Head of Media - Chief Spokesperson

ICE CREAM IS LOOKING FOR: Head of Media/Chief Spokesperson

The Ice Cream division at Unilever is preparing to stand on its own, aiming to become an independent, EUR 8.3 billion publicly listed company by the end of 2025. We’re on a mission to create the ultimate snacking company.​ A place where growth, innovation, founder and ownership mentality, and performance are cultivated and rewarded. And where we craft extraordinary ice cream experiences - transforming ordinary moments into lasting memories.​ Because we know, life tastes better with ice cream.​

ABOUT ICE CREAM: Life Tastes Better With Ice Cream

Unilever Ice Cream is the largest global Ice Cream Company in the world, with over 100 years of experience delivering a diverse range of indulgent, yet responsible, craft food experiences and treats delighting consumers. Committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability we have 35 brands, including 3 one billion Euro brands (Magnum, Wall’s, Ben & Jerry’s), a strong presence in over 60 countries, generating annual revenue of over $8 billion. All brands are driven to transform moments into memories through indulgent yet responsibly made and marketed products. We have a well-developed strategy to deliver growth and value creation which is clear on where to play and how to win.

We turn the ordinary into the extraordinary by designing unique and innovative Ice Cream experiences that make life taste better, creating joyful experiences. In our Ice Cream business, we’re crafting the future through innovation and imaginative minds, creating unique products. We spark moments of happiness for people and within the communities where we operate. However, it is not as simple as it may seem. As Ice Cream makers we are serious about happiness. With warm hearts, we create the coolest products.

INTRODUCTION

We are at a unique inflection point where we are preparing for the separation of Unilever’s Ice Cream business.

The Ice Cream Communications and Corporate Affairs team works to create value for Ice Cream as well as build and protect Ice Cream’s reputation through earned media coverage by illustrating progress against the company’s strategy.

This is an exciting role for someone who is passionate about working for a large ‘start-up’ business that is set up for a strong financial performance, a leader in its product category, and eager to engage around impactful stories. The ideal candidate will have a blend of creativity, agility, strong stakeholder management skills, a growth-mindset and attention to detail. You will have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a solid track-record in (corporate) media relations. You will be a natural networker, and a trusted adviser and business partner.

This important role reports to the External Communications Director and you will be working alongside a driven and agile team. As the first point of contact for journalists, you will be a trusted interface between the media (and the stakeholders they represent) and the Ice Cream business. You will build a pipeline of standout stories, pitch them to journalists and play a key role in supporting the effective running of the global press office. You will work with internal knowledge holders including senior executives and other subject matter experts respond to media enquiries and proactively build the profile of the Ice Cream business and its leadership.

You will have existing relationships with journalists, preferably in the Netherlands as well as at international outlets (knowledge of the UK media landscape is a plus), as well as experience advising and working with senior executives, and the desire to work effectively with talent across the business. You should be able to exercise strong judgement, thrive in a collaborative environment, be able to prioritise competing deadlines and have a genuine passion for the news - particularly across financial and business news, current and consumer affairs.

You should be someone who enjoys consuming all types of media and have a newsroom mentality, monitoring key trends and seeking to bring the outside in. In doing so you are sensitive to brand-building opportunities as well as to potential reputational risks.

This position offers unprecedented access to senior leaders, a truly global perspective, and the opportunity to work in the biggest ‘start-up’ of the moment.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

• Day to day chief spokesperson for the Ice Cream business.
• Trusted interface with tier 1 and tier 2 journalists at global and local outlets.
• Take ownership of stories to deliver a regular drumbeat of coverage, including supporting the company’s Business Units.
• Position Ice Cream and its spokespeople as thought leaders on topics aligned to the narrative.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior executives and teams across the business, as well as prepare colleagues for media engagements – interviews, panels, roundtables, key notes etc.
• Help to drive a newsroom mentality – including high quality media insight and spotting opportunities for newsjacking.
• Work with a good degree of independence and help to develop and coach junior team members.
• Work closely with the Director External Communications and finance colleagues in support of the annual financial reporting calendar.
• Take part in a weekend press office monitoring rota and delivering daily coverage summaries (approximately one in every six weeks).
• Support the management of subscriptions and licenses to ensure value for money.
• Act as a partner for PR agencies that work with Ice Cream globally.

EXPERIENCE YOU SHOULD HAVE/THE QUALITIES WE LOOK FOR

Experiences & Qualifications

• Exceptional English language skills, fluency in Dutch in addition is preferred.
• 7 years+ solid media relations experience, preferably in a corporate/head office client-side environment or at a leading agency. experience preferred
• Experience working with and advising senior executives, and ideally navigating a complex matrix organisation
• Experience managing agencies
• Delivery in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written skills and forensic attention to detail
• Creative thinking and proven ability to spot media opportunities beyond traditional media
• Discretion when dealing with confidential matters

WHAT DOES UNILEVER OFFER/WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

• Attractive total remuneration package: excellent company pension, bonus, share scheme.
• Flexible cross-disciplinary career opportunities and a wealth of training opportunities & wellbeing resources whenever and wherever.
• Plenty of company-paid holidays to further ensure your work-life balance is maintained.
• We encourage an inclusive culture, which comes to life with interchangeable public holidays, paid paternity leave of 6 weeks and our transgender policy.
• Under the Hybrid Working principles, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 40%-60% in the office or at customers, suppliers or partners to connect and collaborate. For the time you work from home, we will ensure you are well equipped. When you are at the office, you can enjoy our tasty canteen with prepped food and own products.
• Informal culture and being the first one trying our new products.
• My Fitness Plan (reduction on your Fitness Subscription).
• Homework allowance
• Company laptop and mobile phone
• Green Mobility Policy.