JOB POURPOSE
- This role exists to manage and drive the implementation of the Unilever Manufacturing System programme in the sourcing unit. The ManEx Lead reports to the ManEx Manager for Southern Africa. The role will coordinate all UMS activities for loss eradication within the manufacturing inbound and outbound supply chain context, is responsible for developing a UMS Masterplan from the site manufacturing strategy including providing UMS skill development and coaching for all operators, engineers, supervisors and managers in the sourcing unit. The ManEx Lead has a direct impact on improvement of manufacturing performance (e.g. OR, OEE, ManEx Savings) and is responsible for leading digital adoption for the site. You’ll be part of a team that believes in doing work that matters for people and the planet.
- Because here, we don’t just hire for jobs. We invite you to be part of something bigger.
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
- Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt or higher) is preferred
EXPERIENCE
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a manufacturing environment, working directly with production teams.
- At least 2-3 years' experience leading first-line production teams.
- Demonstrated Operations Management experience within a manufacturing environment
- Microsoft Office proficiency (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook)
- Hands on experience with implementation of world class manufacturing system (WCM, TPM, Six Sigma etc.).
- In depth knowledge of pillar methodologies and capability building
- Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP or PRINCE2)
SKILLS
Operational Excellence & Lean Manufacturing
- Strong understanding of manufacturing systems (e.g., UMS, WCM, TPM), loss analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Strategic Planning & Execution
- Ability to translate manufacturing strategy into actionable masterplans and drive execution across departments.
Coaching & Capability Building
- Skilled in training, mentoring, and developing others—especially pillar leaders, operators, and site leadership.
Change Management & Culture Building
- Proven ability to lead cultural transformation initiatives, foster engagement, and embed zero-loss mindset across the site.
Performance Management & KPI Tracking
- Competence in tracking and improving key manufacturing metrics such as OEE, OR, Zero-Based Waste and Cost Savings through structured reviews.
Digital Fluency & Tech Adoption
- Comfortable with digital tools and systems, and capable of leading digital transformation initiatives in a factory setting.
Stakeholder Influence & Communication
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills to align cross-functional teams, from operators to senior managers.
Governance & Compliance
- Ability to lead governance processes (e.g., FOS reviews), ensure adherence to standards, and manage external consultant engagements.
Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking
- Skilled in root cause analysis, gap assessments, and implementing focused improvement systems.
Project & Time Management
- Capable of managing multiple initiatives, coordinating site-wide activities, and ensuring timely delivery of UMS milestones.
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ABOUT THE ROLE
- We are seeking a highly analytical, customer-focused, and experienced Payroll Manager, 1UL Africa & Expat Payroll to lead end-to-end payroll delivery across Africa and global expatriate payroll operations.
- This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, compliant, and efficient payroll processing across a complex multi-country landscape. The successful candidate will combine operational excellence with transformation leadership, driving continuous improvement, governance, controls, vendor performance, and service excellence while delivering an exceptional employee experience.
- As a key member of the payroll leadership team, this role will partner closely with HR, Finance, Global Mobility, Payroll Vendors, and external stakeholders to ensure payroll operations are managed effectively, compliantly, and efficiently across multiple markets.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Payroll Operations & Service Delivery
- Lead end-to-end payroll operations across multiple African markets, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing.
- Ensure payroll activities are delivered in accordance with local legislative requirements, business policies, and service level agreements.
- Drive operational excellence and payroll service quality through robust delivery processes and governance.
- Monitor payroll performance and implement actions to continuously improve employee experience and service outcomes.
- Ensure consistent execution of payroll processes across all supported markets.
Expatriate Payroll Management
- Manage end-to-end payroll activities for expatriate employees across global assignments.
- Oversee shadow payroll processes, tax equalization calculations, and expatriate payroll reconciliations.
- Ensure accuracy and compliance of local payroll files supporting expatriate employees.
- Partner with Global Mobility and external providers to ensure seamless payroll delivery for globally mobile employees.
- Proactively identify and resolve expatriate payroll risks and issues.
Compliance, Governance & Risk Management
- Ensure payroll operations comply with local legislative requirements, tax regulations, and statutory obligations.
- Maintain compliance with Unilever internal controls, SOX requirements, and audit standards.
- Manage payroll governance frameworks and ensure appropriate controls are embedded and consistently executed.
- Support internal and external audits, ensuring timely resolution of findings and recommendations.
- Develop and oversee risk mitigation plans to reduce payroll exposure across all supported countries.
Process Excellence & Transformation
- Partner with Payroll and HR Centres of Expertise to standardize and optimize payroll processes.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, compliance, and employee experience.
- Lead implementation of payroll policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Support payroll transformation and digitalization initiatives across the Africa payroll landscape.
- Identify opportunities to simplify processes, reduce manual interventions, and improve service outcomes.
Vendor & Stakeholder Management
- Manage relationships with payroll vendors and service providers to ensure delivery against contractual obligations and performance expectations.
- Partner with HR, Finance, Tax, Global Mobility, Equity, and business stakeholders to resolve complex payroll matters.
- Provide expert payroll guidance and support across the organization.
- Drive strong collaboration across internal and external partner networks.
- Ensure effective escalation management and resolution of payroll-related issues.
Reporting, Analytics & Insights
- Generate and analyze payroll reports to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Provide payroll insights and recommendations to support business decisions and operational improvements.
- Monitor key performance indicators and service metrics to measure payroll effectiveness.
- Deliver accurate management reporting to support governance and compliance requirements.
- Leverage data-driven insights to improve payroll accuracy, controls, and employee experience.
People Leadership & Capability Building
- Lead, coach, and develop payroll professionals across the team.
- Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer service excellence.
- Strengthen payroll capability through coaching, development planning, and knowledge sharing.
- Support succession planning and talent development initiatives.
- Promote best practice sharing across Payroll Expertise and PEX leadership teams.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Demonstrated extensive payroll operations experience, including specific payroll experience within South Africa.
- Experience supporting or managing payroll operations across multiple African countries.
- Minimum two years' people management experience.
- Proven experience managing end-to-end, in-house payroll operations.
- Strong experience managing multi-country payroll environments, payroll vendors, and cross-functional stakeholders.
- In-depth understanding of payroll compliance, SOX controls, governance, and audit requirements.
- Strong financial and business acumen.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
- Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Strong stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
- Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with the highest level of integrity.
- Experience leading change, transformation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Proven ability to develop and execute a shared vision and strategy for change.
- Strong leadership capability with experience managing remote and cross-cultural teams.
- Professional fluency in English, both written and verbal; French or additional African language capability would be advantageous.
- High levels of agility, resilience, and adaptability in a complex global environment.
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