Process Engineer Downstream Assistant Manager

Unilever; Sumatera Utara; On-site; IDR 279,000,000 - 401,760,000; Full time

Job summary

Unilever in Indonesia is seeking an Assistant Manager Process Engineer Downstream to drive process optimization and continuous improvement across downstream manufacturing operations.

You will monitor performance, analyze data, lead improvement projects, and coordinate trials with R&D and Production teams to ensure product quality and efficiency. The role requires relocation to Sei Mangkei, Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra and collaboration with multiple functions to enhance plant performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Industrial Engineering.
• 3–5 years of process engineering experience in manufacturing, chemical, oleochemical, or downstream processing.
• Experience with batch chemical processes or oleochemical manufacturing operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Experience in process optimization and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Monitor process performance, production efficiency, and losses to ensure optimal operation.
• Analyze production data and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and cost optimization.
• Lead process improvement initiatives, including new technology implementation.
• Coordinate and execute production trial runs, validations, and plant tests with R&D and Production teams.
• Evaluate changes in process parameters, recipes, raw materials and operating conditions to improve stability and product performance.
• Oversee projects related to new equipment installation and plant modifications.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

English fluency

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering or Industrial Engineering

Job description

About the Job

We are seeking a highly motivated and analytical Assistant Manager Process Engineer Downstream to drive process optimization, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives within our downstream manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for monitoring production performance, improving process efficiency, minimizing losses, and ensuring consistent product quality through data-driven analysis and process enhancements.

The successful candidate will lead continuous improvement projects, support the implementation of new technologies, coordinate production trials and product validations, and oversee process-related modifications involving raw materials, operating conditions, and equipment installations. Working closely with Production, R&D, Engineering, and cross-functional teams, this position plays a vital role in enhancing plant performance, supporting business growth, and ensuring compliance with quality, food safety, environmental, occupational health and safety, and Process Safety Management requirements.

Responsibilities

• Monitor process performance, production efficiency, and process losses to ensure optimal plant operation.
• Analyze production data and identify opportunities for continuous improvement, cost optimization, and productivity enhancement.
• Lead and coordinate process improvement initiatives, including new technology implementation and operational excellence projects.
• Conduct troubleshooting activities related to operational issues, process deviations, productivity improvements, and product quality concerns.
• Coordinate and execute production trial runs, process validations, and plant validations in collaboration with R&D and Production teams.
• Evaluate and implement changes in process parameters, recipes, raw materials, and operating conditions to improve process stability and product performance.
• Manage and coordinate projects related to new equipment installation, plant modifications, and additional production line implementation.
• Act as the company representative in project execution to ensure performance guarantees, project objectives, and company requirements are achieved.
• Support process safety initiatives and ensure Process Safety Management (PSM) programs are effectively implemented and maintained.
• Ensure all activities comply with company standards and regulatory requirements related to quality, food safety, environmental management, occupational health, and workplace safety.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to enhance operational reliability, efficiency, and capability.

Accountability

• Maintain stable, safe, and efficient downstream production processes.
• Improve process performance, productivity, and product quality through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Reduce process losses and operational inefficiencies while optimizing plant performance.
• Ensure successful implementation of process modifications, validation activities, and technology improvement projects.
• Deliver project objectives, performance targets, and operational excellence initiatives within agreed timelines.
• Support compliance with quality, food safety, environment, occupational health and safety, and Process Safety Management requirements.
• Ensure smooth commissioning and startup of new equipment and production line expansion projects.

Qualifications

• Fluent in English.
• Willing to be relocated and work from Sei Mangkei, Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra.
• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering or Industrial Engineering.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in Process Engineering within manufacturing, chemical, oleochemical, or downstream processing industries.
• Experience working with batch chemical processes or oleochemical manufacturing operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Experience in process optimization, continuous improvement methodologies, and production data analysis.
• Knowledge of process safety, quality management systems, and operational excellence principles.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to work across multiple functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in oleochemical, edible oil, specialty fats, or related downstream process industries.
• Knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM) and risk assessment methodologies.
• Familiarity with project management and capital project execution.
• Experience in process simulation, statistical analysis, or manufacturing digitalization initiatives.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting commissioning, startup, and performance testing of new process equipment or production lines.