Unilever is currently hiring for a Capability Manager
Function: Customer Development
Reports to: Head of Customer Development, South Africa
Location: Durban/Johannesburg, South Africa
Terms & Conditions: Full time, onsite
At Unilever, everything we do is driven by purpose. This is an opportunity to help shape a better business and a better world through the impact of your work.
We’re looking for a Customer Development Capability Manager to lead the development and execution of capability strategies that drive commercial excellence, strengthen frontline performance, and build a future‑fit sales force. This role ensures the Customer Development team is equipped with the right skills, tools, and processes to win in the marketplace.
You’ll be part of a team that believes in doing work that truly matters — for people and the planet.
Key Responsibilities
Capability Strategy & Execution
- Design and implement a holistic Customer Development capability roadmap aligned with business strategy
- Lead the deployment of global and local capability frameworks
- Partner with HR and Global Learning teams to embed capability programs into the broader talent agenda
Sales Training & Development
- Identify skill gaps through diagnostics and performance data
- Develop and deliver training programs (in-house or via external partners)
- Drive adoption of digital learning platforms and blended learning approaches
Performance Enablement
- Collaborate with Sales Operations to ensure tools, systems and processes support capability development
- Embed performance coaching culture across sales leadership
- Track ROI of capability initiatives and continuously improve based on feedback and results
Stakeholder Engagement
- Work closely with Customer Development Leadership Team and key partners to ensure capability programs are commercially relevant
- Influence senior leaders to prioritize capability as a growth enabler
- Represent the market in global capability forums (Customer Development Academy) and share best practice
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
- 8+ years’ experience in Sales, Commercial Excellence, or Capability‑focused roles
- Demonstrated success in designing and delivering impactful capability‑building programs
- Experience within FMCG or similarly fast‑paced environments is an advantage
Strong analytical skills with the ability to convert data into actionable insights.
Excellent organizational and time‑management capability.
Demonstrated cross-functional collaboration and influence.
Strong problem-solving ability and adaptability to changing business environments.
Attention to detail and exceptional communication skills.
Proven customer service mindset and stakeholder management skills.
Why Join Unilever?
Work for one of the world’s most purpose-led and trusted brands.
Drive meaningful impact on business capability and performance.
Be part of a supportive, culture‑driven environment that values people and growth.
Enjoy opportunities for regional exposure and professional development.
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field
- Master's degree
- 8+ years experience in Sales, Commercial Excellence, or capability-focused roles
- Demonstrated success designing and delivering capability-building programs
- Experience within FMCG or similarly fast-paced environments
- Strong analytical skills with ability to convert data into insights
- Excellent organizational and time-management capability
- Demonstrated cross-functional collaboration and influence
- Strong problem-solving ability and adaptability
- Attention to detail and exceptional communication skills
- Proven customer service mindset and stakeholder management skills
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.
