Market Lead – HK Foods Retail

Earlier this year, Unilever announced an agreement to combine its Foods business with McCormick & Company, creating a scaled global flavour powerhouse. The proposed combination would bring together iconic Foods brands, including Hellmann’s and Knorr, with McCormick’s portfolio to create a global leader across spices, seasonings, condiments and complementary food categories, supported by strong retail and foodservice platforms. McCormick brings more than 135 years of heritage, a presence in 150+ countries and territories, and a portfolio of trusted brands. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, with completion estimated for mid-2027.

Job Title: Market Lead - HK Foods Retail

Function: Foods Retail

Hiring Manager: Ivan Lu (FR VP- North Asia & MD of FS TWKR)

Scope: Hong Kong Foods Retail market

Work Location: Tai Po Industrial Estate - Hong Kong

JOB PURPOSE

The Hong Kong Market Lead holds full accountability for business performance across the Hong Kong Foods Retail market and serves as the senior market leader responsible for driving sustainable growth, operational excellence and cross-functional alignment. This role brings together Customer Development, Customer Strategy and Planning, Marketing, Finance and Supply Chain teams behind a shared growth ambition, translating business strategy into strong customer plans and market execution. You’ll be part of a collaborative team focused on building trusted customer partnerships, developing talent and creating long-term value in a dynamic retail environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the full Hong Kong Foods Retail profit and loss, delivering sustainable growth in turnover, profitability, market share and investment effectiveness.

• Lead annual business planning, forecasting and performance management, ensuring disciplined management of risks, opportunities, resources and commercial investments.

• Develop and execute the medium- to long-term growth strategy for Hong Kong Foods Retail, aligning customer, channel, category and brand priorities with regional business ambitions.

• Provide leadership across Customer Development and Customer Strategy and Planning, while partnering closely with Marketing, Finance and Supply Chain to strengthen decisions, launch execution and end-to-end performance.

• Build senior-level partnerships with key retail customers, strengthening joint business planning, commercial collaboration and long-term customer value creation.

• Build a high-performing and inclusive organization through clear priorities, talent development, succession planning, capability building and simpler ways of working.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 10 years of commercial experience in fast-moving consumer goods, food, retail or a related industry across Sales, Customer Development, Marketing or commercial strategy roles.

• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and developing senior commercial talent.

• Proven experience owning profit and loss delivery and driving revenue growth, profitability, market acceleration or business transformation.

• Strong strategic thinking combined with a hands-on execution mindset and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-changing market.

• Demonstrated ability to lead in a matrix organization and influence diverse local and regional stakeholders, with excellent communication skills in English and Chinese.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience leading modern trade, key account management, customer development or customer strategy and planning in the Hong Kong retail market.

• Experience working across multiple markets or in a regional commercial leadership role.

• Strong understanding of Hong Kong retail customers, channel dynamics and category growth drivers.

We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment journey. Should you require additional information or reasonable adjustments to allow you to present your best self during this process, please contact your Talent Partner.

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.