Technical Lead

Unilever; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Unilever Durban Phoenix Factory seeks a Technical Lead to drive maintenance and reliability across production cells. You will lead the maintenance plan execution, manage safety standards, and improve plant performance in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

The role requires a Millwright background with trade tests or an engineering degree, strong leadership, and the ability to coordinate with OEMs and internal teams to sustain OEE targets.

Qualifications

• N4–N6 qualification with Millwright Trade Test and 3–5 years’ experience in FMCG/heavy manufacturing.
• BSc/Eng or BTech degree with 5 years’ production experience (preferred).
• Completed Millwright Apprenticeship with valid qualification and permits.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute maintenance plans for production cells.
• Manage safety and compliance with Unilever standards in audits and investigations.
• Prioritise maintenance to meet budgets and reduce waste/costs.
• Ensure quality procedures are followed to protect the brand.
• Lead and coach operators, monitor KPIs, and support maintenance improvements.
• Own production and utility areas, coordinate spares, and resolve faults.

Skills

Strong Communication skills

Business acumen

Presentation Skills

Education

N4-N6 qualification with Millwright Trade Test

BSc/Eng or BTech degree

Tools

SAP ERP Experience

DFOS/Build App

UMS/WCM/TPM/ Lean manufacturing

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 and production areas, with the ability to proactively manage issues through to resolution.
• Strong troubleshooting and fault‑finding skills across both mechanical and electrical disciplines.
• A valid driver’s licence and reliable transport to support standby and call‑out requirements.

SKILLS

• SAP ERP Experience
• DFOS/Build App
• UMS/WCM/TPM/ Lean manufacturing experience
• Strong Communication skills
• Business acumen
• Presentation Skills

Unilever behaviours

CARE DEEPLY: We care deeply about how consumers experience our brands every day, everywhere; about our people’s growth and development and our impact on the planet. We care about our performance, to a point where it hurts when we don’t win. It is not just about being nice or avoiding honest conversations about performance and opportunity.

FOCUS ON WHAT COUNTS: We ruthlessly prioritise what really, really matters, allowing us to do better on fewer things. We set clear and stretching goals and recognise maximum performance impact. It is not about reducing ambition or effort or running after the 'new and shiny'.

STAY THREE STEPS AHEAD We think boldly and creatively to make breakthroughs in performance. We are always curious and confident anticipating and staying ahead of consumer needs and external trends to beat the competition. It is not taking our eye off the 'here and now'.

DELIVER WITH EXCELLENCE: We deliver everything we do with excellence and pace. We take personal ownership and hold each other to account - always finding a way to do what we've said we will do. It is not about analysing the inevitable roadblocks, admiring the problem or tolerating mediocrity.

Unilever is an equal opportunities employer and committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We are intentional in employing the best talent that reflects the demographics of our country and which will help build representation of currently under-represented groups. We therefore invite applications from all candidates representing diversity of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. When appointing potential candidates, the South African Employment Equity and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Legislation will be considered. We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. If you are applying as a foreign national, please note that you may be requested to provide supporting documents supporting this. This is an office-based role in Durban (Phoenix Factory) and requires 100% of time attendance on site. 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.

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