Making & Sulphonation Technical Manager

Unlocking Opportunity: A Deep Dive into the Making & Sulphonation Technical Manager Role

For ambitious technical professionals with a drive for excellence, this Making & Sulphonation Technical Manager position at one of Unilever's iconic manufacturing sites presents a compelling career advancement. This role is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be a linchpin in the production of high-quality, branded consumer goods, ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability remain at the forefront.

If you thrive in a dynamic team environment, possess a sharp eye for detail, and are committed to upholding stringent quality, safety, and environmental standards, this opportunity could be your next significant career step. The role acts as a critical bridge between the Make and Packing operations, offering a holistic view of the manufacturing process and the chance to influence key outcomes.

Key Advantages for Aspiring Candidates:

• Impactful Ownership: This role offers significant autonomy. You will be directly responsible for improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), batch cycle times, and unplanned downtime in the Liquids Making and Sulphonation operations. Your leadership will drive tangible improvements.
• Innovation and Change Leadership: Be at the forefront of innovation. You'll lead change delivery for the operation, manage the manufacturing input to design and scope, and oversee the crucial OQ, PQ, and validation processes. This is a chance to shape the future of production.
• Team Development and Empowerment: You will lead and develop a team of engineers, fostering their growth through performance conversations, skill development, and engagement plans. Building and nurturing talent is a core aspect of this position.
• Sustainability Champion: In an era of increasing environmental consciousness, this role places you at the heart of sustainability efforts. You'll own and execute site decarbonisation plans, drive energy and water savings projects, and lead waste reduction initiatives. This is a chance to make a real difference.
• Operational Excellence: Deeply embedded in the Site PM Pillar, you will contribute to driving capability and systems, with a focus on optimising maintenance strategies, reducing costs, and fostering a "fix forever" mentality through robust problem-solving and "Run to Standard" principles.
• Exposure to Iconic Brands: Work directly with and influence the production of renowned and exciting Unilever brands, reaching billions of consumers daily. This offers unparalleled brand visibility and impact.
• Comprehensive Benefits and Wellbeing Focus: Beyond a competitive salary and pension, Unilever offers an annual bonus, subsidised gym membership, a discounted staff shop, and shares. The company is a strong advocate for wellbeing, offering various support programs and a commitment to creating a family-friendly, inclusive, and flexible working environment.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Technical Acumen is Paramount: A strong technical background is essential. Candidates should possess a deep understanding of process equipment, automation, 5S, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies. FMCG experience is highly valued.
• Leadership and Transformation Experience: The role requires proven experience in leading and transforming teams and culture. This includes managing performance, developing individuals, and driving engagement.
• Project Management Prowess: You will be responsible for leading projects from design through to vertical start-up. A solid track record in managing both small to medium capital expenditure (Capex) projects and innovation initiatives is crucial.
• Problem-Solving Agility: A proactive and analytical approach to problem-solving is vital. The ability to diagnose, resolve, and prevent recurring issues within machinery, systems, and processes will be tested and honed.
• Adaptability to Change: The manufacturing landscape is constantly evolving. Candidates must demonstrate a proactive and collaborative attitude towards change, including the ability to adapt to short-notice planning adjustments and drive new initiatives.
• Multiskilled Advantage: While a multiskilled background (mechanical, electrical, and software) is desirable, a passion for and strong experience in process equipment and automation is essential. An engineering degree will further strengthen your application.
• Commitment to Safety and Quality: Upholding the highest standards of safety and quality is non-negotiable. This involves actively contributing to a safe working environment, adhering to procedures, and ensuring product quality targets are met consistently.

This Making & Sulphonation Technical Manager role offers a unique platform for growth within a globally recognized organization. It’s an opportunity for individuals to leverage their technical expertise, leadership skills, and passion for operational excellence to make a significant impact on both the business and a more sustainable future.