Area Manager

Area Manager – Ben & Jerry's (Sydney CBD). Reporting into the Operations Lead, the Area Manager is a trusted coach and consultant for the franchise network, guiding and supporting them to improve business operations and performance across the network.

What we offer: join a fun and dynamic team; regular fully funded interstate and international travel; tools of the trade including phone and laptop; flexible working.

• Franchise & Partner Relationships: Build strong, trust-based relationships with Franchise Partners, captive stores, suppliers, TMICC, and third-party partners. Deliver impactful store visits and develop tailored business development plans to enhance customer experience, team engagement, sales, standards, and profitability.
• Business Performance & Growth: Partner with the Retail Operations Lead to conduct regular business reviews and use P&L insights to benchmark store performance. Prepare and deliver reports to identify key opportunities for sales and profit growth ensuring Franchise Partners are engaged and ready to implement remediation actions. Allocate time strategically to support underperforming stores and close performance gaps quickly.
• Operational Excellence: Visit and evaluate stores one to two times per quarter, using scoop shop evaluation tools. Provide timely feedback and collaborate with Franchise Partners on action plans to improve execution, compliance, and customer experience.
• Training & Development: Lead onboarding and post-orientation training for new Franchise Partners and store teams. Deliver in-store customer service and product knowledge training, ensuring teams are engaged and ready to execute promotions. Reinforce quality hiring and retention practices to maximise sales potential.
• Marketing & Local Activation: Liaise with Franchise Partners to execute local store marketing (LSM) initiatives and encourage appropriate investment. Support the implementation of the regional retail marketing plan and contribute to new product and promotional launches.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with internal teams (QA, R&D, marketing, supply chain, finance) and our FAC to plan, manage, and execute key operational projects and initiatives.
• Social Mission & Community Engagement: Champion Ben & Jerry's Social Mission by implementing agreed programmes and fostering meaningful connections with local communities.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure all stores adhere to franchise regulations, food safety, and workplace health standards. Oversee successful implementation of rectification actions, new store openings, and other operational improvement programmes. Escalate ongoing compliance matters with proposed solutions to the Operations Lead for review and direction.

Position requires interstate and NZ travel once to twice per quarter. Our Scoop Shops are open 7 days per week, with morning and evening hours; when required, individuals must be willing to work nights, weekends, extended hours and holidays as per business needs (not a common weekly occurrence).

While experience in food and beverage operations or franchise management is a plus, we value drive to learn, grow, and make a difference. We're seeking an emerging Area Manager who is ready to roll up their sleeves, bring positive energy, challenge the status quo and champion results. If you're passionate about owning your territory and partnering with franchisees and key stakeholders, we want to hear from you.

Are you excited to craft the Ice Cream future? To apply, you must apply online and upload your CV and a motivation letter. Your application will be reviewed against our requirements, and we will be in touch after the closing date with an update on the status of your application.

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. This includes providing reasonable adjustments for a positive recruitment journey. For information or adjustments, contact anz.talent@unilever.com. This role will transfer to the new Ice Cream company after Unilever separates its Ice Cream business by end of 2025.

Unilever is committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future for diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We encourage applicants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pacific Peoples, and people with disabilities. See our Reconciliation Action Plan and Workplace Adjustment Policy on the Unilever webpage.

At Unilever we value bringing your Whole Self to work. Please indicate if you require reasonable adjustments to present your best self during the process.