Technical Lead

unilever; Phoenix; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,150,000; Full time

Job summary

Unilever is seeking a Technical Lead at the Phoenix Factory to drive maintenance plans, lead focused improvement initiatives, and ensure equipment reliability in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

You will manage a team of artisans, coach operators, and coordinate spares, while delivering on safety standards and cost control targets.

Qualifications

• N4-N6 qualification with Millwright trade test required.
• BSc/Eng or BTech preferred for advancement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute equipment maintenance plans with Maintenance Planner support.
• Analyse and repair equipment-related losses within the cell.
• Apply technical skills to meet cell performance targets.
• Develop and maintain machine ledgers and lead execution of activities.
• Coordinate Capex activities and engage OEMs on health audits.

Skills

Maintenance leadership

Preventative maintenance

Troubleshooting

Team coaching

Education

N4-N6 qualification

Millwright Trade Test

BSc/Eng or BTech degree

Job description

Join us as: Technical Lead

Function: Supply Chain

Reports to: Site Engineer

Scope: Local

Location: Phoenix Factory

Terms & Conditions: Full time, standby and call-out support as required

JOB PURPOSE

Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life through the work that you do, creating a better business and a better world. If you are passionate about improving equipment performance, driving preventative maintenance, and leading focused improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment, then this role is for you!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Cell Maintenance Activities

• Develop and execute equipment maintenance plans with the support of the Maintenance Planner and Focused Technician.
• Analyse and repair equipment-related losses within the cell.
• Apply technical skills and expertise to ensure delivery of cell performance targets.
• Develop and maintain machine ledgers and lead the execution of activities.
• Close out actions and review EWOs and Kaizens.
• Utilise DFOS and BuildApp digital tools to measure cell performance.
• Roll out the condition monitoring programme for the cell and complete relevant reporting.
• Verify the asset register and advise the Capex Lead on equipment end-of-life.
• Engage with OEMs on health audits, resolving complex breakdowns and building capability within the cell.
• Improve AM activities such as changeovers, cleaning, lubrication and standardised start-ups.
• Follow up on rotables sent to suppliers for repairs.
• Prepare spares for planned PM activities.
• Ensure equipment literature and drawings are updated as upgrades are completed.
• Execute Capex activities within the cell, compile and follow up on punch lists until handover is complete.

2. SHE Responsibilities

• Ensure Unilever machinery safety standards are maintained and that all legal and statutory maintenance is completed to the standards required by Unilever and applicable legislation.
• Manage safety tags.
• Represent the area of responsibility in audits and investigations.
• Utilise appropriate safety and environmental procedures for people, processes, materials, products and equipment to ensure a safe working environment for the team.
• Maintain full knowledge of the workplace and associated hazards.

3. Cost Management

• Prioritise activities to ensure budgets within the scope of responsibility are met.
• Reduce costs associated with waste and minimise the impact on health, safety and the environment through effective waste and hazardous material management.
• Ensure effective preventative maintenance standards are in place to prolong the lifespan of equipment and parts, thereby reducing costs.
• Propose and lead cost-saving projects.

4. Quality Management

• Ensure all aspects of quality within the area of responsibility are managed in accordance with local quality procedures to protect and promote the brand and product.
• Represent the area of responsibility in audits and investigations.

5. Leadership

• Take end-to-end accountability for cell performance relating to PM activities and breakdowns to achieve set OEE targets.
• Develop the technical skills and capabilities of Operators.
• Manage stores withdrawals and PRs within the set budget.
• Stand in for the Engineering Lead as and when required.
• Measure performance against standard KPIs, including MTTR, percentage of breakdowns and adherence to budget.
• Make agile decisions on cell-related performance issues.
• Coach shift artisans and mentor apprentices.
• Influence Production Managers and Engineers regarding engineering activities and strategy within the cell.
• Maintain a harmonious working environment and build a strong performance culture within the area of responsibility.

6. Area Ownership & Maintenance Delivery

• Take end-to-end ownership of assigned production and utility areas.
• Execute maintenance activities and ensure equipment, housekeeping, safety and reliability standards are maintained.
• Coordinate spares, materials, contractor services and maintenance activities required to sustain performance.
• Diagnose and resolve equipment faults using structured troubleshooting techniques.
• Support automation and control system fault resolution through collaboration with specialist service providers.
• Develop technical capability through coaching, mentoring and knowledge sharing.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• N4-N6 qualification and a valid Millwright Trade Test, with 3-5 years' experience in a production environment within FMCG or heavy manufacturing.
• BSc /Eng -Degree or BTech degree with 5 years experience in production environment. (Preferred)

EXPERIENCE

• Completed Millwright Apprenticeship with a valid Millwright Trade Test qualification.
• Experience and knowledge of working in hazardous classified areas.
• Willingness to participate in the standby roster and provide support on weekdays, weekends and public holidays, as required.
• Willingness to work hands-on as an artisan, actively supporting maintenance, breakdowns, inspections, shutdowns and improvement activities.
• Strong ownership of assigned equipment an