Plant Manager

Unilever is currently hiring for a Plant Manager
Function: Supply Chain
Reports to: Sourcing Unit Director
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Terms & Conditions: Full time, onsite

At Unilever, everything we do is driven by purpose. This is an opportunity to help shape a better business and a better world through the impact of your work.
We’re looking for a Plant Manager to lead end‑to‑end production and internal logistics operations, ensuring safe, efficient, cost‑effective, and high‑quality manufacturing performance. This role is critical in driving manufacturing excellence, continuous improvement, and operational reliability while building strong, capable teams.
You’ll be part of a team that believes in doing work that truly matters — for people and the planet.

Key Responsibilities
Plant Operations & Delivery
• Lead all production and internal logistics operations from goods receipt, material storage, and internal handling through processing, packing, and dispatch
• Deliver production commitments in line with agreed volume, quality, cost, and service targets
• Review production progress daily and lead resolution of operational issues

Manufacturing Excellence & Continuous Improvement
• Drive continuous improvement across production and internal logistics using TPM and Manufacturing Excellence methodologies
• Achieve annual committed Manufacturing Excellence savings
• Identify and address bottlenecks, constraints, and improvement opportunities to optimise asset utilisation and reduce waste
• Review production performance KPIs weekly through structured Kaizen forums

Performance, Planning & Cost Control
• Achieve operational performance (OP) targets for Volume, OEE, OR, and Cost
• Define key capacity parameters and constraints to support short‑ and long‑term production planning
• Prepare, manage, and control the factory operating plan and budget
• Control manufacturing conversion and internal logistics costs (labour, waste, rework) against agreed targets
• Partner with Supply Planning to manage production prioritisation, resource planning, and future growth requirements

Quality, Safety, Health & Environment
• Ensure all products meet Unilever quality standards and specifications through robust operator‑based quality systems
• Work closely with the Site Quality Manager to ensure ongoing quality compliance, reviewed through monthly quality circles
• Ensure a clean, safe, and compliant working environment in line with Unilever Corporate and Business Unit SHEQ standards
• Lead the implementation and maintenance of ISO 9000 / 14000 / 18000 systems
• Design, implement, and monitor systems for safe chemical handling, process safety, and people safety
• Ensure appropriate safety training programs are in place and fully embedded

Engineering, Maintenance & Asset Care
• Partner with the Site Engineer to ensure factory capacity is sufficient to meet commitments and growth plans
• Work closely with the Maintenance Manager to ensure high reliability and efficiency of production and internal logistics equipment
• Maximise asset effectiveness through strong maintenance and reliability practices

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
• Coordinate the availability of resources and inputs from internal functions and third‑party partners
• Work in close liaison with Engineering, Quality, Supply Planning, and Maintenance teams to ensure operational alignment
• Ensure timely and effective implementation of new product launches and innovations

Leadership & People Development
• Lead and develop Production and Internal Logistics teams to deliver world‑class operations
• Build strong team‑working through cross‑functional projects and team‑building initiatives
• Identify, develop, and strengthen leadership capability within the plant
• Delegate accountability appropriately to drive ownership and performance
• Assess capability gaps and implement training and development programs across production and internal logistics teams
• Manage performance effectively, including addressing poor performance through courageous conversations

Required Qualifications
• Minimum 5 years’ management experience in Supply Chain or Manufacturing operations
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical)

• Hands‑on experience in World Class Manufacturing (WCM) / TPM
• Strong FMCG manufacturing or fast‑moving production environment experience
• Experience working with SAP ERP systems
• Strong budget and cost management capability
• Experience with IR / EE practices
• Capability in performance management and managing poor performance
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to lead courageous conversations
• Solid understanding of SHEQ standards and systems
• Demonstrated application of the 7 Key Skills of Management Effectiveness

Why Join Unilever?
• Work for one of the world’s most purpose-led and trusted brands.

• Drive meaningful impact on business capability and performance.

• Be part of a supportive, culture‑driven environment that values people and growth.

• Enjoy opportunities for regional exposure and professional development.

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.