Manufacturing Manager

JOB PURPOSE

As the Manufacturing Operations Manager at Unilever’s Independence, MO factory, you’ll play a pivotal role in leading a high-performing team within a fast-paced, unionized foods manufacturing environment. This role is for a results-driven leader who combines technical expertise with exceptional people leadership to deliver world-class performance in a 24/7 manufacturing environment .You’ll be responsible for driving operational excellence, championing safety and quality, and delivering results that directly impact our consumers and communities.

This is more than a leadership role—it’s an opportunity to shape the future of a site that’s critical to Unilever’s Foods in North American supply chain. You’ll lead with purpose, inspire continuous improvement, and foster a culture of accountability, agility, and innovation. If you're passionate about people, performance, and making a real difference, this is the role for you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Champion a zero-injury culture, ensuring strict adherence to Unilever’s safety standards and regulatory requirements (OSHA, environmental compliance).
• Actively participate in the implementation of site-specific safety and environmental programs, with the ability to lead and elevate the current safety culture to world-class standards.
• Lead factory improvement programs by leveraging best practices and identifying new safety techniques, quality initiatives, cost-saving opportunities, and development strategies to enhance overall factory performance—including production costs, labor (fixed and variable), Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE), waste, attainment, and business waste.
• Maintain a strategic perspective, balancing the broader needs of the business with those of the factory.
• Drive perfect quality throughout all Make and Pack processes.
• Inspire, coach, and develop Shift Supervisors and Senior Supervisor to build a high-performance culture.
• Manage employee relations in alignment with HR policies and procedures to ensure high engagement levels.
• Build and develop AGILE work systems that engage, empower, and motivate over 280 full-time union employees toward a highly autonomous work culture.
• Manage a complex product portfolio to optimize run strategy and influence future-fit portfolio transformation in collaboration with Planning team.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, a technical field, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of supply chain experience in a foods, CPG, or manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing multi-shift operations and large teams in a unionized environment with at least 2-3 years in a manager capacity.
• Proven ability to provide clear focus and direction, empower teams, and hold them accountable for results.
• Creative problem-solving skills with a diplomatic approach to conflict resolution.
• Strong leadership capabilities with a track record of inspiring teams and driving continuous improvement.
• Ability to manage conflict effectively while fostering an inclusive work environment.
• Self-motivated with a strong focus on problem-solving.
• Proven ability to champion change management initiatives.
• Familiarity with HACCP principles, including implementation and facilitation.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCES/SKILLS

• Leadership experience in continuous improvement methodologies (WCM, TPM, Lean Manufacturing) is preferred.
• Experience in a 24/7 foods manufacturing or related industry.
• Strong skills in leadership, communication, persuasion, project management, and analytical/systems thinking.

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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.