Issues & Communications Assistant Manager

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 Unilevers 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 Unilevers 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 Unilevers global issues operations, ensuring the smooth running of Unilevers 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 Unilevers Global Issues Hub and tools to support efficient and effective issues management across the wider business

Support capabilities building through development and evolution of Unilevers issues management processes and resources, including training materials for market colleagues and teams

Support delivery of key projects across the team, including Unilevers 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. Youll 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.

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How is Unilever tackling this?

Many of Unilevers 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!