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.
Apply via company website ( https://www.unilever.co.za ) or
careers.unilever.com
