π Core Information
- Job Title: Global Assistant Brand Manager β Rexona Innovation
- Company: Unilever
- Location: London, United Kingdom (with relocation to Kingston upon Thames, London, United Kingdom in early 2025)
- Job Type: Full-time (Hybrid, 3 office days per week)
- Category: Marketing & Brand Management
- Date Posted: May 19, 2025
- Experience Level: 2-5 years of relevant experience
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting the development of key innovation projects for the #1 global deodorant brand, Rexona.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive thought leadership and share gain in key markets (Brazil, Mexico, UK, Germany).
- Leading the production and final asset delivery of social-first campaign plans for LATAM markets (Brazil and Mexico lead markets).
- Exploring new growth spaces and defining the concept for innovation projects.
- Managing key brand operational activities and supporting the brand team with ad-hoc projects.
- Close collaboration with clusters and local teams for key lead markets.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong consumer focus, with a passion for understanding consumer needs and translating insights into disruptive solutions. The successful candidate will have experience working with global cross-functional teams and agencies, and be comfortable managing projects with tight deadlines.
π Key Responsibilities
- Innovation Project Support: Collaborate with the Line Manager to develop key BG innovation projects that drive thought leadership and share gain in key markets.
- Brand Strategy Development: Support the development of insight-driven brand strategy and plans to drive long-term growth.
- Campaign Management: Lead the production and final asset delivery of social-first campaign plans for LATAM markets, including market liaison.
- New Growth Spaces: Lead the exploration of new growth spaces and work on defining the concept for innovation projects.
- Cross-Functional Team Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to lead project objectives and meet launch deadlines.
- Business Case Development: Build and gain approval of robust business cases for all innovation projects.
- Agency Management: Support the development of clear and inspiring marketing briefs for external agencies to create campaigns.
- Operational Management: Manage key brand operational activities and support the brand team with ad-hoc projects.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate closely with clusters and local teams for key lead markets.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be able to adapt to changing priorities.
π― Required Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field.
Experience:
- At least 3 years of FMCG marketing experience in a global team and/or a local team in any region globally, with a strong consumer focus, preferably focusing on innovation and/or activation.
- OR at least 3 years of experience in a communication agency role (creative, PR, digital) with proven project management experience of delivering campaigns for international markets.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in project management and working with large, global cross-functional teams and agencies.
- Proven experience managing communications development.
- Strong consumer understanding and insight-driven approach.
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills, with proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Fluency in English; proficiency in additional languages is an asset.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in understanding the complexities of R&D, Supply Chain, CMI, and Legal.
- Experience in managing comms development for international markets.
- Experience in working with external agencies and stakeholders.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the deodorant category or personal care industry will be prioritized. However, strong candidates from other FMCG categories with relevant transferable skills will also be considered.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Β£35,000 - Β£45,000 per annum (pro-rata for the 12-month contract), depending on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on industry standards for a Global Assistant Brand Manager role in the FMCG sector in the United Kingdom.
Benefits:
- Competitive pension and healthcare plans.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Flexible working options and hybrid work arrangement (3 office days per week).
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- A diverse and inclusive workplace with a strong focus on work-life balance.
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the company's internal salary structure. The benefits package is subject to change and may be adjusted based on the company's policies and the candidate's employment status.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Unilever operates in the highly competitive and dynamic FMCG industry, with a strong focus on personal care and home care products. The company is known for its iconic brands, such as Dove, Axe, and Rexona, and has a significant global presence.
Company Size: Unilever is a large multinational corporation with over 10,000 employees worldwide. As a result, the company offers extensive resources, opportunities for career growth, and a diverse range of brands to work with.
Founded: Unilever was founded in 1872 and has a rich history of innovation and growth. The company has evolved significantly over the years, adapting to changing consumer needs and market trends.
Company Description: Unilever is a purpose-led business, committed to making sustainable living commonplace. The company aims to reduce its environmental impact by half by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2039. Unilever's portfolio includes world-leading brands such as Lipton, Knorr, Dove, Axe, Hellmannβs, and Omo, as well as innovative-forward thinking brands like Ben & Jerryβs, The Dollar Shave Club, and Dermalogica.
Company Specialties: Unilever specializes in consumer goods, food, home care, personal care, refreshments, marketing & advertising, retail, purpose, FMCG, digital, ice cream, nutrition, sustainability, beauty & wellbeing, innovation, and careers.
Company Website:
www.unilever.com
ASSUMPTION: Unilever's large size and extensive resources allow the company to invest in innovation, sustainability, and employee development. The company's strong brand portfolio and global presence provide ample opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse markets and cultures.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for an early-career professional with 2-5 years of relevant experience in marketing, brand management, or a related field. The role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience working on a global brand and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Reporting Structure: The Global Assistant Brand Manager β Rexona Innovation will report directly to the Senior Brand Manager based in London/UK. The role will interface with creative and PR agencies, as well as other external partners and internal teams, including the Rexona Brand Lead, Rexona Engagement team, deos innovation, R&D, supply chain, and finance teams.
Work Arrangement: This role is offered on a 12-month maternity cover basis, with the possibility of extension or conversion to a permanent position. The role is hybrid, with 3 office days per week required, and the remaining days worked remotely.
Growth Opportunities:
- Career Progression: Successful candidates can expect to gain valuable experience working on a global brand and collaborating with cross-functional teams. This role offers excellent opportunities for career growth and development within the Unilever organization.
- Skill Development: The role provides an opportunity to develop skills in project management, stakeholder collaboration, and brand strategy development. Candidates will also gain exposure to the complexities of working with R&D, supply chain, CMI, and Legal teams.
- Global Exposure: Working on a global brand offers the chance to gain experience in international markets and develop a deep understanding of consumer needs and market trends across diverse regions.
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for an ambitious and tenacious marketer looking to gain experience working on a global brand and collaborating with cross-functional teams. The successful candidate will be passionate about understanding consumers and turning insights into disruptive solutions.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The role is based in a hybrid work arrangement, with 3 office days per week required at the Unilever office in London. The remaining days can be worked remotely.
Office Location(s): The role is currently based in London, with a planned relocation to the new sustainable campus site in Kingston upon Thames, London, in early 2025.
Geographic Context:
- London: The role is initially based in the vibrant and multicultural city of London, offering easy access to a wide range of amenities, cultural attractions, and transportation links.
- Kingston upon Thames: The planned relocation to Kingston upon Thames offers a more suburban setting, with easy access to green spaces, riverside views, and a growing business community. The new campus site is designed to be sustainable and eco-friendly, with a focus on reducing the company's environmental impact.
Work Schedule: The role follows a standard Monday to Friday workweek, with flexible working hours to accommodate project deadlines and team meetings. The hybrid work arrangement allows for a better work-life balance, with reduced commuting time and the ability to work from home for part of the week.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers the best of both worlds, allowing employees to enjoy the benefits of working in a dynamic and collaborative office environment while also having the flexibility to work from home for part of the week. The planned relocation to the new sustainable campus site in Kingston upon Thames offers an exciting opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly work environment.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
1. Online application review.
2. Phone or video screening.
3. In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager.
4. Final round interview with senior leadership or other stakeholders.
5. Background check and offer.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Consumer Understanding: Candidates will be assessed on their ability to understand consumer needs and translate insights into actionable marketing strategies.
- Project Management: Candidates will be evaluated on their project management skills, including their ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet tight deadlines, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Brand Management: Candidates will be assessed on their brand management skills, including their ability to develop brand strategy, manage brand operations, and drive brand growth.
- Communication Skills: Candidates will be evaluated on their written and verbal communication skills, as well as their ability to present ideas and negotiate with stakeholders.
Application Tips:
- Resume Customization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements that match the job requirements. Use the job description as a guide to ensure you include all necessary information.
- Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role, your relevant experience, and your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Address the specific requirements and qualifications mentioned in the job description.
- Portfolio/Examples: If applicable, prepare a portfolio or examples of your work that showcase your skills and accomplishments. This could include marketing campaigns, brand strategy documents, or project management case studies.
ATS Keywords: Global Assistant Brand Manager, Rexona, Innovation, FMCG, Marketing, Brand Management, Project Management, Consumer Insights, Cross-Functional Teams, Stakeholder Collaboration, Brand Strategy, Campaign Development, Social Media, LATAM, Brazil, Mexico, UK, Germany, Global Brand, Personal Care, Deodorant, Antiperspirant, Clinical Efficacy, Premiumization, Wellness, Biocompatible, Sustainability, R&D, Supply Chain, CMI, Legal, Hybrid Work, Office Days, Remote Work, Global Brand, International Markets, Consumer Focus, Insight-Driven, Disruptive Solutions, Project Management, Stakeholder Collaboration, Brand Strategy Development, Campaign Management, Business Case Development, Agency Management, Operational Management, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Career Growth, Skill Development, Global Exposure, Work-Life Balance, Hybrid Work Arrangement, Sustainable Work Environment.
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience, skills, and enthusiasm for the opportunity. Successful candidates will be able to showcase their ability to understand consumer needs, manage projects effectively, and collaborate successfully with cross-functional teams.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Project Management: Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, or similar project management tools.
- Communication: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar collaboration platforms.
- Document Creation: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or similar word processing software.
- Spreadsheet Management: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or similar spreadsheet software.
- Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or similar presentation software.
- Design Tools: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), Sketch, Figma, or similar design tools (for campaign development and asset creation).
- Social Media Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, or other relevant social media platforms (for campaign management and market research).
- Market Research Tools: Google Trends, Social Blade, Brand24, or similar market research tools (for consumer insights and trend analysis).
- Data Analysis: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, SPSS, R, Python, or similar data analysis tools (for business case development and data-driven decision making).
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable using a range of tools and technologies to manage projects, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive brand growth. Familiarity with project management tools, communication platforms, and design tools is essential for this role. Experience with market research tools and data analysis software is also beneficial.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values: Unilever's core values include:
- Our Purpose: To make sustainable living commonplace.
- Our Values: Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, and Pioneering.
- Our Beliefs: We believe in the power of brands to make a positive difference to people's lives and the world around us.
Work Style:
- Collaborative: Unilever fosters a collaborative work environment, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Inclusive: The company values diversity and inclusion, and strives to create an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
- Dynamic: Unilever operates in a fast-paced and dynamic industry, with a strong focus on innovation, adaptability, and continuous improvement.
- Purpose-driven: The company is committed to making a positive impact on people's lives and the environment, with a strong focus on sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical business practices.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Alignment with Company Values: How do your personal values and work style align with Unilever's core values and beliefs? Provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated these values in your previous roles.
- Comfort with Change: How do you adapt to change and uncertainty in a fast-paced work environment? Describe a situation where you had to adapt to significant changes or challenges, and how you approached them.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: How do you approach collaboration and teamwork, particularly in a cross-functional or global team setting? Describe a successful team project you have worked on, and your role in driving its success.
- Consumer Focus: How do you ensure that your work is consumer-centric and driven by a deep understanding of consumer needs and preferences? Describe a marketing campaign or project where you demonstrated a strong consumer focus and the results you achieved.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are strongly aligned with Unilever's core values, comfortable with change and uncertainty, and demonstrate strong collaboration and consumer focus skills will be most successful in this role.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Workload: The role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously, with tight deadlines and competing priorities. Candidates should be comfortable managing their time effectively and prioritizing tasks accordingly.
- Global Collaboration: Working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders in different regions and time zones can present unique challenges. Candidates should be comfortable collaborating virtually and managing time zone differences.
- Stakeholder Management: The role requires managing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including external agencies, internal teams, and local market teams. Candidates should be comfortable navigating complex stakeholder dynamics and building effective working relationships.
- Adaptability: The role may require adapting to changes in project scope, priorities, or market conditions. Candidates should be comfortable pivoting and adjusting their approach as needed to meet evolving demands.
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to manage their time effectively, collaborate successfully with global teams, navigate complex stakeholder dynamics, and adapt to changes in project scope or priorities.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Global Brand Manager vs. Regional Brand Manager: A Global Brand Manager role focuses on driving brand growth and strategy at a global level, while a Regional Brand Manager role focuses on implementing global brand strategy at a local or regional level. The Global Assistant Brand Manager role is more focused on supporting the development and execution of global brand projects and campaigns.
- Brand Manager vs. Product Manager: A Brand Manager role focuses on driving brand growth and strategy, while a Product Manager role focuses on managing the product lifecycle, from development to launch to end-of-life. The Global Assistant Brand Manager role combines elements of both roles, with a focus on driving brand growth through innovation and campaign management.
- Marketing Manager vs. Communications Manager: A Marketing Manager role focuses on driving brand growth through marketing strategies and campaigns, while a Communications Manager role focuses on managing brand messaging, PR, and stakeholder communications. The Global Assistant Brand Manager role combines elements of both roles, with a focus on driving brand growth through innovative marketing campaigns and effective stakeholder communications.
ASSUMPTION: The Global Assistant Brand Manager role is unique in its focus on supporting the development and execution of global brand projects and campaigns, with a strong emphasis on innovation, consumer insights, and cross-functional collaboration.
π Sample Projects
- Innovation Project: Develop a new product line extension for Rexona, focusing on clinical efficacy and premiumization. Conduct consumer research to identify unmet needs and develop a product proposition that resonates with target consumers. Collaborate with R&D, supply chain, and legal teams to bring the product to market within a specified timeline and budget.
- Campaign Development: Lead the development and execution of a social-first campaign for Rexona in LATAM markets, focusing on driving brand awareness and engagement among target consumers. Collaborate with external agencies to create compelling creative assets and manage campaign delivery across multiple channels.
- Brand Strategy Development: Conduct a comprehensive brand audit and consumer segmentation analysis to inform the development of a new brand strategy for Rexona. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define brand positioning, target consumer segments, and a roadmap for brand growth over the next 3-5 years.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to illustrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for the Global Assistant Brand Manager β Rexona Innovation role. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate their ability to manage complex projects, collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, and drive brand growth through innovative marketing strategies and campaigns.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Role Responsibilities: Can you describe the key responsibilities of the Global Assistant Brand Manager β Rexona Innovation role and how they align with my skills and experience?
- Team Structure: Can you describe the team structure for this role and how it fits into the broader organization? Who will I be working closely with, and what are the key priorities for the team in the coming months?
- Brand Strategy: What is the current brand strategy for Rexona, and how does this role contribute to its development and execution?
- Innovation Pipeline: What are the key innovation projects in the pipeline for Rexona, and how does this role support their development and launch?
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: How does this role collaborate with other teams, such as R&D, supply chain, and legal, to drive brand growth and innovation?
- Career Growth: What opportunities are there for career growth and development within the Unilever organization, particularly for someone in this role?
- Work-Life Balance: How does Unilever support work-life balance for employees, particularly in a hybrid work arrangement?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the organization, and to assess their fit for the position. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the role, their relevant experience, and their enthusiasm for the opportunity.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the following link:
https://unilever.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/UK_TemporaryWorkersite/job/100VE/Global-Assistant-Brand-Manager---Rexona-Innovation_R-82474
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements that match the job requirements.
- Write a compelling cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role, your relevant experience, and your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
- Prepare a portfolio or examples of your work that showcase your skills and accomplishments, if applicable.
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within 7-10 business days after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application.
β οΈ Disclaimer
This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.