Head of Quality – Global One Unilever

Unilever; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global consumer goods company is seeking a Head of Quality to oversee product safety and quality across its markets. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading quality management initiatives, ensuring compliance with market regulations, and driving continuous improvement strategies. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance brand reputation and consumer satisfaction. A relevant degree and a minimum of 10 years of experience in quality management are essential for this role, along with strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in quality management or related field.
• Strong knowledge of market regulations and quality management principles.
• Experience in virtual teamwork and developing robust Quality Management Systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovations to enhance product quality and safety.
• Oversee quality strategy and governance across markets.
• Conduct internal and external audit activities.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement strategies.
• Communicate quality objectives to key stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Auditing

Manufacturing

Education

Relevant degree in science / engineering and / or technology

Job description

Job title : Head of Quality – Global One Unilever

Job Location : KwaZulu-Natal, Durban

Deadline : January 11, 2026

JOB PURPOSE

• Find your purpose at Unilever. You will lead innovations, big and small, that will make our business win and grow. You will learn from brilliant business leaders and colleagues in a truly global and diverse culture to ultimately become a better you.If you are passionate about ensuring every product delivers the best experience and delights our consumers,then this role is just for you. This role champions product safety and superior quality, leading teams with passion and precision to uphold the highest standards.
• The Head of Quality for One Unilever will oversee the quality of products in 1 Unilever markets and support the market Quality leads to build capability and deliver quality agenda. The role is responsible for deploying quality strategy, governance, and goals that directly impact marketplace success, customer credibility, consumer safety, and on-shelf quality. This, in turn, enhances Unilever’s reputation and brand equity by ensuring superior quality for making brands unmissable. This role will be part of the global One Unilever Supply Chain leadership team as well as the Global Quality Leadership team (QLT).

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

Quality Management Systems

• Execute Unilever quality management policies, systems, and procedures for One Unilever markets.
• Define and maintain quality objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Ensure the Quality Management System (QMS) is maintained in a state of inspection readiness.

Compliance and Audits

• Ensure compliance with applicable Unilever quality regulations and standards.
• Lead and coordinate internal and external audit activities.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of quality control procedures.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to achieve quality targets.
• Implement corrective and preventive action plans.
• Drive and deploy a digital quality transformation program.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead the network of the One Unilever Quality leads.
• Business partner One Unilever Supply Chain leadership team, supporting decisions for growth and transformation with new WoW.
• Be the member of QLT and support the overall strategy development and deploy for 1Unilever (1UL) and lead the 1Unilever quality network.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and internal & external stakeholders to address quality issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with the central expertise team on overall product safety, audit planning, and governance.

Consumer Feedback and Superior Quality Program

• Lead the Consumer Feedback and Superior Quality Program to enable unmissable brand superiority.
• Govern UBS investment and partner with the business to drive market share.
• Work with the innovations and operations team on consumer complaints, insights, and feedback for business UBS conversations.

Risk Management

• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Monitor product and process design activities to ensure quality standards are met.
• Maintain an effective Change Management system to ensure business changes are effectively managed.

Communication and Reporting

• Communicate quality objectives, performance metrics, and improvement initiatives to senior management and key stakeholders for 1UL.

Talent Development

• Partner to the 1UL leadership team on talent development initiatives for the Quality teams.
• Mentor and upskill the quality team to ensure continuous professional growth.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED

Experiences & Qualifications

• Relevant degree as minimum in science / engineering and / or technology
• Minimum 10 years of experience. This role requires occasional travel within the assigned region.
• Proven experience in quality management, compliance, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of market regulations and quality management principles. Basic appreciation of overall regulations on product and pack.
• Experience in virtual teamwork and developing robust QMS.
• Proactive approach with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Skills

• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a global, multicultural environment.
• Auditing skills with appropriate qualifications as a lead auditor.
• Production / Manufacturing jobs