Looking for a job

Maria Ardila

@mariaardila

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I build profitable FMCG category growth through strategy, innovation, and commercial execution.

France

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What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead category growth, innovation, and commercial strategy in FMCG, partnering cross-functionally to improve profitability, build strong portfolios, and deliver measurable market performance.

At Agrana Fruit, I manage the Ice Cream category across Europe and key markets, shaping portfolio mix, profitability, pricing strategy, growth opportunities, launch plans, and innovation roadmaps.

Previously at Unilever, I led category, brand, key account, and regional sales initiatives across major FMCG portfolios. I've managed P&Ls and multimillion-euro marketing budgets, grown D2C through Uber Eats and Deliveroo, led teams, and delivered a 90% tender win rate.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Global Category Manager

Agrana Fruit

Jan 2025 - Jan 2026 (1 year)

Category Manager for the Ice Cream category across Europe and key markets, responsible for portfolio mix, product development, and pricing strategy. Defined category strategy, developed innovation roadmap, and led cross-functional projects.

Category Management Portfolio Management Product Development Pricing Strategy Market Analysis Innovation Cross functional Leadership Cost Optimization

Senior Category Manager

Unilever

Jan 2024 - Jan 2025 (1 year)

Led the Out-of-Home category for chain customers, driving D2C growth through Uber Eats and Deliveroo. Owned category strategy, managed a €2M marketing budget, and led a team of 7 direct reports.

Category Management D2C Ecommerce Uber Eats Deliveroo Customer Acquisition Commercial Activation Sales Performance Tender Management P&L management Budget Management Team Leadership

International Brand Manager

Unilever

Jan 2023 - Dec 2023 (11 months)

Defined international marketing strategy for the Dressings portfolio and developed innovation roadmap. Managed a €1.7M marketing budget across 16+ countries and led e-commerce development for Maille.

Marketing Strategy Innovation Budget Management Ecommerce Cross functional Leadership Team Management

Key Account Manager

Unilever

Jan 2022 - Dec 2022 (11 months)

Led Category Management across a portfolio of 25+ brands and managed key accounts Amazon and Cdiscount. Oversaw promotional campaigns, optimized trade activations, and managed 1 direct report.

Category Management Key Account Management Amazon Cdiscount Promotion Trade Marketing Assortment Strategy Performance Analysis

Regional Sales Manager

Unilever

Jan 2021 - Dec 2021 (11 months)

Managed a portfolio of more than 80 supermarkets and grew market share across 18 Health & Beauty brands. Drove sales growth through product listings, innovation launches, merchandising, and local commercial negotiations.

Sales Management Key Account Management Market Share Growth Merchandising Commercial Negotiation Product Listing

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

KEDGE Business School

MSc, Marketing and Brand Management

2018 - 2020

MSc in Marketing and Brand Management from KEDGE Business School, covering marketing, purchasing, product management, B2B, sales, negotiation, innovation, and brand strategy.

University of California, Santa Barbara

Academic Excellence Exchange Program, Business Strategy, Technology Management, Political Sciences and Communications

2017 - 2018

Academic excellence exchange program at the University of California, Santa Barbara, focusing on business strategy, technology management, political sciences, and communications.