SUIT & Production Engineer

Unilever is Hiring for SUIT & Production Engineer

Function:Supply Chain

Reports to:Operations Lead

Scope: South Africa

Location: Anderbolt

Terms & Conditions:Full Time, on site

ABOUT UNILEVER

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. You will work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. You will lead innovations, big and small, that will make our business win and grow. You will learn from brilliant business leaders and colleagues who provide mentorship and inspiration so that you can become a better you.

JOB PURPOSE

This role drives safe, sustainable, and high-quality operations through disciplined Unilever Manufacturing System (UMS) application, advanced process control and manufacturing technology. It leads innovation, loss elimination, and performance optimization to embed scalable manufacturing capability.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Output of pack plant

• Application and accuracy of MMP Code data to ensure loss tree is available for manufacturing​
• Eliminate waste and Loss according to the UMS prioritization process using AM, PM, FI and QC pillar tools and methodologies ​
• Collect and analyse complex data to penetrate problems’ phenomena and understand root causes ​
• RCA of any process losses and implementation of corrective actions, using the full set of UMS methods and tools to identify root causes, define countermeasures and validate their effectiveness; mastery of AM, PM, Q and FI tools and processes.  ​
• Reduction of material usage variance (MUV) by analysing process and equipment losses, validating BOM accuracy and embedding sustainable yield improvements across production lines.
• Line balancing and bottle neck evaluation for packing lines​
• Manning studies based on line balancing on packing lines to ensure bottle neck losses eliminated and increased manning productivity

Output of process plant

• Application and accuracy of MMP Code data to ensure loss tree is available for manufacturing​
• Eliminate waste and Loss according to the UMS prioritization process using AM, PM, FI and QC pillar tools and methodologies ​
• Collect and analyse complex data to penetrate problems’ phenomena and understand root causes ​
• RCA of any process losses and implementation of corrective actions, using the full set of UMS methods and tools to identify root causes, define countermeasures and validate their effectiveness; mastery of AM, PM, Q and FI tools and processes.  ​
• Chemical Mass balances for in line processes in order to develop set points and controls for continuous and batch plant processes
• Reduction of Material Usage Vairance (MUV) by validating BOM and process standards, analysing material losses across manufacturing processes, and driving sustainable yield and waste reduction improvements.

Innovations / change management

• Implementation of process and packaging innovations by validating BOMs and specifications, leading trials and start-ups and delivering stable, compliant production with controlled yield and waste.
• OEE trending and baselines for implementation of changes on packing lines​

Quality of manufacturing plant

• Consumer & Customer Focus:  Ensure elimination of quality losses and implementing corrective actions to maintain process control​
• RCA of any quality losses and implementation of corrective actions (QEWO’s).

Capability building

• Create Technical Standards to ensure line stability​.
• Create SOPs for process to standardize methods of production, train line crews on technical standards, SOPs and build capability for operators to understand corrective actions for quality issues​.
• AM – machine settings to be standardized and documented on SOP instruction.
• Training of competent operators within the cell on AM / PM standards within the cell.

Leadership

• Maintains a harmonious working environment and builds a strong performance culture.
• Work according to HR policies and procedures; adhere to quality and safety standards.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• 5 years Process and Production Engineering experience within FMCG/Manufacturing environment
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Project)
• WCM/ Lean Manufacturing experience preferable
• High Speed Packaging Machinery experience preferable

Required Qualifications

• B.Sc. OR B. Tech Chem Eng / Mech Eng / Industrial Eng

Preferred Qualifications

• Postgraduate Degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Systems, or Operations Management
• Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt or higher)
• Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP or PRINCE2)

SKILLS

Core Technical Skills

• Proficiency in WCM tools: AM, PM, FI, QC
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and problem-solving
• Data analysis and loss tree interpretation
• Line balancing and bottleneck analysis
• OEE monitoring and improvement

Quality & Compliance

• Quality Management Systems and QEWO process application
• Process control, loss analysis and CAPA execution

Documentation & Standards

• SOP development and technical standard development
• Machine setting standardization

Training & Capability Building

• Operator training on AM/PM standards
• Coaching and knowledge transfer

Innovation & Change Support

• Technical trial execution and support for process and equipment changes
• Structured change implementation and performance impact evaluation

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Team collaboration and communication
• Performance culture promotion

• Adherence to safety and HR policies

LEADERSHIP

Critical SOL (Standards of Leadership) Behaviors

• PERSONAL MASTERY: Sets high standards for themselves. Has emotional intelligence to take feedback, manage mood and motivations, and build empathy for others.
• PASSION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE: Generates intensity and focus to motivate people to deliver results at speed. Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results.
• TALENT CATALYST: Invests in people – coaches individuals and teams to realize their full potential. Creates an inclusive climate, empowering everyone to be at their best.
• PURPOSE & SERVICE: Has humility, understanding that leadership is service to others, inside and outside Unilever.
• CONSUMER LOVE: Invests time inside and outside to understand the needs of consumers.
• BUSINESS ACUMEN: Creates sustainable growth with purpose, engaging different partners across the system for change.

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 a factory-based role in Johannesburg (Anderbolt) 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.