Unilever, a recognized global leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, proudly connects with over 2 billion consumers across more than 190 countries daily. The company is committed to fostering an environment where professional work directly contributes to building both a better business and a better world.
Unilever is actively seeking an entrepreneurial, highly
driven professional to assume the critical and high-impact role of Assistant
Business Development Manager within the Lagos, Nigeria office.
The Role: Assistant Business Development Manager
This is a dynamic, high-impact position situated within
Unilever’s Customer Business Development (CBD) function (Job ID:
R-1167721). Reporting directly to the UI Senior Business Development Manager,
the central purpose of this role is to identify, capture, and successfully
execute new market expansion opportunities (commonly referred to as
'whitespace') and spearhead crucial brand growth across Nigeria. The incumbent
will serve as the driving force behind the successful launch of New Product
Development (NPD) initiatives, establishing vital new routes-to-market in
close collaboration with Unilever’s established distributor network.
- Location:
Lagos, Nigeria
- Function:
Customer Business Development (CBD)
- Application
Deadline: 13th November, 2025
Core Impact and Key Responsibilities
The Assistant Business Development Manager is tasked with
leading the entire growth lifecycle, which includes the following key areas:
- Market
Prospecting and Strategy: This involves leading the mapping,
development, and seeding of new business opportunities across Nigeria. The
work includes activating data and market insights from the idea conception
stage through to final launch. The Manager will rigorously screen and
recommend potential new businesses based on comprehensive market analysis,
deal requirements, potential return, and deep financial analysis. A key
responsibility is conducting end-to-end market opportunity assessments
alongside customers.
- Partnership
and Customer Management: The role requires conducting comprehensive
research and essential due diligence to identify and appoint suitable
business distributors. This further entails establishing robust and
scalable launch networks through effective Stakeholder Management
across internal and external partners.
- Launch
and Execution Leadership: The Manager is responsible for developing
and managing detailed business plans, both internally and externally. This
includes crafting comprehensive, end-to-end launch plans to drive the
route-to-market for New Product Development (NPD) and ensuring full
alignment with the Supply Chain and Category teams.
- Performance
Tracking and Reporting: Responsibilities extend to managing and
tracking key business metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
across all marketing and trade activities. This includes ensuring optimal On-Shelf
Availability (OSA) and maximizing Share of Shelf, alongside
conducting broad-spectrum business reviews to monitor progress and
identify areas for optimization.
- Cross-Functional
Collaboration: The Assistant Business Development Manager will lead
and align diverse cross-functional teams (including Business Development,
Finance, Supply Chain, and Marketing) and collaborate closely with
external distributors and local Operating Companies (OpCos) to ensure
complete project success and synergy.
Essential Requirements and Professional Profile
To ensure success in this critical role, the prospective
Assistant Business Development Manager must possess the following:
- Education:
A Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline is required.
- Experience:
A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in Customer
Development within the FMCG industry is essential, preferably
with proven experience in key account management and/or brand marketing.
- Skills:
Strong financial acumen and analytical skills are non-negotiable,
alongside excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills
for engaging senior stakeholders both internally and externally.
- Leadership
and Environment: The candidate must have proven experience in working
and leading in cross-functional teams within a complex matrix
environment (both virtually and face-to-face). Experience in international
trade and capability building is also highly desirable.
- Mindset:
The successful candidate must embody a high growth mindset, possess
a strong passion for consumers, shoppers, and customers, and be
fundamentally strategic, highly adaptable, and entrepreneurial in
their approach.
Ready to Lead Growth?
If the candidate is prepared to drive significant market
expansion for a globally recognized brand like Unilever, they are strongly
encouraged to apply now.
Comments
Post a Comment