Automation & Digital Lead

Unilever; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company in Gauteng is looking for an Automation & Digital Lead to design and maintain control and instrumentation systems. You will lead automation projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards and managing project budgets. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in manufacturing automation, strong PLC skills, and knowledge of IT/OT systems. This full-time, factory-based role requires onsite attendance with a commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in instrument control or automation in manufacturing.
• Strong hands-on experience with PLCs for at least 3 years.
• Experience with IT/OT systems and data networking.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain hardware/software for control systems.
• Lead automation projects coordinating with various teams.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and standards.

Skills

PLC programming

Automation systems

Data architecture

Project management

Education

B.Sc. Electrical Engineering

B.Tech Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens

Allen Bradley

Schneider

Microsoft Office

SAP/Plant Maintenance Systems

Job description

Job Title: Automation & Digital Lead – Supply Chain

Unilever is hiring for Automation & Digital Lead in Boksburg, South Africa. The role reports to the Engineering Manager and is full‑time, factory based with required onsite attendance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, install, commission and maintain hardware and software for control and instrumentation systems.
• Lead automation and digitalisation projects from conception to commissioning, coordinating with OEMs, system integrators and cross‑functional teams.
• Ensure robust FAT/SAT, control narratives, documentation and compliance with legislation.
• Maintain and optimise PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, historians and industrial networks (Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Conduct fault finding, corrective actions, documentation of system changes and ensure backups and DRP.
• Prepare and deliver training manuals and conduct training for maintenance and operating personnel.
• Manage project budgets, keeping projects within budget and raising budgets as necessary.
• Interpret relevant laws and standards (NOSA, OHS, SHEACO) and investigate incidents.
• Lead and coordinate instrument mechanics and technicians during installation and commissioning.

Experience and Qualifications

• B.Sc. Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Systems / Industrial Automation, or B.Tech Electrical Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in instrument control, automation or digital roles in manufacturing or FMCG.
• Strong hands‑on experience with PLCs (Siemens, Allen Bradley, Schneider) – minimum 3 years.
• Experience with IT/OT systems, data architecture, networking (VPN, firewalls, OPC, MQTT, etc.).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SAP/Plant Maintenance Systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of industrial data systems (OSIsoft PI, Ignition, etc.) and Industry 4.0, IIoT, Smart Factory principles.
• Project management skills (agile or waterfall) and stakeholder engagement.

Soft Skills

• Strategic mindset aligning digital strategy with factory priorities.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills.
• Ownership mindset, data‑driven decision making.
• Emotional intelligence, resilience and ability to build empathy.

Equal Opportunities

Unilever is an equal opportunities employer and committed to diversity and inclusivity. We welcome applications from candidates representing diversity of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, in accordance with South African Employment Equity and Broad‑Based Black Economic Empowerment legislation.

Applicants must be able to work lawfully in South Africa. Foreign nationals may be asked to provide supporting documentation.