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.
At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don’t believe in the ‘one size fits all’ approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.
Job Purpose
As a Production Supervisor, you will lead day-to-day production operations in an FMCG manufacturing environment—delivering reliable output, high quality, and safe execution on every shift. You’ll work closely with Planning, Warehouse, Quality, Engineering, and Finance to hit targets, remove losses, and continuously improve performance (OEE, cost, and service).
You will coach and develop a frontline team, set clear expectations, manage overtime, and resolve issues quickly and fairly. You will also ensure full compliance with safety, food/consumer product standards, and audit requirements—creating a culture where people and product safety come first.
What success looks like (first 6–12 months)
- Stable, predictable output: strong OR (Output Reliability) and on-time delivery against the production plan
- Improved line performance: measurable OEE uplift and loss elimination through structured problem solving
- Zero-compromise standards: strong safety behaviors, quality compliance, and audit readiness
- A capable team: clear shift routines, coaching rhythm, and improved engagement/performance
Key Responsibilities
- Own daily production execution for your area/lines to deliver OR (Output Reliability) and on-time, in-full output
- Run tiered/shift routines (startup checks, shift handover, performance reviews) and report weekly performance to the leadership team
- Track, control, and forecast production costs (labor, overtime, waste, and utilities where applicable) and support the site cost agenda
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and company requirements (GMP, hygiene, food safety, and other applicable standards)
- Lead safety and quality execution on the shopfloor: risk assessments, incident follow-up, CAPA, and readiness for internal/external audits
- Coordinate cross-functionally (Planning, Warehouse, QA, Engineering) to manage the plan within capacity, material, and people resources
- Drive process improvement: OEE improvement, loss elimination, and structured problem solving (root cause analysis, standardization, and controls)
- Lead continuous improvement and digitalization initiatives (data-driven monitoring, visual management, and practical automation where applicable)
- Lead and develop the production team: performance management, and day-to-day people matters
- Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities and new solutions to improve safety, quality, throughput, and cost across the site
Skills & Qualifications
Must have
- 3–5 years’ experience in FMCG manufacturing/production
- Proven people leadership: coaching operators, managing performance, and handling day-to-day people matters
- Solid understanding of production management, planning, and manufacturing operations (KPIs, standard work, and daily management)
- Working English (written and spoken) to communicate clearly in meetings, reporting, and cross-functional coordination
- Clear communication and presentation skills (KPI reviews, and improvement proposals)
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel/PowerPoint) and shopfloor reporting tools/systems
- Hands-on, energetic, and comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing environment
Nice to have
- Food production experience and familiarity with GMP/HACCP environments
- Continuous improvement tools (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, SMED, RCA) and data-driven performance management
- Exposure to digitalization initiatives (dashboards, automated reporting) in manufacturing
Leadership Competencies
- Spot opportunities for growth and improvement
- Lead change and sustain standards
- Communicate with impact across shifts and functions
- Manage stakeholders and align priorities
- Build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams
- Performance-driven mindset with strong ownership
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Production Engineering, Food Technology, or a related field
- 3–5 years’ proven experience as a Production Supervisor/Production Engineer (or similar) in FMCG manufacturing
- 1–2 years’ experience leading a team/shift is preferred
- Food manufacturing experience is highly preferred
- Strong experience coordinating with Warehouse and Planning teams to deliver production plans
- Continuous improvement and digitalization exposure is a plus
- Familiarity with FMCG manufacturing concepts, practices, processes, and production technology
Why join this role
- High-impact, hands-on leadership role with clear ownership of daily performance
- Opportunity to strengthen CI/Lean skills through real OEE and loss-elimination projects
- Exposure to cross-functional stakeholders (Planning, QA, Engineering, Finance) and pathways toward broader operations leadership
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.
Top Skills
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.
