Posted:
5/31/2026, 5:00:00 PM
Location(s):
Gauteng, South Africa ⋅ Boksburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level ⋅ Senior
Field(s):
Operations & Logistics
Workplace Type:
On-site
Unilever is currently hiring for a Unit Manager
Function: Supply Chain
Reports to: Plant Manager
Location: Boksburg
Terms & Conditions: Full time, onsite
JOB PURPOSE
Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. The main job purpose is to ensure the production and packaging of company products, according to the production plan and within company’s quality and safety standards.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Agrees and implements production plan with production manager. Support, guide and direct within the production plan. (e.g. if a production line breaks down, prioritise production requirements and re-allocates labour accordingly) •
Analyses shift results and implement any necessary changes to increase production.
Ensures that quality standards are implemented and adhered to and diagnoses plant problems (fault finding) and liaises with Engineering Foreman for plant repairs and interprets fault finding to optimise production. Ensure that shift repairs and maintenance is carried out by the Team Leaders and operators to reduce the impact of downtime.
Conduct daily production meetings with the different production disciplines to analyse previous shift results and implements any necessary changes to meet demand.
Responsible for ensuring sufficient staff and adequate raw materials.
Identifies causes and costs of waste, contamination and inefficiencies and takes appropriate action to reduce these amounts. Monitor and reduce wastes such as product, raw materials, packaging, steam, air, water and electricity.
Application of mass balance for Raw material usage control. Understanding of SAP system to conduct Stock take activities and daily SAP compliance activities.
Monitors and ensures adherence to Company standards and SOPs. Ensures that Plant is maintained in a high level of engineering, cleaning and Safety standard.
Implements total productive maintenance to improve PQCDSMI (Production, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Safety, Morale, and Innovation) to deliver against set Factory targets.
Implement recommendations from SHE, Quality or engineering. Ensures responsible management of SHE, Quality and Engineering using the SHE, Quality and Engineering Teams as Subject Matter Experts
Operational Systems: Ensure that all employees adhere to the operational systems standards (SAP, Timekeeper, ABC quality, ESS, Clock cards etc) and manages the business processes defined within these operational systems
Identifies reasons for staff non-conformance (e.g. training required, managing poor performance, refusal to obey lawful instruction, absenteeism) and takes appropriate action.
Monitors processes and changes and ensures that corrective action has been taken in the event of a non-conformance.
Co-ordinates the implementation of TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) and world class principles in the factory
In addition, the role is responsible for ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations as a Section 16.2 appointee, including implementing company SHE standards, addressing non-compliance, and preparing for audits. The position also involves executing safety strategies at a tactical level.
From a cost management perspective, the incumbent must drive cost efficiency, monitor and reduce losses, ensure adherence to budgets, and identify opportunities to minimise waste while controlling operational expenses.
In people development, the role focuses on identifying training gaps, implementing development plans with HR, and supporting employee growth through structured performance and development planning.
The industrial relations component requires managing disciplinary processes, resolving workplace conflicts, maintaining strong relationships with unions and employees, and preventing industrial action.
Additionally, the role supports training and development through performance management, HR coordination, and leading continuous improvement and project management initiatives.
Experiences & Qualifications
Completed Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain or Commerce
Essential Experience in Making and Packaging
Must have optimisation experience
Strong leadership and management experience of a large team who work shifts
Sound strategic and operational Production management experience
Budget and cost reduction experience
Expert project management experience
Compilation of training manuals, coordinate and facilitate training
Strong Industrial Relations experience; this must be in a unionized environment right through to CCMA
Support, guide and drive OHS and SHE regulations and standards and ensure compliance
Manage multiple stakeholders and numerous re-engineering projects
Knowledge and understanding of the following will be an advantage:
WCM (World Class Manufacturing)
High precision packaging robots
Unilever Behaviors
Care Deeply: We care deeply about how consumers experience our brands every day, everywhere; about our people’s growth and development, and our impact on the planet. We care about our performance, to a point where it hurts when we don’t win.
Focus on What Counts: We ruthlessly prioritise what truly matters, and so do fewer things brilliantly. We set clear goals & direction and recognise others for maximum impact.
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.
Deliver with Excellence: We deliver excellence in what we do at pace. We take personal ownership and hold each other to account – always finding a way to do what we said we will do.
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.
Website: https://www.unilever.com/
Headquarter Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Employee Count: 10001+
Year Founded: 1930
IPO Status: Public
Last Funding Type: Grant
Industries: Consumer ⋅ Fast-Moving Consumer Goods ⋅ Food and Beverage ⋅ Manufacturing ⋅ Personal Care and Hygiene