Unilever is currently hiring for an Engineer Trainee

Function: Supply Chain

Reports to: Engineering Manager

Scope: Local

Location: Indonsa Factory, Boksburg Factory, Maydon Wharf Factory

Terms & Conditions: Full-time

ABOUT UNILEVER

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world. 

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don’t believe in the ‘one size fits all’ approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

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.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

 Key Responsibilities:

Output of Pack Plant or Cell 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.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

Experience & Qualifications:

Experiences:

2 – 3 years of experience in a manufacturing or FMCG environment.

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Project).

WCM/ Lean Manufacturing experience preferable.

High Speed Packaging Machinery experience preferable.

Required Qualification:

BSC or BTech in Mechanical Engineering.

Preffered Qualification:

Postgraduate Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

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:

Understanding of quality systems and QEWO process

Process control and corrective action implementation

Documentation & Standards:

SOP and technical standard development.

Machine setting standardization.

Training & Capability Building:

Operator training on AM/PM standards.

Coaching and knowledge transfer.

Innovation & Change Support:

Trial execution and technical support for changes.

Baseline setting and impact analysis.

Leadership & Soft Skills:

Team collaboration and communication.

Performance culture promotion.

Leadership:

UL Behaviors:

Care Deeply:

Sets and communicates clear, consistent and transparent expectations and success criteria to support fair decisions and performance evaluations.

Engages in and facilitates challenging conversations, manages conflicts constructively and contributes to an environment where positive tension drives growth.

Balances strong drive to achieve goals with active consideration for the impact of decisions on colleagues, stakeholders and environment.

Focus On What Counts:

Identifies, prioritizes and advocates for key issues and changes that lead to meaningful progress and positive impact.

Organizes and prioritises workload effectively to deliver high-impact tasks and projects on time and to a high standard.

Evaluates requests thoughtfully, contributes to informed decisions through respectful debate and encourages inclusive dialogue for stategic outcomes.

Stay 3 Steps Ahead:

Responds with agility to internal and external needs, market trends, and competitor actions to seize opportunities and improve performance.

Simplifies complex processes to enhance clarity, efficiency, and workflow effectiveness.

Balances short-term priorities with long-term planning to align present actions with future goals to drive sustained success.

Deliver With Exellence:

Generates and follows through on practical ideas, ensuring thoughtful planning leads to high-quality outcomes.

Solves problems creatively and develops innovative, practical solutions that challenge conventional approaches to drive meaningful improvements.

Plans with foresight, anticipating challenges and addressing obstacles to ensure successful execution.

At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.

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.