External Partnerships Manager

About This Role

As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for fostering strong relationships with government entities, external stakeholders, and civil society to champion Unilever's reputation and business continuity.

You will work closely with colleagues in other functions, regional and global teams to align strategies and drive the company's success.

We are seeking an individual who can analyze complex issues, communicate effectively, and lead change with resilience and authenticity.

The successful candidate will have experience working within international teams across geographies, with a strong network of government/regulators and academic stakeholders.

We offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes equity, inclusion, and belonging.

This is a unique opportunity to join a leading organization and contribute to shaping the future of the industry.

Key Responsibilities:

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• Develop and implement government affairs strategy, stakeholder engagement, corporate reputation, issue & crisis management to ensure no disruption to business.\
• Manage governmental affairs at Provincial and National levels, including preparing high-level bilateral meetings for leadership.\
• Support local site teams to manage business continuity and community relations.\
• Represent Unilever with external stakeholders and regulators, including engaging in trade associations to improve the business environment.\
• Enhance visibility and reputation of Unilever, positioning it as a leader in sustainable and future-ready business practices.\
• Monitor policy and political environment for emerging issues and inform leadership accordingly.\
• Identify opportunities and threats in the business environment to support or defend Unilever's operations.\
• Coordinate mapping and management of key issues with functions like Supply Chain, Marketing/Brands, Sustainability, and Regulatory Affairs, implementing mitigation strategies.\
• Ensure proper processes are in place to protect Unilever's license to operate, managing partnerships with government, external stakeholders, and civil society.\
• Report directly to the Head of Communications & Corporate Affairs, working closely with colleagues in other functions, regional and global teams to align strategies.\
• Support development and execution of government affairs strategy, stakeholder engagement, corporate reputation, issue & crisis management to ensure no disruption to business.\
• Provide expert advice on government relations, regulatory compliance, and risk management to senior leadership.\
• Analyze complex issues, communicate effectively, and lead change with resilience and authenticity.\
• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, regulators, and industry partners to advance Unilever's interests.\
• Develop and maintain knowledge of industry trends, regulatory developments, and policy changes that impact Unilever's operations.\
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement business strategies that address emerging risks and opportunities.\
• Stay up-to-date with the latest industry news, trends, and best practices to stay ahead of the competition.\
• Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.\
• Embody Unilever's values and behaviors, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.\
• Lead by example, inspiring others to perform passionately through uncertainty and delivering high standards while maintaining a focus on safety and results.\
• Deliver business outcomes that meet or exceed expectations, driving growth, profitability, and market share.\
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion, adhering to Unilever's policies and procedures.\
• Perform other duties as assigned by senior leadership, contributing to the overall success of the organization.\
• Take ownership of personal development, staying up-to-date with the latest skills and competencies required to excel in this role.\
• Mentor and coach junior colleagues, providing guidance and support to help them grow and develop in their careers.\
• Foster a positive work environment, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encouraging open communication and collaboration.\
• Respect and value the contributions of all team members, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences.\
• Cultivate a culture of accountability, transparency, and integrity, ensuring that all actions and decisions align with Unilever's values and principles.\
• Prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality and attention to detail.\
• Travel extensively, representing Unilever at industry events, conferences, and meetings, building relationships with stakeholders and thought leaders.\
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with suppliers, vendors, and partners, negotiating contracts and agreements that benefit Unilever.\
• Identify and capitalize on business opportunities, developing innovative solutions to drive growth and profitability.\
• Synthesize complex data and information, communicating insights and recommendations to senior leadership.\
• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve business objectives, prioritizing resources and allocating budgets effectively.\
• Assess and mitigate risks, ensuring that Unilever operates in a responsible and sustainable manner.\
• Conduct research and analysis, identifying trends and opportunities that impact Unilever's operations.\
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership, advocating for investments in new initiatives and programs.\
• Build and maintain a network of contacts and relationships with key stakeholders, influencers, and decision-makers.\
• Create and disseminate thought leadership pieces, articles, and whitepapers that showcase Unilever's expertise and thought leadership.\
• Host and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and webinars, sharing knowledge and best practices with colleagues and partners.\
• Engage in industry associations, professional organizations, and networking groups, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments.\
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of Unilever's products, services, and offerings, advocating for their benefits and value proposition.\
• Contribute to the development of marketing campaigns, promotional materials, and sales collateral that promote Unilever's products and services.\
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to launch new products, services, and initiatives, ensuring successful market entry and customer adoption.\
• Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, adjusting strategies and tactics to optimize results.\
• Monitor and respond to customer feedback, complaints, and concerns, resolving issues promptly and professionally.\
• Demonstrate a customer-centric approach, understanding their needs, preferences, and pain points to deliver tailored solutions.\
• Foster strong relationships with customers, establishing trust and credibility through excellent service, expertise, and follow-through.\
• Communicate effectively with customers, stakeholders, and colleagues, adapting tone, style, and language to suit different audiences and contexts.\
• Use data and analytics to inform decisions, measure performance, and drive continuous improvement.\
• Embed a culture of experimentation, learning from failures, and iteration to drive innovation and growth.\
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the market, competitors, and trends, anticipating changes and opportunities.\
• Drive business growth through strategic planning, market research, and competitive analysis.\
• Leverage technology to enhance customer experience, streamline processes, and increase efficiency.\
• Pursue certifications, training, and education to stay current with industry developments and best practices.\
• Participate in industry events, conferences, and trade shows to stay informed about the latest trends and innovations.\
• Promote Unilever's brand, products, and services through social media, content creation, and other digital channels.\
• Develop and maintain a network of contacts and relationships with key stakeholders, influencers, and decision-makers.\
• Conduct research and analysis, identifying trends and opportunities that impact Unilever's operations.\
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership, advocating for investments in new initiatives and programs.\
• Build and maintain a portfolio of projects and initiatives that demonstrate your capabilities and achievements.\\