Fresh Openings at Unilever

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES

You will be responsible for:

• Leading a team to deliver the Household Care Liquids program for Southern Africa
• Demonstrated ability to grow future talent - Managing people’s development & career plans and coaching.
• Business partnering with Marketing, Supply Chain and other R&D groups and suppliers to shape, influence and land the liquids R&D program for Southern Africa
• Formulate products that meet our performance and authenticity standards and ensure that products are delivered on-time and within budget while meeting all consumer and technical objectives
• Product qualification including signing off on all validation testing.
• Sign-off on all product specifications
• Work with consumer insights partners to ensure that product technologies are showcased in an impactful way
• Leading the large, technically complex projects (both innovations and savings initiatives)
• Staying abreast of technical developments and regulatory updates in the homecare category
• Develop and maintain relationships with existing and potential raw material suppliers.
• Commit to personal development and professional growth by actively participating in personal development initiatives and applying developmental thinking within the context of planning and executing work.
• Maintaining safety and GLP in labs and pilot plants
• Perform other tasks as may be required by Research & Development in the fulfilment of its objectives

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Technical education: BS in Chemistry, Bio-Chemistry, Chemical Engineering
• 8 years experience in R&D and/or Unilever Supply Chain with minimum 3 years managerial experience in Formulation Development or Technical Product Management preferably in a consumer products goods company; more preferably in-Home Care Development
• Experience of complex Project management
• Evidence of connecting with global partners to deliver a program/projects.
• Consistent performance and demonstrated R&D expertise. CTI Experience beneficial.
• Strong business acumen
• Passion and strong alignment with Unilever’s Vision and Values
• Strong problem solving and organizational skills and proven ability to work in a fast-paced work environment.
• Demonstration of holding people accountable, impact and influence
• Strong growth mindset

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JOB PURPOSE

• This role drives safe, sustainable, and high-quality operations through disciplined Unilever Manufacturing System (UMS) application, advanced process control and manufacturing technology. It leads innovation, loss elimination, and performance optimization to embed scalable manufacturing capability.
• Because here, we don’t just hire for jobs. We invite you to be part of something bigger.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Output of pack plant

• Application and accuracy of MMP Code data to ensure loss tree is available for manufacturing​
• Eliminate waste and Loss according to the UMS prioritization process using AM, PM, FI and QC pillar tools and methodologies ​
• Collect and analyse complex data to penetrate problems’ phenomena and understand root causes ​
• RCA of any process losses and implementation of corrective actions, using the full set of UMS methods and tools to identify root causes, define countermeasures and validate their effectiveness; mastery of AM, PM, Q and FI tools and processes.  ​
• Reduction of material usage variance (MUV) by analysing process and equipment losses, validating BOM accuracy and embedding sustainable yield improvements across production lines.
• Line balancing and bottle neck evaluation for packing lines​
• Manning studies based on line balancing on packing lines to ensure bottle neck losses eliminated and increased manning productivity

Output of process plant

• Application and accuracy of MMP Code data to ensure loss tree is available for manufacturing​
• Eliminate waste and Loss according to the UMS prioritization process using AM, PM, FI and QC pillar tools and methodologies ​
• Collect and analyse complex data to penetrate problems’ phenomena and understand root causes ​
• RCA of any process losses and implementation of corrective actions, using the full set of UMS methods and tools to identify root causes, define countermeasures and validate their effectiveness; mastery of AM, PM, Q and FI tools and processes.  ​
• Chemical Mass balances for in line processes in order to develop set points and controls for continuous and batch plant processes
• Reduction of Material Usage Vairance (MUV) by validating BOM and process standards, analysing material losses across manufacturing processes, and driving sustainable yield and waste reduction improvements.

Innovations / change management

• Implementation of process and packaging innovations by validating BOMs and specifications, leading trials and start-ups and delivering stable, compliant production with controlled yield and waste.
• OEE trending and baselines for implementation of changes on packing lines​

Quality of manufacturing plant

• Consumer & Customer Focus:  Ensure elimination of quality losses and implementing corrective actions to maintain process control​
• RCA of any quality losses and implementation of corrective actions (QEWO’s).

Capability building

• Create Technical Standards to ensure line stability​.
• Create SOPs for process to standardize methods of production, train line crews on technical standards, SOPs and build capability for operators to understand corrective actions for quality issues​.
• AM – machine settings to be standardized and documented on SOP instruction.
• Training of competent operators within the cell on AM / PM standards within the cell.

Leadership

• Maintains a harmonious working environment and builds a strong performance culture.
• Work according to HR policies and procedures; adhere to quality and safety standards.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• 5 years Process and Production Engineering experience within FMCG/Manufacturing environment
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Project)
• WCM/ Lean Manufacturing experience preferable
• High Speed Packaging Machinery experience preferable

Required Qualifications

• B.Sc. OR B. Tech Chem Eng / Mech Eng / Industrial Eng

Preferred Qualifications

• Postgraduate Degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Systems, or Operations Management
• Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt or higher)
• Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP or PRINCE2)

SKILLS

Core Technical Skills

• Proficiency in WCM tools: AM, PM, FI, QC
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and problem-solving
• Data analysis and loss tree interpretation
• Line balancing and bottleneck analysis
• OEE monitoring and improvement

Quality & Compliance

• Quality Management Systems and QEWO process application
• Process control, loss analysis and CAPA execution

Documentation & Standards

• SOP development and technical standard development
• Machine setting standardization

Training & Capability Building

• Operator training on AM/PM standards
• Coaching and knowledge transfer

Innovation & Change Support

• Technical trial execution and support for process and equipment changes
• Structured change implementation and performance impact evaluation

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Team collaboration and communication
• Performance culture promotion
• Adherence to safety and HR policies

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JOB PURPOSE

• This programme trains you to package products using automated packaging equipment while maintaining health, safety, and quality standards. You will develop business understanding, mechanical maintenance skills, and effective communication for line coordination and operation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform general line operations and cleaning activities as per operational plans.
• Conduct pre-start-up checks to confirm equipment and area cleanliness and safety in line with SOPs.
• Monitor product and packaging quality against set standards; report any faults promptly.
• Detect process abnormalities and take immediate corrective action to prevent escalation.
• Clean machinery according to manufacturer’s guidelines and site specifications.
• Prepare and check raw materials for production use.
• Maintain personal and team safety on the production line.
• Actively contribute to an eco-efficient and sustainable work environment.
• Comply with all learnership requirements, including assessments, logbook completion, and assignments.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A National Senior Certificate (Matric) with a pass in Mathematics and Science is required, or an N2/N3/N4 Engineering qualification.

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JOB PURPOSE

• The ED&I and Employer Brand Assistant plays a dual role driving Employer Branding for South Africa through our Early Careers Programme and LevelUp Youth Employability initiatives. Additionally, the role partners closely with the ED&I function to design, implement and monitor Equity, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, drive Employment Equity targets, support BBBEE Skills Development reporting and Learning Compliance requirements, whilst supporting the broader Unilever inclusion agenda. 

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

Employer Branding Leadership – SA Early Careers

• This scope focuses on building Unilever’s external brand, attracting early careers talent and driving youth impact.
• Support the full Employer Branding strategy for Unilever South Africa’s Early Careers portfolio (YES Programme, Internships, Unilever Future Leaders Programme, Student Vacation Work Programme).
• Position Unilever as a preferred employer of choice through campaigns, storytelling, and on-campus/on-platform engagement activities.
• Manage our digital employer brand across platforms (LinkedIn, local careers channels, job boards).
• Lead internal and external brand audits to ensure message consistency and competitiveness.
• Drive the Youth Employability agenda through the LevelUp Programme, including programme design, partnerships, reporting, and impact measurement.
• Establish and maintain relationships with universities, NGOs, youth hubs, TVET colleges and employability partners.
• Coordinate national youth-facing activations, career fairs, and employability workshops.

Employee Advocacy & Brand Affinity

• Drive employee advocacy to build brand affinity and support talent attraction.
• Coach employees on storytelling and maintain the advocacy content pipeline.
• Monitor advocacy analytics and link outcomes to recruitment KPIs.

ED&I Agenda Support

• This scope focuses on strengthening Unilever’s inclusion agenda and supporting organisational culture.
• Assist with the design, rollout and communication of ED&I initiatives across the business.
• Support employee listening, inclusion activation campaigns, and culture building programmes.
• Partner with Business Partners and Business units to integrate ED&I principles into people moments.

Regulatory & Organisational Reporting

• Support achievement of Employment Equity (EE) targets through coordination of EE activities and monitoring.
• Support BBBEE Skills Development reporting, ensuring compliance and accuracy of data.
• Manage learning compliance reporting and follow-up (including L&D audit readiness).
• Consolidate insights to guide development planning, youth talent allocation, and workforce planning.
• Maintain accurate data on learning attendance, certifications and programme effectiveness.

Culture & Change Support

• Support execution of change and culture strategies connected to ED&I.
• Coordinate communication, engagement materials and activation sessions for behaviour - shaping initiatives.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED

Experiences & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR or related fields.
• 1–3 years' experience in Employer Branding and ED&I
• Experience with digital platforms, youth engagement, or social media management is beneficial.
• Experience with EE/BBBEE reporting is an advantage.
• Passion for youth development, inclusion and culture change.
• Strong organization skills as well as attention to detail and diligence
• Ability to work independently and operate within a fast-paced environment

Skills

• Stakeholder Management
• Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Influencing