Process Development Engineer (Talent Pool) at Unilever

Core responsibilities:

• Perform scale-up studies and adapt bench-scale processes to pilot and manufacturing scale. Lead experimental production of products in the pilot plant, Unilever factories and contract manufacturers.

• Create, validate and implement process specifications. Prepare trial reports. Provide input on capital equipment required to meet processing capability.

• Deliver the processing work stream and project leadership of key projects assigned (i.e. innovation, cost reduction, quality improvement, operational improvement, sourcing, technology transfer).

• Effectively work with multi-disciplinary teams across the business and update stakeholders as appropriate. Clearly communicate on matters relating to the commercialization of new products; monitoring and improving process capability of the factory to consistently deliver products within specifications.

• Employ fundamental engineering principles to troubleshoot and continuously improve formulation and processing parameters of Unilever’s products. Be competent in the application of best practices in technology delivery within established systems (Innovation Project Management, Process Specifications and Validation, Good Manufacturing Practices, Safety in Manufacturing and Supply (SIMAS), and other Quality Management systems).

• Ensure that R&D laboratories and pilot plant maintain compliance to relevant standards. Maintain the upkeep of the pilot plant and administer capex processes. Plan and coordinate installations, testing, operation, maintenance and repair of facilities and equipment. Ensure safe operation of pilot plants and during commercial plant trials.

• Operate according to procedures and ways of working in line with Unilever frameworks, standards and policies and relevant regulatory bodies.

• Support quality improvement projects to resolve operational and consumer complaint issues.

• Be willing and able to perform manual labour as part of job activities eg. weighing chemicals, moving large quantities of bulk material, operate manufacturing equipment etc.

• Be willing and able to undergo training. Ensure that your certifications are always valid to perform job responsibilities eg. boiler operation, permit to work etc.

• Work on many projects simultaneously and show a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.

• Communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) and leverage a global network of expertise.

• Be hands-on during the validation of process operations, and quickly adapt to new manufacturing technologies, tools/software and other digital systems.

• Represent R&D in a positive professional manner, demonstrating safe work habits and promote safe behaviour to other personnel and external contacts.

• Supervise ad-hoc temporary staff and execute ad-hoc tasks as delegated from time to time.

Requirements

• BTech. or Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

• Provide academic transcripts upon application.

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a manufacturing facility and/or R&D role with experience in engineering design, scale-up, commissioning and/or troubleshooting technical processes will be advantageous.

• Be willing and able to travel for business purposes nationally and internationally when called upon. Own vehicle and valid driver’s licence. Expected travel for this role is not to exceed 10% of time.

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.