This role will be based in the newly established Wild office in Manhattan.
JOB PURPOSE
We are looking for a highly skilled and proactive Associate Director, Operations (US) to lead our fulfilment operations across the United States. This is a critical role responsible for delivering excellent customer experience, retail service performance and cost efficiency as we continue to scale rapidly in Wild’s fastest growing market.
You will own operational performance across DTC, Amazon and major US Retailers (Walmart & Target) and act as the senior partner to our US 3PL and logistics network. You will combine strategic planning with hands-on operational leadership - ensuring our operations are scalable, efficient and consistently high-performing.
You will lead a team of 2 and play a key role in shaping how Operations scales in the US, a key growth market for Wild. This is a high-impact role for someone who loves execution, structured problem solving and commercial operational thinking.
You’ll be part of a team that believes in doing work that matters — for people and the planet.
Because here, we don’t just hire for jobs. We invite you to be part of something bigger.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Operational excellence
Own US end-to-end fulfilment and logistics execution across DTC, Amazon and Retail channels
Deliver consistently strong performance across OTIF, dispatch SLAs, carrier delivery and inventory accuracy (DTC), and ensure timely execution of display builds / pipefills, reduce chargebacks and improve on-shelf availability metrics (Retail)
Define regional customer experience strategy and lead systemic improvements to drive customer delight
Set performance standards and engage in regular business reviews with the Ops team and 3PL partners
Relationship management
Run structured SLA reviews and QBRs, holding partners accountable to performance expectations and contractual commitments
Drive a continuous improvement culture across partners, setting clear KPIs and action plans
Primary escalation point and strategic relationship owner with US suppliers / logistics partners
Commercial and P&L ownership
Ownership of US fulfilment KPIs across the P&L and balance sheet
Lead negotiations with logistics partners
Identify and execute against key margin improvement opportunities across the value chain
Continuous process improvement
Work closely with the wider operations team to build scalable operational processes, automation and efficiency
Implement tooling upgrades enhancing performance visibility and decision-making
Drive operational simplification to enable rapid US growth - key is to reduce reliance on manual processes and build scale with a lean team
Strategic projects and launch leadership
Lead major cross-functional projects (new retailer expansion, new channels, retail pipefill / display moments) and ensure strong launch execution and service performance
Proactively manage risk, communication, dependencies and delivery plans
Align supply chain/ops readiness with commercial priorities
Lead and coordinate the local US rollout of global strategic initiatives, and manage dependencies across Supply Chain, Retail, Tech, Finance and CX
Supply chain coordination
Work closely with global supply planning teams to minimise out-of-stocks and ensure good stock availability and inventory health
Ensure replenishment planning meets demand across all sales channels
Lead procurement efforts in line with the global procurement strategy
Work with the global quality team to manage product quality and production process issues with US suppliers
Team leadership
Lead and develop a high-performing US Ops team (Ops Manager, Ops Exec)
Build a high-performance team culture grounded in continuous improvement, proactive problem solving and commercial awareness
Support organizational growth through hiring, coaching and capability building
Set clear accountability, coaching and development plans
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
7+ years experience in US Operations / Fulfilment leadership roles
Deep Walmart & Target fulfilment experience including vendor compliance
Proven track record leading 3PL relationships and logistics performance
Strong financial acumen with P&L accountability
Experience in high-growth, omni-channel consumer brands (beauty/personal care ideal) with proven experience managing relationships and performance for large retailers in the US.
Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a scaling environment
Excellent partner management and clear executive-level communication skills
Strong people leader - able to coach, motivate and develop teams
Pay: The pay range for this position is $146,200 to $219,400. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs.
Bonus: This position is bonus eligible.
Long-Term Incentive (LTI): This position is LTI eligible.
Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
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At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. 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.
Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities.
For more information on your federal rights, please see Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background check, credit check and DMV check.
If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected]. Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application statuses. The Protected Veterans or Individuals with Disabilities AAP narratives are available for inspection by any employee or applicant for employment Monday through Friday during normal business hours at establishment.
Skills Required
- 7+ years experience in US Operations / Fulfilment leadership roles
- Deep Walmart & Target fulfilment experience including vendor compliance
- Proven track record leading 3PL relationships and logistics performance
- Strong financial acumen with P&L accountability
- Experience in high-growth, omni-channel consumer brands (beauty/personal care ideal)
- Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a scaling environment
- Excellent partner management and executive-level communication skills
- Strong people leader able to coach, motivate and develop teams
- Role based in Wild office in Manhattan (US)
Unilever Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Unilever and has not been reviewed or approved by Unilever.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, spanning medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and occupational health support alongside a 24/7 employee assistance program. Wellbeing offerings such as health checks, resilience tools, and counseling support the perceived depth of health-related benefits.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support includes a 401(k) match that reaches up to 5% of base salary, strengthening the overall value of the package. Share and savings options are also referenced as part of longer-term financial support beyond salary.
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Flexible Benefits — Benefits customization is enabled through tools such as a “My Reward” system and a “Benefits Envelope” that allows employees to personalize selections. Flexible working approaches are also associated with improved overall satisfaction, reinforcing perceived choice and adaptability in the total rewards offering.
Unilever Insights
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.
