Uk & Ireland Corporate Communications Manager

Job Title: UK & Ireland Corporate Communications Manager

Location: Kingston

JOB PURPOSE

As the UK & Ireland Communications and Corporate Affairs team, our purpose is to build trust and strengthen Unilever’s reputation as a purpose-led, future-fit company and leader in sustainable business.

This role supports the Communications & Corporate Affairs senior managers and Director with the delivery of Unilever’s corporate strategy, the Unilever Compass, 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 environmental and social goals.

Another key aspect of the role will be leading 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the delivery of proactive media engagement which helps to build Unilever UK and Ireland’s reputation as a leader in sustainable business
- Support delivery of our corporate communication priorities for the ‘Planet & Society’ pillars of the Unilever Compass strategy, including developing content for our corporate website and social channels
- Support on management of corporate and brand issues
- Management of day-to-day UK & Ireland Press Office enquiries and support with weekend rota
- Support with management of trade PR agency and strategy
- 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

ALL ABOUT YOU

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

- Strong media relations 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)
- Press officer experience and the 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
- Passion for our sustainable business and brands
- 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
- 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
- Experience with the principles and practice of corporate issues management
- Experienced at managing digital channels including website and social media
- 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
- Unilever Sustainability leads
- UK & Ireland Business Unit leadership Teams and brand managers
- Division Communication teams

NOTES

About Unilever

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with sales in over 190 countries and reaching 2 billion consumers a day. Unilever has more than 400 brands found in homes around the world, including Dove, Tresemme, Lynx, Lifebuoy, Shea Moisture, Persil, Domestos, Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum, Marmite, The Vegetarian Butcher, Graze and Pot Noodle.

Faced with the challenge of climate change and the need for human development, we want to move towards a world where everyone can live well and within the natural limits of the planet. That’s why our purpose is ‘to make sustainable living commonplace’

What We Offer

Not only do we offer a competitive salary and pens