If you are in the Unilever Ice Cream business or consider choosing to work for the Unilever Ice Cream business, you will work for the Global, leading Ice Cream player with €7.9bn Turn Over in 2023. The Ice Cream business is operating in a highly attractive category, as we are part of the 1 trillion snacking and refreshment industry, growing consistently at high pace. We have strong brands equities: 5 of top 10 selling brands including Wall’s, Magnum, Ben &Jerry’s. We are investing to unlock the full growth potential of Ice Cream as a standalone entity, once we separate from Unilever, which is planned to happen by November 2025.
Ice Cream has distinct characteristics from Unilever’s other operating businesses and the growth potential of Ice Cream will be better delivered under a different ownership structure. As Ice Cream company we are committed to developing and nurturing talent within our Ice Cream company. You will have ample options for career growth and exploration, allowing you for you to explore roles and opportunities across the new organization. Your career development will be a priority for us, and we are dedicated to supporting your growth journey within the new company. We hope that you will want to build the new chapter of our Ice Cream history together with us.
ABOUT ICE CREAM: Life Tastes Better With Ice Cream
Unilever Ice Cream is the largest global Ice Cream Company in the world, with over 100 years of experience delivering a diverse range of indulgent, yet responsible, craft food experiences and treats delighting consumers. Committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability we have 35 brands, including 3 one billion Euro brands (Magnum, Wall’s, Ben & Jerry’s), a strong presence in over 60 countries, generating annual revenue of over $8 billion. All brands are driven to transform moments into memories through indulgent yet responsibly made and marketed products. We have a well-developed strategy to deliver growth and value creation which is clear on where to play and how to win.
We turn the ordinary into the extraordinary by designing unique and innovative Ice Cream experiences that make life taste better, creating joyful experiences. In our Ice Cream business, we’re crafting the future through innovation and imaginative minds, creating unique products. We spark moments of happiness for people and within the communities where we operate. However, it is not as simple as it may seem. As Ice Cream makers we are serious about happiness. With warm hearts, we create the coolest products.
JOB PURPOSE:
As part of our growth strategy, we are seeking a highly skilled IT Change and Release Lead to join our dynamic team.
The role is part of the IT Strategy and Portfolio team.
The newly created Ice Cream Technology function will drive the technology set-up, standalone design and implementation of all required technology capabilities to enable Unilever’s Ice Cream business to become a fully functioning standalone company, separate from Unilever.
The IT Change, Control, and Release Lead is responsible for overseeing the change management, configuration control, and release processes within the IT department. This role ensures that changes to IT systems and applications are managed efficiently, minimizing disruption and maintaining system integrity. The IT Change, Control, and Release Lead collaborates with various stakeholders to ensure that changes are implemented smoothly and in alignment with business objectives.
The successful candidate will be one that has significant IT expertise with a proven record of leading large-scale transformations and has a passion for building world class IT solutions, change and release management processes that make a meaningful impact.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Change Management: Develop and implement change management processes to ensure that changes are planned, tested, and executed with minimal disruption.
• Configuration Control: Maintain and manage the configuration management database (CMDB), ensuring accurate tracking of IT assets and configurations.
• Release Management: Oversee the release process, ensuring that new software releases and updates are deployed smoothly and efficiently.
• Collaboration: Work closely with stakeholders, including development, operations, and business teams, to gather requirements and ensure alignment with change and release processes.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with changes and releases, ensuring that potential issues are addressed proactively.
• Performance Monitoring: Monitor and evaluate the performance of change and release processes, making adjustments as needed to ensure optimal results.
• Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for all change, control, and release processes and activities.
• Technical Leadership: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members, promoting best practices and standards.
• Compliance: Ensure that all change, control, and release processes adhere to relevant regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Skills and Experience Required:
• Education: degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in IT change management, configuration control, and release management, with a proven track record of leading successful change and release initiatives.
Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in change management and release management tools such as ServiceNow, Jira, or Git.
• Strong understanding of ITIL processes and best practices.
• Experience with configuration management databases (CMDB) and asset management.
• Knowledge of software development methodologies, including Agile and DevOps.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms and services, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
Soft Skills:
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Leadership and mentoring skills.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications such as ITIL Foundation, Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP), or Certified Release Manager are highly desirable.
LEADERSHIP:
• Critical SOL (Standards of Leadership) Behaviors
o PERSONAL MASTERY: Sets high standards for themselves. Has emotional intelligence to take feedback, manage mood and motivations, and build empathy for others.
o PASSION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE: Generates intensity and focus to motivate people to deliver results at speed. Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results.
o CONSUMER LOVE: Invests time inside and outside to understand the needs of consumers.
o BUSINESS ACUMEN: Creates sustainable growth with purpose, engaging different partners across the system for change.
Disclaimer
Equal Opportunity Employer: Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
We take pleasure seriously. Join the Ice Cream team now!
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.
Top Skills
What We Do
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.
