Production Engineer

Join us as Production Engineer

Function: Supply Chain

Reports to: Plant Manager

Scope: South Africa

Location: Anderbolt Factory

Terms & Conditions: Full Time

JOB PURPOSE

This role exists to drive operational excellence within the packing cell by ensuring consistent output, quality, and efficiency through the application of World Class Manufacturing (WCM) methodologies. The Production Engineer leads loss elimination, process optimization, and capability building while supporting innovation and maintaining a safe, high-performance work environment. This role is critical in sustaining line stability, enhancing productivity, and delivering consumer-focused quality through technical leadership and continuous improvement. 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 

Output of pack plant (cell within pack plant)

• Application and accuracy of MMP Code data to ensure loss tree is available for manufacturing
• Eliminate waste and Loss according to the WCM 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 WCM methods and tools to identify root causes, define countermeasures and validate their effectiveness; mastery of AM, PM, Q and FI tools and processes. 
• 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

Quality of manufacturing plant

• Consumer & Customer Focus:  Ensure elimination of quality losses and implementing corrective actions in order to maintain processes under 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.

Innovations / change management

• Technical support for trials for changes such as innovations/renovations/5S etc.
• OEE trending and baselines for implementation of changes on packing lines

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

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in Packaging Technology, with strong WCM or Lean Manufacturing experience within FMCG, automotive or manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience working with high-speed packaging equipment and production lines.
• Strong knowledge of WCM/Lean Manufacturing methodologies, including Autonomous Maintenance (AM), Planned Maintenance (PM), Focused Improvement (FI) and Quality tools.
• Proven experience in process optimisation, loss and waste elimination, and continuous improvement.
• Strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment and operating standards.
• Experience in developing and implementing SOPs, operating standards and process improvements.
• Sound understanding of Quality Management Systems, GMP, change management and process control tools.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including supporting or leading significant improvement initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capability, with the ability to identify performance losses and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Ability to coach and develop operational teams, transferring technical knowledge and embedding continuous improvement practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science/ Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering

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

• Proficiency in WCM tools and methodologies, including AM, PM, FI and QC
• Strong root cause analysis and structured problem-solving skills
• Ability to analyse operational data, loss trees and identify improvement opportunities
• Experience in OEE monitoring, line balancing and bottleneck analysis
• Knowledge of quality systems, process control and continuous improvement
• Ability to develop and implement SOPs and technical standards
• Experience in coaching and training operators on maintenance and operational standards
• Ability to provide technical support during trials and process/equipment changes
• Strong collaboration, communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong commitment to safety, quality and operational excellence
  

Unilever Behaviours

• Care deeply:  caring deeply about how consumers experience our brands every day, everywhere; about our people’s growth and development, and our impact on the planet. You care about your performance, to a point where it hurts when you don’t win.  Always brings their best self. Has emotional intelligence to take feedback, manage mood and motivations and build empathy for others. Sets high standards for themselves. Has humility, understanding that leadership is service to others, inside and outside of Unilever.
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• Focus on what counts: We set clear and stretching goals and recognise maximum performance impact.  Generates intensity and focus to motivate people to deliver results at speed.
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• Stay three steps ahead:  We think boldly and creatively to make breakthroughs in performance. We are always curious and confident – anticipating and staying ahead of consumer needs and external trends to beat the competition. Approaches delivery with an iterative and incremental, test - do - learn approach. Has an owner’s mindset, using data and insight to make decisions.
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• Deliver with excellence:  We deliver everything we do with excellence and pace. We take personal ownership and hold each other to account – always finding a way to do what we said we will do.  Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results

Unilever is an equal opportunities employer and committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.  We are intentional in employing the best talent that reflects the demographics of our country and which will help build representation of currently under-represented groups. We therefore invite applications from all candidates representing diversity of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. When appointing potential candidates, the South African Employment Equity and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Legislation will be considered.  

We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. If you are applying as a foreign national, please note that you may be requested to provide supporting documents supporting this. 

This is an office-based role in Johannesburg (Anderbolt Factory) and requires 100% of time attendance on site.

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.