Director, Transformation

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is the biggest tea business in the world, with world class purpose driven brands such as Lipton, PG Tips and Pukka. As Lipton Teas and Infusions we are united in one purpose: growing a world of wellbeing through the regenerative power of plants.

In July 2022, CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII took over the full ownership of the LIPTON Teas and Infusions (formally ekaterra) business from its previous owner, Unilever. As a standalone entity with a dedicated single-category focus, Lipton T&I is even better positioned to lead the tea industry, delivering higher growth and value, and a greater impact on the wider world. With 11 production factories in four continents and tea growing estates in three countries, LIPTON Teas and Infusions is a profitable and growing business whose brands reach hundreds of millions of consumers. It has a presence in over 100 countries.

At LIPTON Teas and Infusions, we work alongside people who put consumer love at the heart of every decision. Diverse minds who celebrate new ideas, share our values and the commitment we have for the wellbeing of all. In return, we create an environment that gives our people space and freedom, where they can grow as leaders. A connected community where ideas can thrive. Where you explore new challenges. Learning all you need to master your field, and even more about yourself.

Be part of this amazing blend. Join our collective and help us grow a better world of wellbeing and a better you.

Job Title: Director, Transformation

Job Status: Full-time, permanent

Work location: Hoboken, NJ

Travel: 10%

Your Role

Lipton Teas and Infusions is seeking a dynamic Director, Transformation to support the President of North America in driving strategic initiatives and delivering the overall Value Creation Plan (*see supporting information below). This pivotal role combines day-to-day operational support with oversight of long-term priorities, ensuring seamless execution of the company’s transformation agenda. In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor and operational leader, leveraging strong business acumen, project management expertise, and strategic insight to optimize operations and drive impactful organizational change. This role involves monitoring and mitigating risks, influencing cross-functional teams, and fostering collaboration at all levels of the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop C-Suite and Board level materials including meeting content, logistics planning, and support.
• Work closely with the President of North America and other executive leaders to identify opportunities for operational improvements, digital transformation, and enhanced efficiency.
• Collaborate with North America Communications team to support important external communications plans.
• Lead select projects for the North America President to accelerate processes and provide visibility.
• Support strategy discussions spanning across organization business units (e.g., Brand, Customer, Supply Chain, Research & Innovation).
• Create materials and drive weekly North America leadership team meetings.
• Act as a funnel & sounding board for the North America President to streamline and support decision making across all aspects of the business.
• Support ad-hoc business decisions including but not limited to new growth opportunities, supply chain decisions, etc.
• Build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor and partner to drive transformation objectives.

Key Behavioral Competencies:

• Champion change with a growth mindset to support maturing organizational business readiness and change management plans to successfully execute new initiatives.
• Effective at conveying a vision, energizing others, establishing goals and measures, holding others accountable and delivering results.
• Demonstrates strong leadership presence, influencing skills and sense of urgency.
• Highly advanced project management skills with significant experience delivering multiple complex projects, delegating responsibility between teams, overseeing multiple projects, managing others, and leading teams to prioritize among competing project/customer needs.
• Demonstrated ePMO leadership skills and ability to deliver business results and build strong teams.
• Strong coach and motivator, with proven experience leading teams and developing high potential talent.
• Actively promotes core values and consistently integrates innovation, associate fulfillment, teamwork, respect, excellence, integrity, service, and accountability into each aspect of their work.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to interact at all levels of the organization.

Skills and Experience:

• 15+ years of experience in management consulting, strategy, or a related role with a focus on transformation, change management, or business process improvement.
• Consultancy and FMCG experience strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field; MBA or relevant master’s degree is preferred.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a deep understanding of change management principles.
• Clear demonstration of project management and leadership skills as it pertains to working with a diversity of stakeholders.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence at all levels of the organization.
• Data-driven approach to decision-making, with experience developing and monitoring KPIs to ensure strategic objectives are met.
• High level of adaptability, resilience, and comfort with ambiguity in a changing environment.

*Supporting Information

Value Creation Plan (VCP):

LIPTON’s VCP consist of three important levers:

• Rediscover growth
  1. Regain and extend distribution
  2. Drive brand activation (price/promo/brand communications/..)
  3. Enter attractive existing partitions (move our portfolio into new growth areas)
  4. Create new partitions at scale

• Become cost and cash competitive
  1. Embed continuous improvement in COGS
  2. Step-change cash conversion
  3. Reset our footprint structurally
  4. Optimize our overhead costs (direct and indirect)

• Build a culture of pride and performance
  1. Drive people’s engagement
  2. Embrace standardization and repeatable models
  3. Master laws of growth (Byron Sharp “How brands grow”)
  4. Create value for all (people and planet)

The NA market is the largest market for LIPTON and delivering above agenda is critical for the success of the company. As all three levers are very interlinked it requires the cross functional coordination of the Transformation Director to drive this change agenda with the right cadence and manage the interdependencies. An (ex) consultant with strong affinity with the FMCG industry (food and beverage is ideal) would be a good match with what we are looking for.

A Great Place to Grow 

Here at LIPTON Teas and Infusions, we grow a world of wellbeing to generate value for all. 

• Grow your LEADERSHIP – Thought leader or people leader, we want to help you to truly realise your potential. With a strong internal nurturing network and a focus on your development, you can grow your leadership with us. When you grow, the world around you will grow.
• Grow your VALUE - To foster your learning, we offer big, fulfilling roles within an empowering and entrepreneurial climate. You will have the space to take ownership and to make your mark – and you will be rewarded for the value that you create.
• Grow your IMPACT – We are unique in our industry - from our tea estates to our factories, labs and offices, we innovate sustainably and drive value for all. We grow a world of wellbeing, from seed to sip. You can truly leave your mark on our company and on the planet -through the meaningful work that you do. 

Benefits & Perks 

• Comprehensive insurance plans - health, dental + disability and life Insurance
• 401(k) with 5% company matching + an extra 4% after your first year
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Accounts
• Generous time off including paid vacation, company holidays, and floating holidays
• Parental Leave - Primary & Secondary
• Learning and development reimbursement

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is an organization committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. We are interested in every individual bringing their whole self to work and this includes you! Therefore 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.