Manufacturing Excellence Lead

Join us as Manufacturing Excellence Lead

Function:Supply Chain

Reports to:Manufacturing Excellence Manager

Scope:South Africa

Location:Boksburg, South Africa

Terms & Conditions:Full time, On Site

JOB PURPOSE

The Manex Lead champions UMS deployment and digital transformation at site level, building capability and eliminating losses to boost manufacturing performance. They turn strategy into action through a focused Masterplan that empowers operators, engineers, and leaders to deliver world‑class results.

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

• BSc/BEng Degree in Mechanical / Chemical Engineering

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Key Requirements

• 5 years working in manufacturing environment directly with production teams.
• At least 2-3 years leadership of first line production teams
• Microsoft Office proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Hands on experience with implementation of world class manufacturing system (WCM, TPM, Six Sigma etc.).
• In depth knowledge of pillar methodologies and capability building

Preferred Requirements

• Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt or higher)
• Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP or PRINCE2)

SKILLS

• Operational Excellence & Lean Manufacturing
• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Coaching & Capability Building
• Change Management & Culture Building
• Performance Management & KPI Tracking
• Digital Fluency & Tech Adoption
• Stakeholder Influence & Communication
• Governance & Compliance
• Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking
• Project & Time Management

LEADERSHIP

• 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 an factory-based role in Johannesburg (Boksburg 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.