Issues & Communications Assistant Manager

Unilever Brasil Ltda.; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consumer goods company in London is seeking an Issues & Communications Assistant Manager. This role involves managing global issues operations, engaging with stakeholders, and supporting media relations. The ideal candidate will have a background in communications or PR and possess strong communication skills. A competitive salary, annual bonus, and flexible working options are offered. Join a diverse and inclusive workplace that values collaboration and creativity.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Free gym

Discounted staff shop

Shares

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Basic understanding of reputation management.
• Previous experience working with journalists and managing the media.

Responsibilities

• Support two Senior Issues Managers to manage issue flares.
• Lead management of Unilever’s Global Issues Hub.
• Support delivery of key projects across the team.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Understanding of the media

Ability to build strong alliances

Highly organised

Creative approach to finding solutions

Commercially aware

Team player

Culturally sensitive

Education

Background in comms/PR

Job description

Job Title: Issues & Communications Assistant Manager

Location: 100VE, London

JOB PURPOSE

The Corporate Affairs and Issues team is responsible for the effective management of short and long-term issues impacting Unilever’s reputation and business operations. This is a fast‑paced and exciting role in a team which is the ‘nerve centre’ for managing issue flares, including NGO campaigns, scientific reports, policy and political developments, media queries, consumer issues, and social media campaigns impacting Unilever. We work with experts across the business to shape and protect Unilever’s reputation and ensure we effectively respond to issues in line with our corporate values, commitments and positions.

The Issues & Communications Assistant Manager, based in London, reports to a Senior Issues Communications Manager. The person in this role is responsible for the day‑to‑day management of Unilever’s global issues operation, ensuring the smooth running of Unilever’s issues management tools and processes. In addition, they will support on the management of a broad range of reputational issues through stakeholder engagement (internally and externally), media relations and reactive issues handling.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support two Senior Issues & Communications Managers to manage issue flares, working with relevant teams and topic experts to develop management strategies and draft responses to media/stakeholder enquiries.
• Support integrated and effective always‑on issues management and planning across key teams.
• Lead insight‑led capabilities within the team, overseeing day‑to‑day issues monitoring and analytics and integration of monitoring tools.
• Support “always‑on” trendspotting and issues forecasting.
• Lead management of Unilever’s Global Issues Hub and tools to support efficient and effective issues management across the wider business.
• Support capabilities building through development and evolution of Unilever’s issues management processes and resources, including training materials for market colleagues and teams.
• Support delivery of key projects across the team, including Unilever’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Oversee day‑to‑day tasks and support of an Industrial Placement (IP) team member.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Understanding of the media (particularly UK and US); a passion for news.
• Basic understanding of reputation management.
• Ability to build strong alliances and trust with internal stakeholders and engage confidently with journalists and senior‑level colleagues.
• Highly organised.
• Able to work to tight deadlines and deliver under pressure.
• Creative approach to finding solutions.
• Commercially aware.
• Real team player, keeps a balance between personal accountability and delivery through teamwork.
• Bias for action, shows accountability and responsibility and has a ‘can do’ attitude.
• Culturally sensitive and resilient.
• Desire for flawless execution.

ESSENTIAL

• Background in comms/PR.
• Previous experience working with journalists and managing the media.
• A good track record of driving the delivery of projects/campaigns.

DESIRABLE

• Previous experience in crisis/issues handling.

LOCATION

In September 2020, Unilever announced the intention to build a new sustainable campus site in Kingston, London to house the employees who currently work in 100 Victoria Embankment in Blackfriars, Lever House in Kingston, Unilever House in Leatherhead and Graze in Richmond. We are creating our own Unilever sustainable, agile work environment, purposefully bringing us together in our own Unilever ecosystem. The campus is due to be completed in early 2025 and will consist of two interconnected buildings, as well as landscaped surrounding areas.

WHAT WE OFFER

Not only do we offer a competitive salary and pension scheme, we also offer an annual bonus, free gym, a discounted staff shop and shares. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with our renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment.

Whilst the role is advertised on a full‑time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you. We are a key advocate of wellbeing and offer a variety of support for our people including hubs, programmes and development opportunities. We strive to achieve a family‑friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all.

Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance. We embrace diversity in our workforce. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We are also more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to present your best self.