Join us in Shaping the Future of Employee Participation at Unilever Ice Cream
Our client
The Magnum Ice Cream Company is all about growth. Growing our business. Growing our customers’ businesses. Growing our people’s careers. Growth begins with empowerment. So, we free our people to be innovative, responsible entrepreneurs, driven and equipped to give our consumers more amazing products and unforgettable moments – and having fun doing it.
With 19.000 expert ice cream colleagues and iconic brands like Wall’s, Cornetto and Ben & Jerry’s, loved in 76 countries, we are the world’s largest Ice Cream company leading the industry. We have been taking pleasure seriously for more than 100 years, serving happiness with every lick or scoop of ice cream for generations.
We are investing to unlock the full growth potential of The Magnum Ice Cream Company as a standalone entity, once we separate from Unilever, which is planned to happen by 1 November 2025.
We dream big but keep things simple to act fast.
THE CONTEXT
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. During this interim phase, the Central Works Council (COR) of Unilever continues to represent employees across various office locations. At the same time, key organizational decisions must be shaped in consultation with emerging employee representation within the new Ice Cream organization. Building a forward-looking participation structure that reflects the company’s evolving mission and culture is essential.
To support this transformation, OR-ondersteuning is looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Executive Secretary / Employee Participation Advisor (interim) who can guide, advise, and help shape the foundation of employee participation in this new setting.
THE ASSIGNMENT
6-9 months / 24-32 hour per week
As a professional, you will support the development and strengthening of employee participation within Unilever’s Ice Cream division during its transition toward becoming an independent organization. Your contribution will include the following:
- Advising on and supporting employee participation processes, in close collaboration with the management advisor and other key stakeholders. You will contribute both in terms of content and process, and play an active role in promoting constructive collaboration.
- Guiding the members of the temporary employee representation council in their decision-making processes, with the goal of producing well-informed and broadly supported advisory opinions. You will also support in drafting these advisory letters where necessary.
- Staying informed about relevant developments inside and outside the organization related to employee participation, and translating these insights into practical advice to help continuously strengthen employee participation within the Ice Cream division.
- Preparing the foundation for a new participation body that reflects the mission, values, and culture of the newly forming Ice Cream company.
- Supporting the newly elected council members in understanding their role, preparing training where needed, and guiding them in developing their position within the organisation.
- Setting up a professional secretariat, including a well-structured and easily accessible archive.
- Contributing ideas on how employee participation can be structurally supported in the longer term, and helping onboard the professional who will provide ongoing internal support.
REQUIREMENTS
- At least 3 years of relevant experience as an (Executive) Secretary within dynamic, international (matrix) organizations.
- At least 2 years of relevant experience as an (Executive) Secretary / Advisor to Works Councils
- Excellent command of both Dutch and English, spoken and written.
Skills:
- Creative
- Customer-oriented
- Entrepreneurial
- Analytical
- People-focused
WHAT WE OFFER
- A 12-month contract with the possibility of a permanent position
- Flexible working hours or contract size to match your preferences
- Opportunities for training and professional development, including peer consultation and intervision — to help you stay current in your field and continue to grow your skills. You’ll also have access to your own personal development budget to invest in training that fits your goals and interests.
- A supportive and inspiring team of fellow Executive Secretaries and employee participation advisors
- Pension scheme
- Commuting/travel allowance
- Company phone
- Salary: €4,900 – €5,900 per month on fulltime basis (40 hours)
ABOUT OR-ONDERSTEUNING
Working at OR-ondersteuning means joining the Bureau for Employee Participation — a dedicated team of experienced executive secretaries and participation advisors. Collaboration and knowledge sharing are at the heart of how we work. We’re committed to providing the best possible support to our professionals in the field.
You’ll have plenty of space to take initiative, enjoy flexibility in how you work, and operate with a high degree of independence. At the same time, you’ll always have a strong foundation behind you — with support from the bureau and a team of colleagues who are there to help, spar, and share expertise.
Applications before 28 July 2025