Process Controller

Unilever is currently hiring for  Process Controller

Reports to: Shift Coordinator

Scope: Local

Location: Anderbolt Factory

Terms & Conditions: Full time

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world. 

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don’t believe in the ‘one size fits all’ approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

JOB PURPOSE

Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world.

The Process Controller is pivotal to maintaining efficient, compliant, and uninterrupted manufacturing operations. This role entails real-time monitoring of process parameters, executing timely adjustments to workflows and equipment, and promptly resolving operational disruptions. To ensure production resilience, the incumbent must demonstrate proficiency in operating all process plants, with mastery of at least two. Their technical oversight spans the entire production lifecycle—from raw material intake to final product output—ensuring consistent achievement of quality, safety, and performance standards.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

Operational Excellence

• Monitor and fine-tune production processes and equipment to maintain optimal performance, quality, and throughput. Provide timeous output to Process Engineers and Engineering team to optimisations and improvements. 

• Record all process adjustments and communicate effectively with the process engineering team to ensure traceability and continuous improvement. 

• Lead first-response efforts to diagnose and resolve process or equipment malfunctions, escalating complex issues to respective teams as needed. Tracking of breakdowns and ensuring that feedback to Shift Co-Ordinator. 

• Ensuring that required material requests are fulfilled using the respective call off procedure. 

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain accurate production logs, process condition reports, and compliance records. 

• Review production data to identify trends, deviations, and opportunities for improvement, ensuring these are communicated effectively. 

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Enforce safety, health, and sanitation protocols to maintain a compliant and hazard-free work environment. 

• Conduct risk assessments and implement preventative measures to mitigate operational risks 

• Ensure that all risks and observations are captured on Digital Systems. 

• Ensure that all Quality deviations from specifications are captured with digital Emergency Work Orders (EWO’s) 

Maintenance Coordination

• Collaborate with maintenance teams to schedule and oversee routine servicing and urgent repairs, minimizing downtime and preserving equipment integrity. Providing insights to maintenance plans. 

• Ensure that all breakdowns, deviations from baseline condition are captured with digital Emergency Work Orders (EWO’s) 

Process Improvement & Innovation

• Participate in cross-functional teams to develop and implement process enhancements and new production initiatives. 

• Apply lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies to optimize workflows and reduce waste. 

• Provide operational and process inputs for incoming projects. 

Training & Development

• Train and mentor new and existing staff on process control techniques, equipment operation, and safety standards. 

• Promote a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and proactive problem-solving. 

Environmental Stewardship

• Conduct environmental monitoring and ensure production activities comply with sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.

• Report and quantify any erroneous spillages, material losses and suitably support the response team. 

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED

Experiences & Qualifications

Essential

• Qualification in National Diploma or Equivalent Chemical Engineering.

• Knowledge of Process Plant Operations.

• 2 years of experience in the Process Plant.

• Experience of manufacturing in a Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Company. (FMCG)

Additional Requirements:

• Must be flexible within pattern of shift work to accommodate factory shutdowns, training courses etc.

• Must be flexible to relieve other parts of the plant when required to

Skills

• IT Skills – competent in the use of Microsoft Office; Excel and Word programme is preferred.

• Good Attention to detail

• Good Communication Skills

• Agile Mindset

Critical SOL (Standards of Leadership) Behaviors

• Care deeply:caring deeply about how consumers experience our brands every day, everywhere; about our people’s growth and development, and our impact on the planet. You care about your performance, to a point where it hurts when you don’t win.  Always brings their best self. Has emotional intelligence to take feedback, manage mood and motivations and build empathy for others. Sets high standards for themselves. Has humility, understanding that leadership is service to others, inside and outside of Unilever.

• Focus on what counts:we set clear and stretching goals and recognise maximum performance impact.  Generates intensity and focus to motivate people to deliver results at speed.

• Stay three steps ahead: we think boldly and creatively to make breakthroughs in performance. We are always curious and confident – anticipating and staying ahead of consumer needs and external trends to beat the competition. Approaches delivery with an iterative and incremental, test - do - learn approach. Has an owner’s mindset, using data and insight to make decisions.

• Deliver with excellence:we deliver everything we do with excellence and pace. We take personal ownership and hold each other to account – always finding a way to do what we said we will do.  Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results.

Unilever is an equal opportunities employer and committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.  We are intentional in employing the best talent that reflects the demographics of our country, and which will help build representation of currently under-represented groups. We therefore invite applications from all candidates representing diversity of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. When appointing potential candidates, the South African Employment Equity and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Legislation will be considered. 

We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. If you are applying as a foreign national, please note that you may be requested to provide supporting documents supporting this.

This is an office-based role in Boksbug and requires 100% of time attendance on site.

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.

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