Control & Automation Engineer at Unilever

Lead automation and digital revolution and roadmap strategy across Africa cluster. Solve challenges that transform our factory and develop both short and long-term automation plans. Drive automation and digital improvements and cost avoidance initiatives. Link new technologies and develop knowledge/ training programs. Land improvement projects and build automation capability across Africa cluster. Subject matter expert across the latest trends and best practices for Automation and Digital technology. Collaborate closely and leverage Global Engineering Teams/ WCM Leaders expertise.

Job Summary

• Leadership and development of engineering projects for Control and Automation, Lead Operational Technology activities for Capex project in Conceptual, Basic and Detailed design, including inquiry and order specifications
• Provide guidance and monitor suppliers on scope, quality and planning
• Translate strategy into implementation programs to deliver competitiveness
• Designing and developing new control systems. Testing, maintaining and modifying existing systems
• Analyse scope and challenge investments with stakeholders and project managers, operate in multi-disciplinary teams (end users and suppliers)
• Manage successful implementations of projects from design to deployment
• Leverage the value of control and automation to drive innovations, reducing production costs in the factory
• Digital and automation improvement and efficiency builds
• Bring outside in, by developing competitive practices and insights
• Translating technical complexities and translate into business relevant concepts to a broad range of stakeholders
• Deliver automation programs with stakeholders across the organisation
• Ensure the very highest engineering standards and processes are implemented and are aligned to specification
• Ensure assets are designed to comply with Unilever’s safety, quality and sustainability standards
• Maintain strong links across engineering teams and be the go-to person to drive automation capability

Key Requirements

• Engineering Degree in ICE or equivalent experience
• 5-7 years relevant working experience, a specialist and collaborator and *must be able to travel across Africa
• Must have solid Automation equipment and structures including advanced process control (APC)
• distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLC), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) experience, develop and deploy solutions in PSL and transformation leadership
• Proven track record of process automation design and implementation cross category disciplines. Machine / process stream specifications and machinery project management networks, risk profiles and execution plans
• Engineering and Technology experience with a thorough knowledge of manufacturing technologies and Quality
• Broad understanding of production environment and processes, preferably batch processes, understanding of PLC (All Siemens / Rockwell product range) - SCADA systems, data analysis, reporting and IT
• Experienced with Industry 4.0 and/or digitization, Microsoft Azure and cloud solutions. Understanding of global standards like ISA S88, ISA S95, ISA S99, TPM. Prior Digital/ MES experience will be an advantage
• Demonstrable achievements in delighting customers through innovation
• Proficient analytical skills and ability to work in virtual teams, build critical skills and develop key talent
• *Must have project management skills, excellent communication and networking skills
• Analytical, financial and business management skills (Industry certified courses beneficial)
• Knowledge of WCM methodologies and excellent business and change management skills