Function: Production
Reports to: Operations Manager
Location: Leioa, Basque Country, Spain
Terms & Conditions: Full-time Local Terms
A strong candidate has been identified through our succession planning.
While a strong internal candidate has been identified through our succession planning process, we remain open to additional applications to ensure that all individuals who meet the required skills, performance, experience, and leadership criteria outlined in the JD have a fair opportunity to be considered.
All resumes must be in English.
JOB PURPOSE
Ensure the continuous improvement and stability of production processes by eliminating losses, defects and waste, applying UMS methodologies and acting as technical trainer and reference in operational excellence. The role is critical to the development of the factory (zero defects, zero waste, zero losses), applying the full range of Focused Improvement methods across Safety, Quality, Business Priority/Cost Deployment, Autonomous Maintenance, Customer Service and Agility. Contributes directly to the development of semi-autonomous teams, ensuring high standards of safety, quality, efficiency and sustainability.
Most Complex Aspects of the Role
Root-cause analysis of losses across complex, multi-variable production problems, applying the full UMS toolset (FI, AM, PM, Q, PD).
Proposing and validating effective countermeasures and technical standards while balancing safety, quality, cost and delivery.
Driving consistent digital/automation deployment across lines with varying technical maturity.
Sustaining influence and teamwork to advance semi-autonomous teams without formal authority over the crews.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Analyse losses and operational problems, identifying root causes through direct floor observation, data analysis and hands-on involvement
Design and drive action plans and Run to Standard (R2S) implementation (data collection/analysis, loss prioritisation, problem solving, SMED, AM activities and machine settings/centerlines), building multidisciplinary teams
Establish and validate technical standards defining basic operating conditions
Act as technical trainer for line teams, coaching in phenomena identification, root-cause analysis and establishment of countermeasures
Analyse operational data — including accuracy of MMP Code data — to detect patterns and make informed, data-driven decisions
Validate process improvements and establish/update revised basic conditions on the line
Lead or coordinate digital and automation project deployment; suggest automation solutions where relevant expertise exists
Provide inputs to the EEM pillar (MP data); support Factory OR and DBNR improvement in collaboration with Customer Service and Agility
Coordinate with other departments and external agents (e.g. equipment suppliers) to implement technical improvements
Optimise process design, resource allocation and NVAA reduction
Identify good practices and extend them to other lines
Foster a culture of safety, quality and continuous improvement, acting as a reference in the application of good practices
Stakeholders and Purpose
Production (Operators, Shift Team Leader, Area Leader): Day-to-day operations
Transformation (ManEx Coordinator / Continuous Improvement Specialist): Ensure alignment with Unilever UMS methodology
Equipment Suppliers: Restore basic equipment conditions and implement technical improvements
Engineering, Transformation, Quality, Safety (engineers, project technicians, work teams): Collaboration on projects and daily operations management
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
University degree, Engineering specialisation, preferably with FMCG manufacturing background (Packaging: mechanical, electrical, robotics; or Processing: product technology knowledge). Potential development role for technicians or technical operators.
Experience
2 years of prior experience.
Additional Training:
Data analysis and visualisation tools; statistics and process control; basics of coding; technical drawing / 3D modelling
Languages
Spanish native or full professional proficiency.
English: Intermediate level.
Other
Business acumen linking manufacturing performance to finance KPIs and BG targets; project management awareness; behaviors aligned with Unilever's Bias for Action, Accountability & Responsibility, Growth Mindset and Consumer Love.
Time to full performance
Approximately 1 year in role.
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
- University degree with an engineering specialization
- Two years of prior experience
- Spanish native or full professional proficiency
- Intermediate English proficiency
- Data analysis and visualization training
- Statistics and process control training
- Basic coding training
- Technical drawing and 3D modeling training
- FMCG manufacturing experience
- Packaging experience in mechanical, electrical, or robotics disciplines
- Processing product technology knowledge
- Business acumen connecting manufacturing performance to financial KPIs and business targets
- Project management awareness
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.
