Unilever is currently hiring for a Site Engineering Manager
Function: Supply Chain
Reports to: Sourcing Unit Director
Location: Khanyisa Factory (Boksburg) South Africa
Terms & Conditions: Full time, onsite
At Unilever, everything we do is driven by purpose. This is your opportunity to shape a better business and a better world through the work you do.
We are looking for an Engineering Manager who has overall responsibility for engineering projects, maintenance, utilities, production lines, processing plants, and buildings within the sourcing unit. The role’s primary objective is to deliver engineering excellence, drive continuous improvement, and ensure safe, reliable, and cost‑effective operations that contribute directly to factory performance and sustainability targets.
This role also leads asset care, engineering spares, site services, and capital project delivery to fully support manufacturing activities.
- Lead technical and maintenance teams delivering projects, innovation, infrastructure, and site services.
- Drive optimal utilization, reliability, and lifecycle management of site assets.
- Lead innovation implementation, identifying fit‑for‑purpose design solutions aligned to category and USCC/category technology standards.
- Own and deliver the approved capital projects portfolio, from design through commissioning and handover, following TPM Early Equipment Management principles.
- Prepare and manage Capital Expenditure proposals and budgets, aligned with cluster and category requirements.
- Liaise with Category and Engineering Excellence teams on technology upgrades and standards.
- Ensure the highest standards of quality, delivered at optimal cost.
- Accountable for Health, Safety & Environmental compliance across all engineering and project activities.
- Lead safe design, implementation, commissioning, and handover, including PHA, HAZOPs, MDSAS, and site safety practices.
- Ensure statutory and legal compliance across engineering contractors and operations.
- Lead the Early Equipment Management and Planned Maintenance TPM pillars, including SIMAS application.
- Establish and continuously improve preventative maintenance systems for plant and services.
- Drive improvements in MTBF, MTTR, maintenance cost optimisation, and spare‑parts inventory in line with working capital targets.
- Implement controls for accurate spare‑parts accounting and consumption.
- Lead infrastructure improvements across energy, water, steam, and effluent treatment.
- Implement energy efficiency and sustainability projects aligned to Unilever goals.
- Manage utilities, contracts, contractors, and service reliability.
- Coach, develop, and build engineering and technical capability across the site.
- Actively lead talent, performance, and skills development to deliver sustainable results.
- Build and embed product, process, and packaging expertise relevant to the site asset base.
- Foster a safety‑first, inclusive, and high‑performance culture.
- BSc Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical)
- Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) – essential
- 3–5 years experience in FMCG or manufacturing operations
- Proven experience leading end‑to‑end engineering projects, including design, budgeting, and execution
- Strong leadership experience managing large teams, stakeholders, and third‑party partners
- Solid exposure to FMCG supply chain engineering (manufacturing, customer service, logistics, process)
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.
Similar Jobs
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.
