Manufacturing Excellence Lead

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.