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The Category Strategy Planning and Operations Director is responsible for defining and leading the long-term strategic vision for the categories Unilever operate in, driving sustainable, profitable growth across the Australian market. This role translates consumer, customer, and market insights into clear strategic choices, portfolio priorities, channel choices and innovation roadmaps aligned with business and brand objectives.
Job Responsibility:
Define the 3–5 year category growth strategy aligned with Unilever’s priorities and focus areas
Identify whitespace opportunities, adjacencies, and portfolio expansion areas
Lead annual and long-range strategic planning processes for the category, starting with the IBP process
Establish clear growth pillars, innovation platforms, channel strategies and investment priorities and optimisation
Own the category portfolio architecture (price tiers, formats, channels, geographies)
Lead innovation strategy from insight identification to commercialization roadmap
Drive renovation, premiumization, and margin expansion initiatives
Ensure innovation pipeline supports long-term growth and brand equity goals
Translate data and insights into strategic choices and growth drivers
Monitor competitive landscape, emerging trends, and disruptive threats
Leverage analytics to identify performance gaps and growth levers
Partner with Finance to align strategy with financial targets (growth, margin, mix)
Drive value creation through pricing, mix optimization, and cost discipline
Track performance KPIs and course-correct where necessary
Lead cross-functional alignment across the Australian team and help support the New Zealand team with guidance where needed
Influence senior stakeholders and drive decision-making at executive level
Build strong partnerships with Unilever Go To Market to ensure execution excellence through the line
Lead, coach, and develop high-performing strategy and category teams
Build strategic capability in portfolio management, insight translation, and growth planning
Foster a culture of accountability, agility, and consumer-centric thinking
Requirements:
10+ years of experience in FMCG/CPG, strategy, or category leadership roles
Proven track record of building and executing category growth strategies
Strong commercial acumen and P&L understanding
Deep understanding of consumer behaviour and brand-building principles
Experience working in complex, matrixed global organizations
Exceptional analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Proven track record of leading successful teams and incubating talent in organisations
Category Growth Management
Channel Mastery
Digital Commerce
Commercial Strategy
Data Literacy
Executional Excellence
What we offer:
Dynamic, flexible, and inspiring work environment
Wellbeing focus
Values what you do and celebrates your success
Opportunity to progress career both locally and internationally