Customer Development Executive (Unilever Food Solutions) at Unilever

This role is specifically within Unilever Food Solutions (UFS), Unilever's dedicated B2B foodservice division serving chefs, restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses: a distinct commercial channel from Unilever's general consumer and retail trade operations. As a Customer Development Executive, you will be responsible for growing an assigned territory by expanding market reach, developing new accounts, and increasing product penetration through new product introductions. You will also manage existing accounts to prevent churn, ensuring long-term customer relationships. The role is field-based, meaning you will spend most of your time on the road visiting clients and executing in-store or on-site activities.

A core part of the day-to-day involves executing the AVA framework: Availability, Visibility, and Activation. This means ensuring Unilever food products are available at the right outlets, making them highly visible through merchandising and branding, and driving activation through promotions, sampling, and culinary workshops that engage chefs and foodservice operators. You will hit growth and productivity KPIs, track sales performance, and collaborate with distributors and internal teams to deliver results.

Unilever specifically looks for candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Commerce, or even Human Resource Management (HRM). A culinary background is preferred, as UFS deals directly with professional kitchens and commissary activities; familiarity with foodservice operations or a passion for the culinary world will set you apart. You should be comfortable with a fast-paced, target-driven environment and possess strong negotiation, relationship-building, and territory-planning skills.

Ultimately, this position offers hands-on exposure to the foodservice industry within one of the world's largest consumer goods companies. You will represent trusted brands like Knorr Professional, Lady's Choice, and Best Foods in a business that truly values innovation, sustainability, and chef-partnerships. This is not a desk job; it's a frontline role that demands resilience, creativity, and a genuine interest in helping food businesses thrive.

Unilever does not publicly document a step-by-step interview process for this specific role, but based on typical hiring practices for field sales positions in the Philippine FMCG and foodservice industry, candidates can expect a structured, multi-stage selection process. The process generally starts with an online application, followed by an initial HR or phone screening to assess basic qualifications and motivation. Shortlisted applicants then proceed to one or more interviews with the sales manager or area head, where the focus will be on sales acumen, territory management, and understanding of the foodservice channel.

It is also common for a territory case exercise or sales simulation to be part of the evaluation: for example, presenting a mini business plan for a sample territory or solving a real-world outlet penetration scenario. The final stage typically involves a discussion with senior leaders or a final panel interview before a job offer is extended. Since this is a UFS role, expect questions that gauge your familiarity with chefs, kitchen operations, and the B2B sales cycle, as well as your ability to execute the AVA framework.

First, demonstrate a clear understanding of what Unilever Food Solutions does and how it differs from Unilever's consumer goods side. Be ready to explain why you want to work in a B2B foodservice environment, serving chefs and restaurant operators. Mention the AVA framework (Availability, Visibility, Activation) and give practical examples of how you would apply it in a territory. If you have any culinary background, foodservice experience, or even commissary knowledge, make it a central part of your story.

Second, prepare for a territory case exercise. Practice analyzing a sample area: think about outlet segmentation, competitor presence, and how you would prioritize accounts. Use numbers to back up your logic. Since this is a field sales role, emphasize your resilience, planning skills, and ability to work independently. Show that you are comfortable with travel and on-the-ground execution. Expect questions about handling rejection, building long-term relationships with kitchen decision-makers, and hitting sales targets under pressure.

Finally, research Unilever's sustainability and brand purpose, especially as it relates to food. UFS runs programs like "Knorr Professional" that champion sustainable sourcing and chef education. Weave that into your answers to show alignment with the company's values. At every stage, be honest, proactive, and curious: the interviewers are looking for true business builders who can represent Unilever's brands with passion and professionalism in the culinary world.