Issues & Communications Assistant Manager

Unilever; Bicknacre; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consumer goods company is looking for an Issues & Communications Assistant Manager based in London. In this role, you will support the management of issues impacting the company’s reputation and work closely with senior communications managers. Responsibilities include overseeing daily operations of issues management tools, engaging with media and stakeholders, and contributing to strategic planning. Competitive salary and benefits are offered, including a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Free gym

Discounted staff shop

Shares

Qualifications

• Previous experience managing the media.
• Track record of delivering projects.

Responsibilities

• Support managers in handling issue flares.
• Lead insights and analytics for issues monitoring.
• Manage Unilever’s Global Issues Hub.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Understanding of the media

Ability to build strong alliances with stakeholders

Highly organised

Able to work to tight deadlines

Creative approach to solutions

Commercially aware

Real team player

Culturally sensitive and resilient

Desire for flawless execution

Education

Background in comms/PR

Experience working with journalists

Job description

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

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: 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!