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Production Engineering Lead

Chicago, United States

Professional seated at a conference table with laptops and a presentation screen in a modern office setting
Job ID:
R-1181396
Date posted:
05/19/2026
Job Type:
Full time
Job Category:
Supply Chain

Job Details

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JOB PURPOSE
Reporting to the Manufacturing Manager, the Business Unit Lead- 1st Shift will lead and develop the shift Production Supervisor and be responsible for factory operations on shift. You will be responsible for key business metrics for your shift (such as OEE, waste, attainment, OR, and costs), leading the AM pillar on shift, and managing production to ensure compliance with Safety, Health, Environment, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements. The Business Unit Lead will be the lead decision maker for day to day operations and troubleshooting with additional responsibility to lead quality, maintenance and logistics personnel as needed. Ultimately you own your shift’s performance end to end. This position is directly responsible for 36 people, including 1 Production Supervisor and will work closely with 2 direct counterparts to ensure 24 hour production.

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
• Own end to end shift performance for the factory.
• Success is dependent on change, and the Business Unit Lead role is to be a change champion for their shift. Being the primary production leader on shift means that you establish a culture for success.
• Drive leadership through people management, development, motivation, and engagement within a fast-paced environment
• Act and think not only from a manufacturing point of view, but from an end-to-end business view to maximize the value the site brings to the business.
• Establish and execute short- and medium-term strategies, goals, and improvements that improve service and reduce costs.
• Liaison with all key stakeholders and departments to ensure full alignments on the shift’s production schedule to ensure success.
• Partner with the other two Business Unit Leads to ensure successful shift-to-shift communication.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree required (Engineering or Technical Degree preferred)
• Minimum 3-4 years manufacturing experience
• Fully understand and enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
• Familiar with HACCP principles, implementation, and facilitation
• Must be able to effectively manage conflict while creating an inclusive work environment
• Full understanding of the OSHA and pertinent safety regulations
• Experience with manufacturing equipment, concepts and regulations
• Experience troubleshooting manufacturing equipment
• Leadership experience in manufacturing environment or continuous improvement (WCM, TPM, Lean Manufacturing)

Pay: The pay range for this position is $88,600 to $133,000. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs. 

Bonus: This position is bonus eligible. 

Long-Term Incentive (LTI): This position is LTI eligible. 

Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. 

#WC123

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At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.

Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities.

For more information on your federal rights, please seeKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background check, credit check and DMV check.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at NA.Accommodations@unilever.com. Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application statuses. The Protected Veterans or Individuals with Disabilities AAP narratives are available for inspection by any employee or applicant for employment Monday through Friday during normal business hours at establishment.

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