Mechanical Technician at Unilever

JOB PURPOSE

• Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world.  The Mechanical Technician is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of mechanical assets within a high-volume washing powder manufacturing plant. The role involves maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and continuous improvement of heavy mechanical systems such as conveyor belts, large horsepower pumps, small pumps, pneumatics, and dust extraction systems.
• This role is critical in supporting Unilever’s goal of achieving world-class manufacturing standards, minimizing downtime, and driving continuous improvement in line with safety, quality, cost, and sustainability objectives. If this resonates with you, then this role is just for you!

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Perform planned preventive maintenance (PPM), corrective, and predictive maintenance on mechanical assets (conveyors, pumps, pneumatics, dust extraction systems, gearboxes, couplings, seals, and rotating equipment).
• Diagnose root causes of equipment failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Respond promptly to breakdowns, ensuring minimal production disruption.
• Ensure effective lubrication, alignment, balancing, and calibration of mechanical systems.

Installation & Commissioning

• Install, commission, and upgrade mechanical equipment and systems to support plant expansion or optimization projects.
• Participate in start-up activities, ensuring equipment is set up according to specifications.

Reliability & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to reliability engineering initiatives such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), RCA (Root Cause Analysis), and FMEA (Failure Mode & Effects Analysis).
• Suggest and implement cost-saving or efficiency-enhancing mechanical improvements.
• Support digitization and automation upgrades in line with Industry 4.0 and Unilever’s smart factory vision.

Compliance & Safety

• Work strictly within Unilever’s safety and health guidelines (OSH Act, Factory Regulations, and ISO standards).
• Conduct risk assessments and comply with Lockout-Tagout-Try Out (LOTOTO), permit-to-work, and other safety protocols.
• Ensure dust extraction and pneumatic systems meet environmental and occupational health requirements.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate maintenance records in CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
• Document mechanical inspections, repairs, and parts usage.
• Provide technical feedback to supervisors and support preparation of weekly/monthly engineering reports.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED

Experiences & Qualifications

• National Diploma (NQF 6) in Mechanical Engineering OR
• Trade Test Certification as a Mechanical Fitter/Millwright (Red Seal).
• Additional training in pneumatics, hydraulics, or pumps will be advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years’ hands-on experience in a heavy manufacturing/processing environment (preferably FMCG, detergent, chemical, cement, or mining).
• Strong knowledge of conveyor systems, pumps (centrifugal, positive displacement, high HP), and pneumatics.
• Experience with dust extraction and air-handling systems.
• Proven track record in mechanical fault-finding and root cause analysis.
• Exposure to TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) or WCM (World Class Manufacturing) preferred.

Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude with ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and schematics.
• Knowledge of lubrication systems, alignment techniques, and vibration analysis.
• Familiarity with CMMS e.g. BuildApp.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and hands-on technical approach.
• Ability to work shifts and be available for standby/after-hours support.
• Team player with strong communication skills to work across operations, engineering, and SHE (Safety, Health & Environment) teams.