Job Title: UK & Ireland Corporate Communications/C&CA Manager
Location: Kingston
Work-Level: WL2A
MAIN JOB PURPOSE:
As the UK & Ireland Communications and Corporate Affairs team, our purpose is to build trust and strengthen Unilever’s reputation as a leading FMCG company, known for our great brands that are found in 95% of UK households, and as a purpose-led, sustainable and future-fit company.
This role supports the Communications & Corporate Affairs senior managers and Director with the delivery of Unilever’s corporate communications and corporate affairs strategy in the UK & Ireland.
It is an exciting role for someone who is passionate about corporate storytelling and driven by the opportunity to shape and protect corporate reputation through excellent storytelling and issues management within a global, purpose-driven company.
A key focus will be executing proactive communications campaigns across all owned channels and media, including trade media, to build and promote Unilever UK & Ireland’s corporate reputation, as well as supporting communications and external engagement around our brands, innovation, sustainability and investment in the UK.
This role will lead the day-to-day management of the Unilever UK & Ireland press office and supporting the issues and reputation management process across both corporate and brand issues. It will also lead our external content plan, managing campaigns across all our channels.
JOB SUMMARY:
Support the delivery of proactive media and owned channels engagement which helps to build Unilever UK and Ireland’s reputation
Support on management of corporate and brand issues, advising brand teams
Management of day-to-day UK & Ireland Press Office enquiries and support with weekend rota
Support with management of trade PR agency and strategy
Support with corporate affairs and policy of areas of reputational risk – Foods, Sustainability etc
Act as a trusted advisor to senior management and teams in the business, including preparing briefings for issues and key priorities ahead of stakeholder and trade association meetings, or other events
Support team projects as required including key launches, campaigns, press trips and VIP visits to our UK & Ireland factory and R&D sites
{Line management of our Industrial Placement student role in the team and take a lead of recruiting new IP on an annual basis}
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
Strong media relations and press office skills and expertise, including the delivery of proactive media engagement, with the ability to identify and develop stories and media angles within Unilever’s UK & Ireland business
Experience in reactive issues management and reputation management either at corporate or brand level (preferably both)
{Experience of managing corporate owned channels – website/ Instagram/ LinkedIn}
Strong campaign management, with experience of managing cross-channel corporate communications campaigns on themes such as innovation, R&D, sustainability
Ability to support with the press office weekend rota
Experience briefing and supporting senior stakeholders and spokespeople for external media and other engagement opportunities
Comfortable with complex issues and able to work to tight deadlines and deliver under pressure
Passion for corporate storytelling
Strong writer
Ability to use co-pilot to support written and designed content
Real team player, keeping a balance between personal accountability and delivery through teamwork
Confidence and initiative. A self-starter who can work independently and as part of cross-functional teams in a large and complex organisation
Bias for action, shows accountability and responsibility and has a ‘can do’ attitude
Desire for flawless execution
ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
Media savvy with an understanding of UK media and proven press office skills
Experience of working on cross-channel corporate campaigns
Experience of managing issues in the media and across social media
Some corporate affairs/ external affairs experience useful
Ability and desire to understand complex topics and translate them into compelling stories
Highly proficient and creative writer with ability to tailor written communications for a variety of external audiences and channels
Experienced at managing digital channels including website and social media
Content experience – developing video/ designed content/ social media posts
Experience with the principles and practice of corporate issues management
Ability to build strong networks internally & externally, including senior stakeholders and journalists
KEY INTERFACES:
Corporate Communications Senior Managers
Director Communications and Corporate Affairs
UK & Ireland Communications & Corporate Affairs team
Unilever Global Media Relations Team
Unilever Global External Affairs Team
UK & Ireland Business Unit leadership Teams and brand managers
Business Group Communication teams
Trade PR agency
NOTES
Location
In September 2020, Unilever announced the intention to build a new sustainable campus site in Kingston, London. This site will house some employees who currently work in 100 Victoria Embankment in Blackfriars together with colleagues who are currently located in Lever House in Kingston. We are excited to be creating our own Unilever sustainable, agile work environment. The campus is due to be completed in 2026.
What We Offer
Not only do we offer a competitive salary and pension scheme, we also offer an annual bonus, subsidised gym membership, 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, including about our Employee Resource Groups, please click here Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Unilever | Unilever.
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How is Unilever tackling this?
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