Factory Leader at Unilever in Johannesburg | Apply Now!

📍 Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
🆔 Job ID: R-80354
📂 Category: Supply Chain
🕒 Job Type: Full-Time

Website: http://www.unilever.com

🚀 About Unilever

Unilever is one of the world’s most recognized consumer goods companies, with a presence in over 190 countries and a reach of 3.4 billion people daily. Our diverse portfolio includes beloved brands like Dove, Knorr, Magnum, OMO, and LUX. We are a purpose-driven organization committed to making sustainable living commonplace. At Unilever, you don’t just get a job—you get a career filled with purpose, flexibility, and growth.

🏭 About the Role

As a Factory Leader, you will be responsible for overseeing factory operations and ensuring seamless manufacturing performance aligned with Unilever’s world-class standards. You will drive strategic execution, manage budgets, lead people, and ensure the factory consistently meets objectives for productivity, safety, quality, innovation, and customer service.

🎯 Key Responsibilities

• Execute the annual operating plan and achieve factory KPIs.

• Lead end-to-end factory performance including service, cost, innovation, and safety.

• Develop long-term strategic manufacturing plans in line with regional and category needs.

• Drive continuous improvement programs using Unilever Manufacturing System (UMS).

• Manage and optimize the factory’s financial performance and productivity metrics.

• Oversee factory compliance with all OSHE, QA, ISO, and statutory regulations.

• Lead cross-functional collaboration with Supply Chain, R&D, Marketing, HR, and Legal teams.

• Champion sustainability and inclusivity within the factory and community.

• Provide coaching and development for team members and maintain strong industrial relations.

🧠 What You Need to Succeed

📚 Qualifications:

• Relevant Tertiary Qualification (Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or equivalent).

• Factory GCC (in progress or completed) is an advantage.

🧰 Experience:

• 8–10 years in Supply Chain with expertise in Manufacturing/Technology, Safety, and Quality.

• Experience in FMCG industries, especially in Ice Cream, Dairy, or Food sectors, preferred.

💡 Key Skills:

• Leadership & People Management

• Supply Chain Excellence

• Strategic Thinking & Financial Acumen

• Stakeholder & Change Management

• Operational & Digital Proficiency

• Communication & Relationship Building

• Coaching & Talent Development

• Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (HSEQ)

🌐 Internal & External Stakeholders

Internal:

• Supply Chain, R&D, Finance, HR, Marketing, Legal, Corporate Affairs, Regional Teams

External:

• Material Suppliers, Contractors, 3PL Providers, Trade Unions, Local Authorities

🌍 Diversity & Inclusion at Unilever

Unilever believes in building an inclusive culture where employees can thrive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to bring your whole self to work. If you have any support or access requirements, please inform us during the application process.

💡 CV Tips for Factory Leader Roles

• Highlight leadership roles in manufacturing, including teams and budgets managed.

• Demonstrate your experience in process improvement, cost reduction, or quality control.

• Include certifications like GCC, Lean Six Sigma, or ISO-related qualifications.

• Quantify success metrics like improved production rates, reduced downtime, or cost savings.

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