Unilever—Finance Manager Compliance & Controls - Commodities Risk Management

Job description

Description: Job Title: Finance Manager Compliance & Controls - Commodities Risk Management Location: Mumbai or Bangalore Job Description: Unilever’s Commodity Risk Management (CRM) team operates in a highly regulated, fast-paced environment, managing significant commodity exposures across global markets. The Compliance Officer will serve as a strategic partner to CRM, embedding Unilever’s Code of Business Principles, 5 Core Compliance Policies in CRM, and a comprehensive set of global regulatory requirements primarily CFTC, Dodd-Frank, and MAS, as well as EMIR, MiFID II, and local exchange rules wherever Unilever trades; alongside all CRM policies and the governing framework into daily operations. This role is pivotal in ensuring that Unilever’s compliance culture remains robust, proactive, and audit-ready, supporting both business growth and reputational integrity. We are seeking a professional who can take us on to next wave of Compliance in Unilever’s commodity hedging world, who combines deep technical expertise in commodity risk management and financial market regulations with a pragmatic, business-partnering mindset. The ideal candidate may be a qualified company secretary, a trader with a keen interest in compliance, or a business partner with rich experience in regulated environments. They will be adept at translating complex regulatory requirements into actionable controls, fostering a culture of compliance, and supporting Unilever’s growth ambitions in a dynamic, global market. Experience in leading investigations, managing audits, and driving continuous improvement in compliance processes is highly valued. If you are passionate about taking organizations and people to the next level, in a complex and ambitious environment - this job is for you! Key duties and responsibilities: WORLD CLASS COMPLIANT CRM PROGRAM LEAD • Develop and implement a holistic compliance program for CRM, ensuring compliance is embedded throughout all processes. • Create clear frameworks and define specific roles and responsibilities for every team member to foster a culture of world-class compliance. • Drive continuous improvement in compliance processes by leveraging feedback from internal legal counsel, business teams, and external assurance providers including scheduled reviews and audits. • Serve as the primary contact for compliance breaches, ensuring all incidents are consolidated, investigated, and resolved promptly. POLICY & SOP COMPLIANCE • Ensure strict adherence to Unilever’s six core CRM policies and compliance program: (1) Commodity Risk Management Policy (2) Responsible Partner Policy (3) Code of Business Principles (4) Investigation and Whistleblowing Policy (5) Trading and Position Limits Policy (6) Compliance Program manuals • Lead the implementation and regular review of CRM SOPs, including KYC, position limits, gross volume limits, reporting, and escalation protocols. • Provide independent sign-off on any updates to the CRM Hedging Policy and address emerging requests from leadership regarding CRM policy. EXTERNAL ROBUSTNESS & RIGOR • Oversee compliance with regulatory requirements for derivatives trading, ensuring all relevant obligations and reporting requirements are met. • Review and sign off on Position limits daily to ensure adherence to external regulations and complete any required reporting. • Provide expert guidance on external regulatory matters, including submission requests, regulatory inquiries, examinations, audits, and identifying any compliance gaps. • Stay current with regulatory changes across all exchanges where Unilever operates—especially in the US, Europe, and Singapore—and proactively update policies and procedures as needed. Communicate these changes promptly to relevant teams, and immediately flag any reputational or value-based impacts with recommended actions. COMPLIANCE GOVERNANCE & ONGOING MONITORING • Perform ongoing monitoring and testing of compliance controls on defined intervals to ensure effectiveness and timely detection of issues, followed by proposing and executing remedial action plans. • Maintain an ongoing compliance log of issues and resolutions. • Send regular compliance reminders and educational material to all covered persons. • Review and align the controls framework with Unilever’s Global Financial Controls Framework (GFCF) for consistency and robustness. • Ensure that controls are designed to act as strong deterrents and provide effective prevention against potential fraud. • Prepare an annual compliance report for the CRM Steercom, summarizing program performance & effectiveness, any gaps identified, remediation actions, and support needed. • Formulate and execute crisis management plans for compliance breaches. • Lead independent investigations into potential breaches, collaborating with Legal and Internal Audit per Unilever’s Investigation Policy; recommend disciplinary actions to management/HR where necessary. STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT & TALENT CATALYST • Coordinate with relevant parties including CRM, legal, controllers, procurement finance, IT, and others to ensure the appropriate controls, policies, and procedures are in place. • Design and deliver regular compliance training, including updates on regulations and industry practice on matters that are associated with compliance policies, regulations and industry practice including anti-money laundering and compliance measures. COUNTERPARTY MANAGEMENT • Advise on KYC and counterparty compliance requirements including credit limits. • Review client onboarding documents to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and internal policies and requirements. Experience & Skills: • University-level degree in a relevant discipline (finance, legal, accounting, business). • 6+ years of relevant experience post qualification is required • This is a global role partnering with stakeholders and teams across Europe and India, so regular overlap with European working hours is required to enable effective collaboration. • An understanding of key regulators in the US, Europe, and Asia, their culture, policies and past enforcement history. • The ability to understand the potential impact of regulatory developments and impact on Unilever’s CRM activities, act as an effective business partner and an expert on “Compliance” • Well-developed stakeholder management skills. • This is a global role supporting stakeholders and teams across Europe and India, with regular overlap with European working hours required. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; highly collaborative solutions driven, confident, should possess the ability to identify potential issues, analytical mindset and conflict resolution. • Sound knowledge of laws and legal requirements and controls such as Anti-Money Laundering and Competition law. • Able to act decisively, and independently to provide proactive defensive action against external inquiries. • Excellent written and spoken English. • Demonstrates self-motivation and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. • Be a fast learner capable of independent action when necessary. • Works well within a team environment. “Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion” Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life! This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. Note: "All official offers from Unilever are issued only via our Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Offers from individuals or unofficial sources may be fraudulent—please verify before proceeding."