Unilever is hiring for a ManEx Performance Data Intern
Function: Supply Chain
Reports to: ManEx Manager
Location: Boksburg
Terms & Conditions: Local terms
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. With Unilever you can develop a purpose-led career doing impactful work towards a better business, a better world and a better you. We are one of the top 5 employers in South Africa according to the Top Employer Institute and ranked as the number 1 employer of choice for Graduates in Manufacturing Industry according to SAGEA.
JOB PURPOSE
The position is for a Manufacturing Excellence (ManEx) Performance Data Analyst Internship based at Unilever Boksburg Factory. The internship is focused on improving the accuracy, structure, and usability of manufacturing performance data (OEE and Waste). The role ensures that reliable and consistent data is available to support decision-making, prioritisation of improvement initiatives, and cost deployment processes within the factory. The intern will work closely with the Site ManEx Lead, Production Engineers, and Finance teams to strengthen data systems and support the transition toward fully digital performance management.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
The intern will support the Manufacturing Excellence system by improving data integrity and enabling data-driven performance management.
Key responsibilities include:
Clean, standardise, and validate OEE and Waste data to ensure an accurate and reliable loss tree for the factory.
Ensure correct loss classification and alignment to standard definitions and MMP coding principles.
Identify gaps and inconsistencies between manual and digital reporting systems and support alignment toward a single source of truth.
Develop and maintain dashboards and reports that provide clear visibility of performance losses and trends.
Support measurement and tracking of key KPIs such as OEE, waste, downtime, and cost-related losses.
Provide reliable and structured data inputs to support Business Priority & Cost Deployment processes and decision-making.
Support the Focused Improvement (FI) pillar by enabling accurate identification and prioritisation of improvement opportunities.
Track and validate the impact of improvement initiatives, ensuring that reported performance improvements are accurate.
Support the transition from manual reporting to digital systems by improving data structures, reporting routines, and governance processes.
Work with Production Engineers and line teams to improve data capture accuracy and discipline at source.
Establish baseline performance and support tracking of improvements over time.
Participate in performance review routines and provide insights on key losses and trends.
Ensure adherence to Safety, Quality, and data integrity standards at all times.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
Completed a Degree or National Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
Strong analytical skills and ability to structure and interpret data.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, pivot tables, dashboards).
Understanding of manufacturing KPIs such as OEE, waste, and loss trees is advantageous.
Basic knowledge of Lean, TPM, or Manufacturing Excellence methodologies.
Strong attention to detail and focus on data accuracy.
Good communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
High curiosity and systems-thinking mindset.
UNILEVER BEHAVIOURS
Care deeply
Focus on what counts
Stay three steps ahead
Deliver with excellence
Unilever is an equal opportunities employer and committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We are intentional in employing the best talent that reflects the demographics of our country and which will help build representation of currently under-represented groups. We therefore invite applications from all candidates representing diversity of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. When appointing potential candidates, the South African Employment Equity and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Legislation will be considered.
We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa.
This is an Factory-based role in Boksburg, Johannesburg and requires 100% of time attendance on site.
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.
Skills Required
- Completed a Degree or National Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, pivot tables, dashboards)
- Strong analytical skills and ability to structure and interpret data
- Strong attention to detail and focus on data accuracy
- Good communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally
- High curiosity and systems-thinking mindset
- Understanding of manufacturing KPIs such as OEE, waste, and loss trees
- Basic knowledge of Lean, TPM, or Manufacturing Excellence methodologies
- Ability to work 100% on-site at the Boksburg factory and lawful right to work in South Africa
Unilever Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Unilever and has not been reviewed or approved by Unilever.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, spanning medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and occupational health support alongside a 24/7 employee assistance program. Wellbeing offerings such as health checks, resilience tools, and counseling support the perceived depth of health-related benefits.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support includes a 401(k) match that reaches up to 5% of base salary, strengthening the overall value of the package. Share and savings options are also referenced as part of longer-term financial support beyond salary.
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Flexible Benefits — Benefits customization is enabled through tools such as a “My Reward” system and a “Benefits Envelope” that allows employees to personalize selections. Flexible working approaches are also associated with improved overall satisfaction, reinforcing perceived choice and adaptability in the total rewards offering.
Unilever Insights
What We Do
Be part of the world’s most successful, purpose-led business. Work with brands that are well-loved around the world, that improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We promote innovation, big and small, to make our business win and grow; and we believe in business as a force for good. Unleash your curiosity, challenge ideas and disrupt processes; use your energy to make this happen. Our brilliant business leaders and colleagues provide mentorship and inspiration, so you can be at your best. Our portfolio ranges from nutritionally balanced foods to indulgent ice creams, affordable soaps, luxurious shampoos and everyday household care products. We produce world-leading brands including Lipton, Knorr, Dove, Axe, Hellmann’s and Omo, alongside trusted local names and innovative-forward thinking brands like Ben & Jerry’s, The Dollar Shave Club and Dermalogica. Every individual here can bring their purpose to life through their work. Join us and you’ll be surrounded by inspiring leaders and supportive peers. Among them, you’ll channel your purpose, bring fresh ideas to the table, and simply be you. As you work to make a real impact on the business and the world, we’ll work to help you become a better you.
