Corporate Communications Lead Philippines

Main Purpose of the Job
The Corporate Communications Lead will be responsible for shaping and protecting Unilever's reputation in the Philippines through impactful internal and external communications. The role will ensure that Unilever's business priorities, sustainability commitments, and purpose are amplified through compelling storytelling, trusted media engagement, cross-functional collaboration, and inspiring employee communications.

This role reports directly to the Head of Communications, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability for Philippines and Greater Asia (based in Manila) and works in close partnership with regional and global communications teams. The role will also lead and coach one direct report, fostering growth, capability building, and future-ready communications skills.

In addition, the role will serve as a strategic communications advisor to two Unilever Greater Asia Business Units: (1) Foods and (2) Beauty & Wellbeing, supporting their communications needs and ensuring alignment with corporate priorities.

Key Accountabilities
External Communications & Media Relations

• Develop and execute communications strategies that elevate Unilever's corporate narrative in the Philippines.
• Build and maintain strong media relationships, acting as the spokesperson for Unilever Philippines.
• Proactively shape positive narratives in traditional and digital media, turning brand and corporate stories into advocacy opportunities.
• Leverage social and digital channels to build trust, reach new audiences, and influence public perception.
• Monitor media and digital conversations, providing timely, accurate responses to protect and enhance reputation.

Reputation & Storytelling

• Translate global and regional priorities into locally relevant stories that resonate with consumers, employees, and external stakeholders.
• Drive thought leadership positioning by preparing high-quality speeches, articles, and briefing materials for senior leaders.
• Partner with brand and business teams to support product and innovation launches with compelling, insight-driven communications.

Cross-Functional & Business Unit Partnership

• Serve as a communications advisor to cross-functional teams (marketing, HR, supply chain, sustainability, legal, and customer development).
• Provide communications expertise and counsel for corporate and brand-related initiatives, ensuring alignment with Unilever's global narrative and local priorities.
• Collaborate with brand teams to develop earned media strategies that amplify brand purpose, innovation, and market leadership.
• Partner with HR to strengthen employer branding and employee value proposition communications.
• Act as a business advisor to two Unilever Greater Asia Business Units — Foods and Beauty & Wellbeing — supporting their communication strategies, launches, and advocacy initiatives.

Internal Communications & Employee Engagement

• Partner with HR to deliver the internal communications agenda that engages, inspires, and aligns employees with Unilever's strategy, culture, and values.
• Co-manage internal channels (national town halls, intranet, newsletters, and digital platforms) to strengthen culture and employee advocacy.
• Design and implement campaigns that empower employees as brand ambassadors and amplify Unilever's purpose-driven commitments.

Issues & Crisis Communications

• Anticipate and manage potential reputation risks in close partnership with regional and global communications teams.
• Provide clear, timely, and transparent communications responses to protect brand and corporate trust.
• Develop and maintain crisis communication toolkits including Q&As, messaging frameworks, and social/digital responses.

People Leadership

• Directly lead, coach, and develop one team member, fostering an inclusive and high-performance culture.
• Provide ongoing feedback, mentoring, and development opportunities to build future-ready communications capabilities.
• Role-model Unilever's leadership standards and values, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent within the function.

Key Skills & Experiences

• 7–10 years of experience in corporate communications, media relations, or reputation management (multinational/FMCG experience an advantage).
• Strong background in media engagement, digital storytelling, and content development.
• Proven track record in issues and crisis communications.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and regional business units to deliver integrated communications.
• Experience in people leadership, coaching, and talent development.
• Excellent English communication skills (verbal & written); English language skills preferred.
• Digital and social media fluency, with the ability to use analytics and insights for storytelling and reputation management.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset, able to work effectively across functions, business units, and global teams.

Mindset & Leadership Behaviors

• High sense of ownership, resilience, and adaptability.
• Passionate about storytelling, media, and reputation building.
• Trusted advisor, able to counsel and influence senior leaders with confidence.
• People developer who invests in coaching and growing team capability.
• Inclusive communicator who empowers employees and builds trust.
• Curious, creative, and future-focused on modern communications trends.

We highly encourage applicants to exclude information on age, gender, and school/s in view of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Unilever assesses candidates based on skills, performance, experience and leadership.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their 'Whole Self' to work and this includes you Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.