📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Global Head of Corporate Communications
🔹 Company: Unilever
🔹 Location: 100VE, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Corporate Communications
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-10
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading global corporate communications strategy to promote Unilever’s reputation
- Overseeing media relations, function communications, owned content, and corporate reporting
- Collaborating with C-suite executives and subject matter experts across the business
- Engaging with external stakeholders, including government representatives and partners
- Managing a team of communications professionals
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent leadership skills, and a deep understanding of corporate communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Build Unilever’s corporate reputation with various stakeholders through thought leadership, media, and owned content strategies
✅ Develop and oversee a proactive media relations strategy centered on Unilever’s business strategy to increase positive media coverage
✅ Manage communications issues and crises in partnership with the Corporate Affairs VP
✅ Oversee the communications strategy to investor and financial audiences, working in partnership with the Head of Investor Relations
✅ Oversee the development of the Annual Report and Accounts as a key piece of content to engage with stakeholders
✅ Lead and grow the Functions Communications Team, including R&D, Marketing, etc.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves strategic planning, execution, and management of corporate communications initiatives to enhance Unilever’s reputation and drive business success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
Experience: Minimum of 15 years of experience in corporate communications, with a proven track record in media relations and stakeholder engagement
Required Skills:
- Proven leadership and team management skills
- Excellent communication and writing skills
- Strong understanding of media relations and stakeholder engagement
- Digital and technology savvy, with knowledge of using data and digital formats to reach, engage, measure, and inform communications
- Fluency in external social, digital, multi-media tools, content, and channels to maximize the impact of communications
- Strong understanding of the external landscape and ability to bring an outside-in perspective
- Confidence, drive, and initiative, with the ability to work independently and lead the team to continuous innovation
- Excellent team player with genuine openness to collaboration with peers
- Discretion when dealing with confidential matters
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working in a multinational corporation
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in corporate communications, with a proven track record in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and digital communications.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £120,000 - £160,000 per annum (Estimated, based on industry standards for a role of this level and location)
Benefits:
- Competitive pension plan
- Private healthcare and dental insurance
- Life insurance and income protection
- Generous annual leave and flexible working arrangements
- Employee discounts on Unilever products
Working Hours: Full-time, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days on-site per week)
ASSUMPTION: The estimated salary range is based on market research and industry standards for a role of this level and location. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Consumer Goods, specifically focusing on the manufacturing and marketing of food, beverages, cleaning agents, and personal care products
Company Size: Unilever is a large multinational corporation with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse teams and projects
Founded: 1872, with a rich history of innovation and growth in the consumer goods industry
Company Description:
- Unilever is a purpose-driven company, committed to making sustainable living commonplace
- The company produces world-leading brands, including Lipton, Knorr, Dove, Axe, Hellmann’s, and Omo, alongside trusted local names and innovative forward-thinking brands like Ben & Jerry’s, The Dollar Shave Club, and Dermalogica
- Unilever promotes innovation, big and small, to make its business win and grow, and believes in business as a force for good
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, global company with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. This context is essential for understanding the company's culture, values, and priorities.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Executive/Managerial level, with the opportunity to shape the company's corporate communications strategy and drive business impact
Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer and serves as a member of the Sustainability, Corporate Affairs & Communications Leadership Team
Work Arrangement: Hybrid work arrangement, with 2-3 days on-site per week at the company's headquarters in London (100VE) or Kingston-upon-Thames (from early 2025)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to shape the company's corporate communications strategy and drive business impact
- Opportunities to collaborate with C-suite executives and subject matter experts across the business
- Possibility to grow within the corporate affairs and communications team or explore other roles within the organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities, both in terms of career progression and impact on the business.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office spaces with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities
Office Location(s): 100VE, London (until early 2025), with a planned move to Kingston-upon-Thames in early 2025
Geographic Context:
- The United Kingdom is a major global hub for consumer goods, with a thriving business ecosystem and strong connections to international markets
- London, in particular, is a multicultural, vibrant city with a rich history and a wide range of cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options
- Kingston-upon-Thames is a picturesque town located on the River Thames, offering a mix of urban and suburban living with easy access to central London
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days on-site per week)
ASSUMPTION: The location and work environment offer a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to cultural attractions and amenities, as well as a modern, collaborative office space.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Partner
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members
- Final interview with the Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and communication skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Understanding of Unilever's business, industry, and competitors
- Cultural fit and alignment with Unilever's values and purpose
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of Unilever's business and industry trends in your application materials
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview process to showcase your interest in the role and organization
ATS Keywords: Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Stakeholder Engagement, Digital Savvy, Content Strategy, Team Leadership, Writing Skills, Innovation, Collaboration, Confidentiality, Strategic Thinking, Performance Management, Crisis Management, Public Relations, Brand Management, Sustainability
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, communication skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit with Unilever.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
- Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
ASSUMPTION: The role requires proficiency in various communication, project management, and social media management tools to effectively execute corporate communications strategies.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Our Purpose is to make sustainable living commonplace
- We Win Together as one Unilever family with a spirit of collaboration and teamwork
- Our Performance drives our continued success
- We Lead the way towards a sustainable future
- Our Integrity is the foundation of how we interact with each other and our stakeholders
Work Style:
- Collaborative and inclusive, with a focus on teamwork and open communication
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on driving results and continuous improvement
- Innovative and forward-thinking, with a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Unilever's purpose and values, and how can you contribute to our mission of making sustainable living commonplace?
- How do you approach collaboration and teamwork in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and how do you ensure open communication and inclusivity?
- How do you balance driving results and continuous improvement with a focus on innovation and sustainability?
ASSUMPTION: Unilever values a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a strong focus on collaboration, teamwork, and open communication. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their alignment with these values and work style preferences.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously, with tight deadlines and high expectations
- The corporate affairs and communications landscape is constantly evolving, requiring adaptability and continuous learning
- The role may involve managing sensitive information and navigating complex stakeholder relationships
- The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers significant opportunities for growth and impact, it also presents challenges that require strong communication skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions in its focus on global corporate communications strategy, with a broader scope of responsibilities and a higher level of leadership
- Industry-specific context: The consumer goods industry is highly competitive, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement
- Career path comparison: This role offers a clear path to senior leadership positions within corporate affairs and communications, as well as opportunities to explore other roles within the organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the company's corporate communications strategy and drive business impact, with a clear path to senior leadership positions.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive media relations strategy to enhance Unilever's reputation and drive business success
- Managing a high-profile crisis or issue, requiring strategic communication and stakeholder engagement
- Overseeing the development and launch of Unilever's annual report, ensuring it effectively engages with stakeholders and aligns with the company's strategic objectives
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, leadership, and communication skills required for this role, as well as the opportunity to drive business impact and enhance Unilever's reputation.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader corporate affairs and communications strategy, and how can I contribute to its success?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how can I ensure a smooth transition into the position?
- How does Unilever support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the corporate affairs and communications function?
- What are the key challenges facing the corporate affairs and communications team, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Unilever measure the success of its corporate communications initiatives, and how can I contribute to improving these metrics?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, strategic questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and organization, and provides valuable insights into the company's priorities and culture.
📌 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 for this role
- Prepare for your phone or video screen with the Talent Partner by researching Unilever's business, industry, and competitors
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview process to showcase your interest in the role and organization
- Follow up with the Talent Partner, Chris Carr, within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and next steps
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
