Job Title: Issues & Communications Assistant Manager
Location: 100VE, London
JOB PURPOSE
The Corporate Affairs and Issues team is responsible for the effective management of short and long-term issues impacting Unilever’s reputation and business operations. This is a fast-paced and exciting role in a team which is the ‘nerve centre’ for managing issue flares, including NGO campaigns, scientific reports, policy and political developments, media queries, consumer issues, and social media campaigns impacting Unilever. We work with experts across the business to shape and protect Unilever’s reputation and ensure we effectively respond to issues in line with our corporate values, commitments and positions.
The Issues & Communications Assistant Manager, based in London, reports to a Senior Issues Communications Manager. The person in this role is responsible for the day-to-day management of Unilever’s global issues operations, ensuring the smooth running of Unilever’s issues management tools and processes. In addition, they will support on the management of a broad range of reputational issues through stakeholder engagement (internally and externally), media relations and reactive issues handling.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Support two Senior Issues & Communications Managers to manage issue flares, working with relevant teams and topic experts to develop management strategies and draft responses to media/stakeholder enquiries
Support integrated and effective always-on issues management and planning across key teams
Lead insight-led capabilities within the team, overseeing day-to-day issues monitoring and analytics and integration of monitoring tools
Support “always-on” trendspotting and issues forecasting
Lead management of Unilever’s Global Issues Hub and tools to support efficient and effective issues management across the wider business
Support capabilities building through development and evolution of Unilever’s issues management processes and resources, including training materials for market colleagues and teams
Support delivery of key projects across the team, including Unilever’s Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Oversee day-to-day tasks and support of an Industrial Placement (IP) team member
KEY REQUIREMENTS
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Understanding of the media (particularly UK and US); a passion for news
Basic understanding of reputation management
Ability to build strong alliances and trust with internal stakeholders and engage confidently with journalists and senior-level colleagues
Highly organised
Able to work to tight deadlines and deliver under pressure
Creative approach to finding solutions
Commercially aware
Real team player, keeps a balance between personal accountability and delivery through teamwork
Bias for action, shows accountability and responsibility and has a ‘can do’ attitude
Culturally sensitive and resilient
Desire for flawless execution
ESSENTIAL
Background in comms/PR
Previous experience working with journalists and managing the media
A good track record of driving the delivery of projects/campaigns
DESIRABLE
Previous experience in crisis/issues handling
NOTES
Location
In September 2020, Unilever announced the intention to build a new sustainable campus site in Kingston, London to house the employees who currently work in 100 Victoria Embankment in Blackfriars, Lever House in Kingston, Unilever House in Leatherhead and Graze in Richmond. We are creating our own Unilever sustainable, agile work environment, purposefully bringing us together in our own Unilever ecosystem. The campus is due to be completed in early 2025 and will consist of two interconnected buildings, as well as landscaped surrounding areas.
What We Offer
Not only do we offer a competitive salary and pension scheme, we also offer an annual bonus, free gym, a discounted staff shop and shares. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with our renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment.
Whilst the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you. We are a key advocate of wellbeing and offer a variety of support for our people including hubs, programmes and development opportunities. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all.
Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance. We embrace diversity in our workforce. 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. We are also more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to be present your best self. To find out more, click here: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.
Recruitment Fraud
Cyber criminals advertise fake job adverts with prestigious employers as a way of stealing information or even defrauding individuals out of money. In the most sophisticated cases, they will set up fake websites, which have a similar address to companies like Unilever. They even conduct fake telephone interviews and then offer candidates a role with the proviso they pay a fee for background checks or to cover work visa costs. These types of attacks are becoming more common as more people are looking for employment in the economic climate.
How is Unilever tackling this?
Many of Unilever’s recruitment sites publish a warning to candidates about recruitment fraud. The Cyber Security team also proactively scan for signs of people setting up fake Unilever sites and act to close them down.
What can I do?
If you become aware of potential recruitment fraud, spot fake Unilever recruitment adverts or fake LinkedIn profiles, report them via Una Live Chat.
Unilever does not accept responsibility or liability for any candidates who are financially impacted by recruitment fraud. Your vigilance is key!