ManEx Performance Data Intern at Unilever

JOB PURPOSE

• The position is for a Manufacturing Excellence (ManEx) Performance Data Analyst Internship based at Unilever Boksburg Factory. The internship is focused on improving the accuracy, structure, and usability of manufacturing performance data (OEE and Waste). The role ensures that reliable and consistent data is available to support decision-making, prioritisation of improvement initiatives, and cost deployment processes within the factory. The intern will work closely with the Site ManEx Lead, Production Engineers, and Finance teams to strengthen data systems and support the transition toward fully digital performance management.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• The intern will support the Manufacturing Excellence system by improving data integrity and enabling data-driven performance management.

Key responsibilities include:

• Clean, standardise, and validate OEE and Waste data to ensure an accurate and reliable loss tree for the factory.
• Ensure correct loss classification and alignment to standard definitions and MMP coding principles.
• Identify gaps and inconsistencies between manual and digital reporting systems and support alignment toward a single source of truth.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports that provide clear visibility of performance losses and trends.
• Support measurement and tracking of key KPIs such as OEE, waste, downtime, and cost-related losses.
• Provide reliable and structured data inputs to support Business Priority & Cost Deployment processes and decision-making.
• Support the Focused Improvement (FI) pillar by enabling accurate identification and prioritisation of improvement opportunities.
• Track and validate the impact of improvement initiatives, ensuring that reported performance improvements are accurate.
• Support the transition from manual reporting to digital systems by improving data structures, reporting routines, and governance processes.
• Work with Production Engineers and line teams to improve data capture accuracy and discipline at source.
• Establish baseline performance and support tracking of improvements over time.
• Participate in performance review routines and provide insights on key losses and trends.
• Ensure adherence to Safety, Quality, and data integrity standards at all times.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Completed a Degree or National Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to structure and interpret data.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, pivot tables, dashboards).
• Understanding of manufacturing KPIs such as OEE, waste, and loss trees is advantageous.
• Basic knowledge of Lean, TPM, or Manufacturing Excellence methodologies.
• Strong attention to detail and focus on data accuracy.
• Good communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
• High curiosity and systems-thinking mindset.