📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Ben & Jerry’s Assistant Communications Manager
🔹 Company: Unilever
🔹 Location: Datchet, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Communications
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-14
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing earned media plans for Ben & Jerry’s in the UK and Europe
- Building relationships with internal and external audiences
- Managing creative PR campaigns
- Supporting the Global Head of Communications with best practice guidance
- Working cross-functionally to create repeatable models that are scalable
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of earned media strategies and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Developing and executing earned media plans for key brand, product, social mission, and retail activity across Europe
✅ Managing creative PR campaigns with external agency support from briefing to delivery
✅ Overseeing and supporting the regional execution of PR programmes
✅ Creating ways of working for public relations to support integrated marketing and improve synergies around campaigns, content, and events
✅ Spot reactive opportunities for Ben & Jerry’s to participate in cultural conversations and flashpoints
✅ Working with the EU digital marketing manager to align influencer launch strategies with digital needs
✅ Leading and managing EU media/influencer/content creator visits to Vermont and target market opportunities
✅ Supporting national company events in the field
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, the ability to work well under pressure, and a keen eye for trending topics and the news agenda.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, PR, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: At least 5 years of relevant experience in PR, communications, or a related field
Required Skills:
- Creative thinker
- Process improvement mindset
- Tuned in to cultural conversations and trending topics
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to manage projects from conception to delivery
- Solid understanding of social media platforms and measurement
- Experience selling in creative ideas to multiple stakeholders
- Ability to build great relationships with lifestyle media and influencers
Preferred Skills:
- Passion for social action
- Experience working with global brands
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a background in PR or communications and a proven track record of managing successful campaigns are strongly encouraged to apply.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum (based on industry standards for a mid-senior level communications role in the UK)
Benefits:
- Competitive pension scheme
- Health and wellbeing programs
- Flexible working options
- Employee discounts on Unilever products
Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), Monday to Friday
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-senior level communications role in the UK. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Consumer Goods, specifically Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts
Company Size: Unilever is a large multinational corporation with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This means there are ample opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: 1872, with the acquisition of Ben & Jerry’s in 2000
Company Description:
- Unilever is a British multinational consumer goods company co-headquartered in London, England and Rotterdam, Netherlands
- The company's products include food, beverages, cleaning agents, beauty products, and personal care products
- Unilever is one of the oldest continually operating companies in the world
Company Specialties:
- Consumer Goods
- Food
- Home Care
- Personal Care
- Refreshments
- Marketing & Advertising
- Retail
- Purpose
- FMCG
- Digital
- Ice Cream
- Nutrition
- Sustainability
- Beauty & Wellbeing
- Innovation
- Careers
Company Website: http://www.unilever.com
ASSUMPTION: Unilever is a well-established company with a strong global presence and a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Global Head of Communications
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with flexible working options available
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to work on global campaigns and projects
- Opportunities to develop skills in digital marketing and influencer engagement
- Possibility to progress to a senior communications role within the company
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and develop skills in various aspects of communications.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site office located in Datchet, United Kingdom
Office Location(s): Ben & Jerry’s Datchet
Geographic Context:
- Datchet is a small village in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, located approximately 20 miles west of Central London
- The office is situated near the M4 motorway, providing easy access to London and other major towns and cities
- The area offers a mix of rural and urban environments, with plenty of outdoor spaces and recreational activities nearby
Work Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), Monday to Friday, with the possibility of occasional weekend work for events
ASSUMPTION: The office environment is likely to be dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening with the HR team
- In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and a member of the HR team
- Final interview with the Global Head of Communications
- Background check and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Cultural fit and alignment with Unilever's values
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Project management and organizational skills
- Understanding of earned media strategies and tactics
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Provide specific examples of your experience managing PR campaigns and developing earned media plans
- Demonstrate your understanding of Ben & Jerry’s brand and values
- Prepare questions to ask the interview panel about the role, the team, and the company
ATS Keywords: PR, Communications, Earned Media, Campaign Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Influencer Marketing, Project Management, Ben & Jerry’s, Unilever
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, so it is essential to tailor your application materials and prepare thoroughly for interviews.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- PR and communications software (Cision, Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions)
- Project management tools (Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant software and tools is essential for this role, as it involves managing multiple projects and communicating with various stakeholders.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Our Purpose is to make sustainable living commonplace
- We Lead the way towards a more sustainable future
- We Win together as one Unilever family
- Our Performance is driven by our winning culture
- We Respect each other and our differences
- We Reach out for one another and our communities
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Results-driven and focused on delivering excellence
- Adaptable and open to change
- Committed to sustainability and social responsibility
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Unilever’s purpose and values?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed a complex PR campaign or earned media plan?
- How do you stay up-to-date with cultural trends and trending topics?
- How do you approach working with influencers and building relationships with media outlets?
ASSUMPTION: Unilever values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, and seeks candidates who can thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working with global teams and stakeholders across different time zones
- Adapting to changes in the communications landscape and industry trends
- Balancing the demands of a full-time role with occasional weekend work for events
ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges related to time management, stakeholder communication, and adaptability to change.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other communications roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work on a beloved global brand with a strong social mission
- Industry-specific context: The ice cream and frozen desserts category is highly competitive, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and consumer engagement
- Career path comparison: This role offers potential progression to senior communications positions within Unilever or other consumer goods companies
ASSUMPTION: This role provides a unique opportunity to work on a well-known global brand with a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing a PR campaign for the launch of a new Ben & Jerry’s flavor or product line
- Developing an earned media plan to support a global activism campaign, such as Climate Justice or Social Justice
- Creating a reactive PR strategy in response to a cultural conversation or flashpoint relevant to Ben & Jerry’s brand
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives that the Assistant Communications Manager may be involved in.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role?
- How does this role fit into the broader communications strategy for Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Unilever support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the communications team currently, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and can help you make an informed decision about the opportunity.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, specifically addressing the required qualifications and responsibilities listed in the job description
- Prepare for interviews by researching Ben & Jerry’s brand, values, and recent campaigns, as well as Unilever’s company culture and mission
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to provide specific examples of your experience managing PR campaigns and developing earned media plans
- Follow up with Juli Molina, the Talent Partner, one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
