Unilever’s 12-month Industrial Placement Programme in Communications and Corporate Affairs offers £27,898, mentoring and an end-of-placement bonus. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis for a June 2027 start.
Background & Job Description
Unilever is inviting applications for its 2027 Industrial Placement Programme in Communications and Corporate Affairs in the United Kingdom. The 12-month programme is designed for undergraduate students undertaking an industrial placement year as part of their degree studies.
The placement offers practical experience in communications, reputation management, corporate affairs and stakeholder engagement. Participants will contribute to real business projects while learning how a global consumer goods company communicates with employees, customers, media organisations and other stakeholders.
The programme is scheduled to begin in June 2027 and offers a competitive annual salary of £27,898, an end-of-placement bonus and one-to-one mentoring.
Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Unilever |
| Programme | Industrial Placement Programme 2027 |
| Department | Communications and Corporate Affairs |
| Location | London Blackfriars or Kingston, UK |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Start date | June 2027 |
| Salary | £27,898 |
| Additional reward | End-of-placement bonus |
| Work arrangement | Hybrid, with at least three office days per week |
| Application deadline | Rolling recruitment; applications may close early |
| Official application | Apply through Unilever Careers |
Tasks and Programme Benefits
Participants will work alongside communications and corporate affairs professionals on projects designed to protect Unilever’s reputation, strengthen stakeholder relationships and support business growth.
Typical responsibilities may include supporting communications campaigns, creating content for digital and social media platforms, contributing to internal communications, assisting with media relations and researching issues that could affect the business.
Students may also help coordinate events, support leadership communications, analyse emerging policy developments and contribute to stakeholder engagement initiatives. Some projects may involve AI-enabled communications and digital content strategies.
Salary and Additional Benefits
The advertised package includes:
- £27,898 salary and an end-of-placement bonus.
- A dedicated buddy to support onboarding and development.
- Guidance from an experienced line manager.
- Access to a discounted staff shop.
- Subsidised gym membership, depending on the location.
- Hybrid working, subject to the requirement to attend the office at least three days per week.
- Holiday entitlement of 28 days pro rata, inclusive of bank holidays. The listing states that entitlement increases to 33 days inclusive of bank holidays, pro rata, after 12 worked weeks under the applicable Agency Workers Regulations.
- Opportunities to join additional development teams and connect with Unilever graduate employees.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The programme is intended for students completing an industrial placement year as part of their degree studies.
Unilever states that no specific degree subject is required, although studies in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media, Politics, International Relations, Marketing or Business may be relevant.
Candidates should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to analyse information, good organisation and attention to detail, and confidence working both independently and in teams. Curiosity about business and current affairs, adaptability, initiative and proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools are also helpful.
Applicants should review the official vacancy to confirm that their degree structure and placement arrangements meet the programme requirements.
Additional Information
Applications opened in September 2026, and the recruitment process operates on a rolling basis. Unilever encourages applicants to apply early because the vacancy may close before a fixed date if enough applications are received.
The programme is scheduled to start in June 2027, with a minimum of three days each week required at either the London Blackfriars or Kingston office.
Application Process
The advertised selection process comprises five stages:
- Online application and interactive industrial placement simulation.
- Numerical and verbal reasoning assessments.
- Digital video interview.
- Virtual pre-screening interview with a recruitment team member.
- In-person Discovery Centre, where candidates meet business leaders and work on function-related challenges.
How to apply: Visit the official Unilever Communications and Corporate Affairs vacancy, read the full requirements and submit your application online.
Unilever also states that applicants should select the one function they are most interested in, as only their first application will be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Unilever Industrial Placement Programme?
It is a 12-month work placement that gives undergraduate students practical experience in communications and corporate affairs at Unilever.
2. How much does the placement pay?
The advertised salary is £27,898, with an additional end-of-placement bonus.
3. When does the programme start?
The placement is scheduled to begin in June 2027.
4. Where is the placement based?
The role offers hybrid working from Unilever’s London Blackfriars or Kingston office, with at least three office days required each week.
5. Who can apply?
The programme is intended for students completing an industrial placement year as part of their degree. No specific degree subject is required, although relevant disciplines may be helpful.
6. What benefits are available?
Benefits include mentoring, a dedicated buddy, a discounted staff shop, subsidised gym membership where available, holiday entitlement and access to additional development opportunities.
7. What is the application deadline?
The vacancy has a rolling deadline rather than a stated fixed closing date. Applications may close early, so candidates should check the official listing and apply as soon as possible.
8. What does the selection process involve?
Applicants progress through an online application and simulation, numerical and verbal assessments, a digital interview, a virtual pre-screening interview and an in-person Discovery Centre.
9. How can I apply?
Submit an application through the official Unilever careers portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
Unilever’s Communications and Corporate Affairs Industrial Placement may suit undergraduate students who want to develop practical skills in corporate communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement and reputation management. The salary of £27,898, mentoring arrangements and end-of-placement bonus make it an opportunity worth considering for students whose degree programmes include an industrial placement year.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares career and education opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with Unilever and does not recruit on the company’s behalf. Applicants should verify the latest eligibility requirements and application status through the official Unilever careers website.
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