Manufacturing Excellence Lead

Join us as Manufacturing Excellence Lead

Function: Supply Chain

Reports to:Manufacturing Excellence Manager

Scope: South Africa

Location: Anderbolt Factory

Terms & Conditions: Full time

JOB POURPOSE

This role exists to manage and drive the implementation of the Unilever Manufacturing System programme in the sourcing unit. The ManEx Lead reports to the ManEx Manager for Southern Africa. The role will coordinate all UMS activities for loss eradication within the manufacturing inbound and outbound supply chain context, is responsible for developing a UMS Masterplan from the site manufacturing strategy including providing UMS skill development and coaching for all operators, engineers, supervisors and managers in the sourcing unit. The ManEx Lead has a direct impact on improvement of manufacturing performance (e.g. OR, OEE, ManEx Savings) and is responsible for leading digital adoption for the site. You’ll be part of a team that believes in doing work that matters for people and the planet.

Because here, we don’t just hire for jobs. We invite you to be part of something bigger.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead UMS Implementation
  Drive the deployment and management of the Unilever Manufacturing System (UMS) across the site, ensuring alignment with the category manufacturing strategy.

• Develop and Execute UMS Masterplan
  Translate the site manufacturing strategy into a comprehensive UMS Masterplan, including preparation phase planning, progress tracking, and issue resolution.

• Coach and Build Capability
  Provide UMS education and coaching to all site personnel (operators, engineers, supervisors, managers), including leadership development and pillar capability building.

• Facilitate Pillar Development
  Support and guide pillar leaders in setting benchmarks, tracking progress, and achieving pillar goals through regular reviews and active participation.

• Promote UMS Culture and Engagement
  Champion UMS across the site, fostering cultural change through recognition programs, success sharing, and employee engagement initiatives.

• Drive Operational Performance
  Ensure UMS activities contribute to measurable improvements in manufacturing KPIs such as OEE, OR, Zero-Based Waste and ManEx Savings.

• Lead Digital Transformation
  Drive the adoption and integration of digital tools and systems to enhance operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making.

• Governance and Review Leadership
  Lead quarterly factory performance reviews and ensure adherence to FOS governance across all pillars and departments.

• Support Masterplan Updates
  Collaborate with site leadership to create and update factory master plans, ensuring alignment with zero-loss journey and strategic goals.

• Coordinate External Support and Learning
  Plan and manage consultant visits, document learnings, and ensure effective follow-up actions to accelerate UMS progress.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline

• Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt or higher) is preferred

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a manufacturing environment, working directly with production teams.

• At least 2-3 years' experience leading first-line production teams.

• Demonstrated Operations Management experience within a manufacturing environment

• Microsoft Office proficiency (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook)

• Hands on experience with implementation of world class manufacturing system (WCM, TPM, Six Sigma etc.).

• In depth knowledge of pillar methodologies and capability building

• Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP or PRINCE2)

SKILLS

• Operational Excellence & Lean Manufacturing
  Strong understanding of manufacturing systems (e.g., UMS, WCM, TPM), loss analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Strategic Planning & Execution
  Ability to translate manufacturing strategy into actionable masterplans and drive execution across departments.

• Coaching & Capability Building
  Skilled in training, mentoring, and developing others—especially pillar leaders, operators, and site leadership.

• Change Management & Culture Building
  Proven ability to lead cultural transformation initiatives, foster engagement, and embed zero-loss mindset across the site.

• Performance Management & KPI Tracking
  Competence in tracking and improving key manufacturing metrics such as OEE, OR, Zero-Based Waste and Cost Savings through structured reviews.

• Digital Fluency & Tech Adoption
  Comfortable with digital tools and systems, and capable of leading digital transformation initiatives in a factory setting.

• Stakeholder Influence & Communication
  Strong interpersonal and influencing skills to align cross-functional teams, from operators to senior managers.

• Governance & Compliance
  Ability to lead governance processes (e.g., FOS reviews), ensure adherence to standards, and manage external consultant engagements.

• Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking
  Skilled in root cause analysis, gap assessments, and implementing focused improvement systems.

• Project & Time Management
  Capable of managing multiple initiatives, coordinating site-wide activities, and ensuring timely delivery of UMS milestones.

Leadership
You are energized by delivering fantastic results. You are an example to others – both your results and your resilience. You are constantly on the lookout for better ways to do things, engaging and collaborating with others along the way. As an individual you are the one responsible for your own wellbeing and delivering high standards of work. You must also focus on the Consumer and what they need. You are humble and have your head up, looking around to interpret evidence and data smartly, spot issues and opportunities to make things better.

Unilever behaviours

• CARE DEEPLY: We care deeply about how consumers experience
  our brands every day, everywhere; about our people’s growth and development and our impact on the planet. We care about our performance, to a point where it hurts when we don’t win. ​It is not just about being nice or avoiding honest conversations about performance and opportunity.​

• FOCUS ON WHAT COUNTS: We ruthlessly prioritise what really, really matters, allowing us to do better on fewer things. We set clear and stretching goals and recognise maximum performance impact. It is not about reducing ambition or effort or running after the ‘new and shiny’.

• 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. It is not taking our eye off the ‘here and now’.

• 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’ve said we will do. It is not about analysing the inevitable roadblocks, admiring the problem or tolerating mediocrity.

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 Johannesburg (Anderbolt Factory) 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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