Title: Ben and Jerry%27s Connectivity & Communications Mgr
Location: United States-Vermont-South Burlington-South Burlington -30 Community
Job Number: 160005CJ
Connectivity and Communications Manager
Role & Responsibilities SUMMARY:
This role will manage internal global communications, to enhance and encourage connectivity, between all Ben & Jerry’s partners including Central Support Offices, Vermont Manufacturing, Country Business Leaders of Ben & Jerry’s, Retail business, and Unilever.
The person shall serve in the role as trusted advisor and business partner to the PR/Communications Director and the Human Resources team while also leading the internal leadership communications agenda for the brand.
Given Ben & Jerry’s unique position within Unilever, the ability to build excellent relationships within both Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s will be essential. We are looking for people who can ultimately leverage the marketing excellence and operational effectiveness that is built by Unilever – while preserving the 3 part mission, history of authentic values led activations, and community of connectivity within Ben & Jerry’s. Having the right energy and attitude to connect both parts of our organisation will be critical for success.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Implementing a strategy that focuses on: o Promotion of communications through all channels including but not limited to face to face meetings, quarterly site meetings, regional meetings, email updates, internal social media (i.e. the Flavorhood), comfy couch sessions, Core orientation for new employees, Unilever meetings and trainings, global Country Business Leader calls, and other pertinent communication medium. o Motivation: igniting the passion of our employees and the purpose of our brand to drive and champion sustainable growth by establishing a supporting active two way communication o Advocating: building and leveraging powerful relationships with key people and institutions to affect thorough and exhaustive communications As a trusted advisor, you will: • Deliver a B&J’s branded Communications capability by planning and executing communications activities, both internally and externally. • Develop and activate an integrated and effective communications strategy which demonstrably supports the 3-part Mission Statement.
• Make sure all messages are consistent and complementary. Drives advocacy and awareness both internally and externally, targeting various audiences such as Central Office, Vermont Manufacturing, Country Business Leaders, Retail Operations, and Unilever Corporate Communications.
As a storyteller, you will:
• Continue great internal & external storytelling about the Brand.
• Develop the narrative and delivery of leadership communications from the B&J’s Leadership team.
Making active use of other channels such as the B&J’s Flavorhood, Refreshment portal and other numerous digital tools. • You will oversee and actively contribute to the development of engaging stories. You will be the ”keeper” of those stories - on the alert for and flagging potential inconsistencies, issues & risks.
As an issues slayer, you will:
• Become the ‘issues slayer’ handling internal issues and crises in support of the Director of Public Relations.
• Working with the Communications Team to highlight issues, and create clarity, accountability, capability, consistency and most importantly resolution As a conductor, you will:
• Build a strong network within all Ben & Jerry’s employees and Unilever employees who actively
support the brand around the globe with specific attention to supporting the CEO, Public Relations/Communications Director, the Asia and European Business Directors, and work collaboratively with the broader organization especially with the HR support functions. Be the go to person for employee questions. • Develop a thorough connection and tight-knit relationship with Unilever Corporate Communications, as well as functional communications managers for Unilever.
EXPERIENCE: · A minimum of 5
years’ experience in a communications function within a large organization, PR agency, public affairs or in media relations
· Experienced at working at the most senior levels of an organisation with authority and clarity · Has managed issues and worked in an environment with multiple external stakeholders
· Experienced in storytelling for leading-edge brands, both internal and external communications · Has managed web based communication tools and internal portals and has experience in developing them · Clear understanding of the requirements and demands of an international role · Proven networking abilities
Key skills: · Strong digital acumen to drive company communications using internal social and intranet stories. · Leverage digital to bring to life multi-faceted internal campaigns. · Planning & strategic thinking combined with flawless execution · Excellent in storytelling (written skills are outstanding) and in making complicated information simple and engaging for a wide variety of audiences, with a strong attention to detail and proof reading skills · Good business acumen and understands the dynamics of building and managing reputation
· Channel management: Knows how to build, maintain and evaluate external and internal channels including social media
· Communications generalist, with an all-round excellent working knowledge of issues management and employee engagement · Cultural sensitivity and resilience
EDUCATION:
BS/BA degree in related field of study or equivalent practical experience
Ben & Jerry’s Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc., started in 1978 in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, USA, founded by childhood friends and dedicated activists Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield. In 2000 Ben & Jerry’s became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unilever while maintaining an independent Board of Directors to provide leadership focused on preserving and expanding Ben & Jerry's social mission, brand integrity, and product quality. Nowadays our products are distributed in 35 countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchise Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops and other venues.
At Ben & Jerry’s we have an inspiring ambition. We aim to pioneer our ‘linked prosperity business model’ to advance the global movement for social and economic justice while growing our sales to one billion € by 2020. This translates into a high-paced growth work environment where we bring our grassroots and activist spirit every day. That is how we remain a true values-led organization with a connected 3-part mission, which you will find reflected in your goals and aspirations:
1) Social mission: to initiate innovative ways to improve the quality of life locally, nationally and internationally 2) Product mission: to make and distribute the finest quality all natural and super premium ice-cream and euphoric concoctions 3) Economic mission: to operate the Company on a sustainable financial basis of profitable growth
OUR PEOPLE PROFILE:
To support out 3-part mission, Ben & Jerry’s also has an outspoken people-mission. We look for people with these characteristics to strengthen our team:
- Purpose-driven: passion and drive to make a real impact with through our Social Mission - Empathy: curious to collaborate with a variety of personalities and styles and to build excellent relationships with internal & external stakeholders – this includes cross-functional relationships and striving for collaborative success - Mastery: continuously learn and develop to remain an expert in your functional area - Autonomy: dare to make choices and take ownership - Activism: interested in bringing about political or social connectivity
Unilever offers a competitive compensation package which includes: Medical & Dental Plans, Life Insurance, including eligible spouses, domestic partners & children; Health Care Flexible Spending, Dependent Care, Retirement & Savings Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Vacation and Holidays.
Please note: as part of the job application, you will be asked to complete pre-screening questions.
Completion of the pre-screening questions are mandatory in order to be considered. Please allow yourself plenty of time to complete both the application and pre-screening questions.
If the pre-screening questions are partially answered or not at all, it will adversely affect the progress of your application. Please be aware that you will have to complete the pre-screening questions at once as you will be unable to return to it later.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected class in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Unilever takes affirmative action in support of its policy to and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Employment is subject to verification of pre-employment drug-screening results and background investigation.
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