in contemporary technology, including AI tools, Power BI, Excel, and CRM systems
- Entrepreneurial mindset with strong commercial and solution-selling capability
- Ability to interpret market trends and convert insights into actionable strategies
- Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Marketing, or a related field (mandatory)
- MBA is advantageous but not required
- Minimum of 5–10 years’ experience in the foodservice industry
- Proven people management and performance management experience
- Experience in retail deli or prepared foods, commissary/CPU operations, and ingredient sales
- Proficiency in Salesforce CRM; experience with Forge and Power BI is an advantage
- Advanced data storytelling skills using Excel and PowerPoint
- Willingness to travel at least 50% nationally
- Proximity to a major airport hub; East Coast or Midwest location preferred
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary Range: USD 99,760 – USD 149,640 per annum
- Bonus: Performance-based bonus eligible
- Long-Term Incentive: LTI eligible
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement savings, paid leave, parental leave, and additional voluntary benefits (subject to plan terms and conditions)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Unilever is committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.