📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Issues and Communications Manager
🔹 Company: Unilever
🔹 Location: 100VE, London, UK
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Corporate Affairs & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing global corporate issues and advising on external positions and messaging
- Acting as the primary contact for corporate issues playing out on social media
- Supporting markets on key reputational issues and advising on risk mitigation and handling
- Ensuring effective issue management processes and tools are in place
- Developing internal training materials and simulations to promote best practice issues management
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure. It is ideal for someone with extensive experience in corporate communications and a deep understanding of the media landscape.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the day-to-day management of Unilever’s global corporate issues, advising on external positions, messaging, and content
✅ Act as the primary contact for corporate issues playing out on social media
✅ Support markets on key reputational issues and advise on risk mitigation and handling
✅ Ensure the Corporate Responsibility Committee (CRC) are updated regularly on significant issue flares
✅ Respond to issue-related media queries and prepare media responses, social media responses, content for digital channels, and careline responses as needed on active issues
✅ Maintain and enhance Unilever’s issue management process and supporting tools
✅ Champion effective issues management across the business
✅ Develop internal training materials and simulations to promote best practice issues management
ASSUMPTION: This role involves managing complex and sensitive issues that require a high degree of discretion and confidentiality. The successful candidate will need to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and work collaboratively with various teams across the business.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, or a related field
Required Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Strong judgement
- Confidence, drive, and initiative
- Ability to work to tight deadlines, calm under pressure, and resilient
- Comprehensive understanding of the media (particularly UK and US)
- Ability to engage confidently with journalists
- Understanding of how civil society, media, politics, science, business, and citizens operate and interact
- Ability and desire to understand complex topics and translate them into compelling stories
- Extensive experience building strong alliances and trust with internal stakeholders
- Real team player, keeping a balance between personal accountability and delivery through teamwork
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working in a multinational corporation
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing corporate issues and a deep understanding of the media landscape. They will also possess excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with various teams across the business.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £70,000 - £90,000 per annum (based on industry standards for a Senior Manager role in London)
Benefits:
- Competitive pension plan
- Private healthcare and dental insurance
- Life assurance
- Income protection
- 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays)
- Flexible working options
- Employee discounts on Unilever products
Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with some flexibility required to manage issue flares
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Senior Manager role in London. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Consumer Goods
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Global)
Founded: 1872
Company Description:
- Unilever is a British-Dutch multinational consumer goods company headquartered in London, England, and Rotterdam, Netherlands
- It owns over 400 brands, including Lipton, Knorr, Dove, Axe, Hellmann’s, and Omo, and is one of the world's largest producers of food, beverages, cleaning agents, and personal care products
- Unilever is committed to achieving a positive environmental impact by 2030, with a focus on reducing plastic waste, conserving water, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
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: www.unilever.com
ASSUMPTION: Unilever is a large, multinational corporation with a diverse portfolio of brands and a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. This role will involve working collaboratively with various teams across the business to manage corporate issues and protect the company's reputation.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Manager
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Corporate Affairs and Issues
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (on-site with some remote work flexibility)
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a more senior role within the Corporate Affairs and Issues team or another function within Unilever
- Broadening of responsibilities to include additional regions or brands
- Opportunities to work on special projects or secondments
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within a large, multinational corporation. The successful candidate will have the chance to work on high-profile issues and collaborate with senior leaders across the business.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (on-site with some remote work flexibility)
Office Location(s): 100VE, London, UK (with potential relocation to Kingston-upon-Thames in early 2025)
Geographic Context:
- London is a major global city with a vibrant cultural scene, excellent dining options, and numerous historical attractions
- The office is located in the Blackfriars area, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities
- The potential relocation to Kingston-upon-Thames offers a more suburban setting with a lower cost of living and excellent transport links to London
Work Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with some flexibility required to manage issue flares
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will need to be comfortable working in a hybrid environment and be able to manage their time effectively to balance on-site and remote work. They will also need to be flexible and able to work outside of regular business hours when managing issue flares.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and CV screening
- Phone or video call with the Talent Partner
- Face-to-face or video interview with the hiring manager and a panel of stakeholders
- Final interview with the Head of Corporate Affairs and Issues
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to engage with journalists
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Understanding of the media landscape and ability to manage complex issues
- Cultural fit and alignment with Unilever's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of how you have managed corporate issues in previous roles
- Research Unilever's corporate affairs and issues team and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to its success
ATS Keywords: Corporate Affairs, Issues Management, Communications, Media Relations, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Thinking, Problem-Solving, Journalism, Reputation Management, Unilever
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's communication skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the media landscape and a proven track record in managing corporate issues.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Media monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable using a range of tools and technologies to manage corporate issues and engage with stakeholders. They will also need to be able to learn new tools and adapt to changes in technology as required.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Our Purpose: To make sustainable living commonplace
- Our Values: Care, Courage, Collaboration, and Integrity
- Our Beliefs: We believe in the power of business as a force for good, and we believe in the power of our brands to make a difference
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Agile and adaptable, with a focus on delivering results
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Unilever's purpose and values?
- How comfortable are you working in a hybrid environment and managing your time effectively?
- How do you approach managing complex issues and engaging with journalists?
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be a strong cultural fit for Unilever, with a deep understanding of the company's purpose and values. They will also be comfortable working in a hybrid environment and be able to manage their time effectively to balance on-site and remote work.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require working outside of regular business hours to manage issue flares
- The successful candidate may need to relocate to Kingston-upon-Thames in early 2025
- The role involves managing complex and sensitive issues that require a high degree of discretion and confidentiality
- The successful candidate will need to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and work collaboratively with various teams across the business
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will need to be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. They will also need to be able to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and work collaboratively with various teams across the business.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique within Unilever, as it focuses specifically on managing global corporate issues
- Similar roles in other organizations may include Corporate Communications Manager, Public Relations Manager, or Issues Management Specialist
- Career progression in this role may lead to more senior positions within the Corporate Affairs and Issues team or other functions within Unilever
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique within Unilever and offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within a large, multinational corporation. The successful candidate will have the chance to work on high-profile issues and collaborate with senior leaders across the business.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing a high-profile issue related to a product recall or safety concern
- Developing and implementing a crisis communication plan for a potential reputational crisis
- Conducting a media analysis and providing strategic recommendations to senior leadership
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience managing complex corporate issues and developing and implementing effective communication strategies. They will also be able to work collaboratively with various teams across the business to protect the company's reputation.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader corporate affairs and issues team, and how will I collaborate with other team members?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the corporate affairs and issues team in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Unilever support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in this role?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days, and how will my performance be measured?
- How does Unilever approach diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what initiatives are in place to support these values?
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be curious and engaged, asking thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the company. They will also be proactive in seeking feedback and guidance to ensure their success in the role.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of how you have managed corporate issues in previous roles
- Research Unilever's corporate affairs and issues team and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to its success
- Follow up with the Talent Partner, Chris Carr (xxx.xxx@unilever.com) one week after submitting your application to check the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
