Operations Manager

Unilever; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational company in South Africa is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee end-to-end performance in the ice cream sector. The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background, extensive experience in FMCG manufacturing, and a proven track record in operational leadership. This role offers unique growth opportunities as part of a newly formed, independent ice cream company.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years’ management experience in FMCG manufacturing operations.
• Proven leadership of large teams in a unionised environment.
• Track record of delivering operational and capital projects end‑to‑end.

Responsibilities

• Lead all conversion operations and ensure delivery of production commitments.
• Drive operational discipline and embed Unilever Manufacturing System (UMS).
• Manage engineering spares and statutory compliance for all equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Excellence

Continuous Improvement

Team Management

Education

BSc Engineering Degree (Mechanical or Electrical)

Government Certificate of Competency (GCC)

Tools

SAP ERP

Job description

Operations Manager Role: Operations Manager Work Level: 2A Scope: Cluster Supply Chain / Permanent / Full time / Regular Reports to: Factory Lead Location: Lords View Factory Terms & Conditions: Local conditions apply The Ice Cream division at Unilever is preparing to stand on its own, aiming to become an independent, EUR 8.3 billion publicly listed company by the end of

We’re on a mission to create the ultimate snacking company.

A place where growth, innovation, founder and ownership mentality, and performance are cultivated and rewarded.

And where we craft extraordinary ice cream experiences – transforming ordinary moments into lasting memories.

Because we know, life tastes better with ice cream.

ABOUT THE MAGNUM ICE CREAM COMPANY: The Magnum Ice Cream Company is all about growth. Growing our business. Growing our customers´ businesses. Growing our people’s careers. Growth begins with empowerment. So we free our people to be innovative, responsible entrepreneurs, driven and equipped to give our consumers more amazing products and unforgettable moments – and having fun doing it.

With expert ice cream colleagues and iconic brands like Wall’s, Cornetto and Ben & Jerry’s, loved in 76 countries, we are the world’s largest Ice Cream company leading the industry.

We have been taking pleasure seriously for more than years, serving happiness with every lick or scoop of ice cream for generations.

We are investing to unlock the full growth potential of The Magnum Ice Cream Company as a standalone entity, once we separate from Unilever, which is planned to happen before the end of

If you want to grow with us, make an impact, and shape the future of Ice Cream, this is the place for you.

Job Purpose

The Operations Lead is accountable for the end‑to‑end performance of the sourcing unit, integrating plant management with engineering leadership. The role ensures safe, reliable, and efficient production while driving continuous improvement, innovation, and cost competitiveness. The Operations Lead is responsible for production, engineering, utilities, site infrastructure, and capital projects to deliver PQCDSMI targets, sustainable growth, and superior product quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all conversion operations from goods receipt, material storage, internal logistics, processing, and packing to finished goods handover.
• Define plant capacity and constraints for effective short‑ and long‑term production planning.
• Ensure delivery of production commitments across volume, quality, service, cost, and sustainability standards.
• Drive operational discipline and embed Unilever Manufacturing System (UMS / TPM) practices.
• Lead technical and maintenance teams to ensure asset reliability, planned maintenance, and Early Equipment Management.
• Manage engineering spares, contractors, and statutory compliance for all equipment and utilities.
• Implement projects on energy efficiency and sustainability while optimizing MTBF, MTTR, and spare parts usage.
• Secure and standardise engineering spares, while implementing robust engineering standards.
• Prepare and manage capital budgets and expenditure proposals aligned with cluster and category requirements.
• Lead end‑to‑end execution of capital and innovation projects (design, budgeting, implementation, commissioning, and closure).
• Liaise with category and engineering excellence teams for technology upgrades and new capability deployment.
• Ensure full compliance with Unilever and regulatory safety standards.
• Lead factory safety culture and ensure safe operating procedures for all engineering and plant operations.
• Oversee HAZOPs, PHAs, and commissioning safety in all capital projects.
• Ensure systems and training are in place for chemical handling, process safety, and environmental management.
• Deliver annual manufacturing excellence savings and continuously identify debottlenecking opportunities.
• Drive OEE improvements, waste reduction, and cost optimisation across the factory.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to deliver factory masterplan, infrastructure upgrades, and digital transformation.
• Lead, coach, and develop operations and engineering teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Strengthen technical capability in product, process, and packaging expertise.
• Create an inclusive, engaging, and performance‑driven climate while managing in a unionised environment.

What You Need to Succeed

• BSc Engineering Degree (Mechanical or Electrical).
• Government Certificate of Competency (GCC).
• 5–8 years’ management experience in FMCG manufacturing operations, with exposure to both engineering and production.
• Proven leadership of large teams, stakeholders, and contractors in a unionised environment.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering operational and capital projects end‑to‑end.
• Desirable: APICS CPIM / CSCP certification.
• Desirable: SAP ERP experience.
• Desirable: Strong background in WCM / TPM / Lean manufacturing methodologies.
• Desirable: Financial and budget management skills.

What You Can Expect

• A unique mix of global scale & start‑up spirit—€8.3bn powerhouse with an agile, entrepreneurial mindset.
• We’re building a new high growth Ice Cream company from the ground up.
• Career without limits—42 markets, international opportunities, and fast‑tracked growth.
• A performance‑driven culture—Freedom to act, disrupt and grow – your success is measured by impact.
• A company that celebrates joy, innovation, and purpose—We create extraordinary careers, just like our ice cream creates extraordinary moments.

Additional Information

As publicly announced, Unilever will separate its Ice Cream business which is expected by the end of

This role will transfer to the new Ice Cream company.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

For the recruitment of this position, we would like to emphasize that local conditions apply to the position.

To apply, you must do so online. Please do not forget to upload your CV and a motivation letter.

Your application will be reviewed against our requirements, and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date to provide you with an update on the status of your application.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

We take pleasure seriously.

Join the Ice Cream team now. 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.