First Line Manager

Ice Cream First Line Manager

Scope: Full-time, Permanent

Reports to: Manufacturing Lead

Location:  Bangkok, Thailand

If you are in the Unilever Ice Cream business or consider choosing to work for the Unilever Ice Cream business, you will work for the Asia, leading Ice Cream player with €1.2 bn Turn Over in 2023. The Ice Cream business is operating in a highly attractive category, as we are part of the 1 trillion snacking and refreshment industry, growing consistently at high pace. We have strong brands equities: 5 of top 10 selling brands including Wall’s, Magnum, Ben &Jerry’s. We are investing to unlock the full growth potential of Ice Cream as a standalone entity, once we separate from Unilever, which is planned to happen by November 2025.

Ice Cream has distinct characteristics from Unilever’s other operating businesses and the growth potential of Ice Cream will be better delivered under a different ownership structure. As Ice Cream company we are committed to developing and nurturing talent within our Ice Cream company. You will have options for career growth and exploration, allowing you for you to explore roles and opportunities across the new organisation. Your career development will be a priority for us, and we are dedicated to supporting your growth journey within the new company. We hope that you will want to build the new chapter of our Ice Cream history together with us.

Unilever Ice Cream is the world’s leading ice cream company, home to a portfolio of iconic brands like Magnum, Calippo, Solero, Festini, Talenti, and Yasso. We're committed to creating innovative products that bring unforgettable moments to our consumers—because, after all, “Life tastes better with ice cream.”

The Ice Cream division at Unilever is preparing to stand on its own, becoming an independent, EUR 8 billion single-category focused company by the end of 2025. This move reflects our belief in the power of our unique frozen footprint, which we see as having huge potential for growth as a pure-play business. Our focus is all about unlocking that potential, driving value for our consumers, customers, employees, and shareholders.

JOB PURPOSE:

The First Line Manager is a management professional with a good technical understanding of manufacturing, general or chemical engineering or food technology.

The First Line Manager provides the governance function for a cluster of semi-autonomous teams, delivering management and leadership support for performance monitoring, overtime allocation, working patterns and dispute resolution.

Leading improvement projects for operational processes, First Line Manager needs a strong understanding of the end-to-end manufacturing process. This includes the chemical and electro-mechanical processes and controls.

The First Line Manager provides a common standard of communication and engagement across the factory. They liaise closely with the core factory functions, including Manufacturing, HR, Quality, Engineering, and Safety to achieve this.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Technical. Effective mechanical skills (see qualifications) supported by detailed knowledge of the end-to-end manufacturing processes relevant to their operation and endorsed Good Manufacturing Practice.

• Safety. Utilize appropriate safety and environmental procedures for people, processes, materials, products, and equipment to ensure a safe working environment for the whole team. Full knowledge of hazards in the workplace.

• Environment. Reduce waste and minimize impact to health, safety, and the environment through working to eliminate waste and through the correct management of waste and hazardous materials.

• Leadership. Promote the development of a highly effective team through the establishment of a positive team climate supported by authentic leadership and clear communication.

• Facilitation and Coaching. An ability to facilitate technical improvements using continuous improvement tools. Able to coach Technical Operators and semi-autonomous teams to build team performance.

• Decision Making. Makes governance decisions for the semi-autonomous team and adjudicates on unresolved team issues. Sets the strategy for Continuous Improvement and Preventative Maintenance in her/his area guided by loss trends and direction provided by the Manufacturing Manager.

• Continuous Improvement. Apply rigorous Cost Deployment and the Zero loss concept to eliminate losses. High skill level in Continuous Improvement that is aligned closely with Unilever Manufacturing System and LEAN methodologies

• Problem Solving. Has the ability to identify, prioritize and address problems using appropriate tools and techniques that eliminate recurrence.

• Quality. Apply core knowledge of Quality skills; Quality Measurement, Prioritization, Improvement, Assessment and Certification etc. to sustain Quality standards in the factory operation.

• Management. Able to coordinate business resources and apply risk management processes. Keen sense of prioritization and ability to influence change. Resolve conflicts where identified.

• Administration. Timely and accurate administration for a cluster of teams; shift rosters, pay, performance, training, and safety. Liaise with Sourcing Unit leads to ensure policy compliance.

• Planning and Organizing. Prepare work plans within resource constraints and review implementation to drive improvement.

• Business Awareness. Understand the business needs for change and innovation.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering or related discipline.

• Continuous Improvement competencies including: Six Sigma methodology, TPM, TQM, Lean Manufacturing.

• Experience in Operations Management as team leader.

• Strong Analytical & Systems Skill.

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Power BI, and Project Management Skills.

• Strong Leadership, logical thinking and Influencing Skills.

• Understanding of Continuous Improvement Process.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN:

• Opportunity to shape the future of a beloved category.

• High-impact role with visibility across senior leadership.

• A dynamic, innovative, and inclusive work environment.

ARE YOU EXCITED TO CRAFT THE ICE CREAM FUTURE?

Please apply online. Your application will be reviewed against our requirements, and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date to provide you with an update on the status of your application.

INTERNAL APPLICATIONS: By applying for this vacancy, you are confirming that you have made your Line Manager aware of your application and that you are at a point in your career with Unilever where it is appropriate for you to apply for other positions. Please do not forget to upload your CV/Talent card latest EOY.

Disclaimer

Equal Opportunity Employer: Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. 

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.