Transformation Project Engineer

Unilever; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Unilever is seeking a Transformation Project Engineer for the Indonsa Factory in South Africa. This role oversees capital and transformation projects, ensuring design, procurement, installation and handover align with world-class manufacturing standards.

You will drive cost control, safety compliance, and continuous improvement across cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in FMCG project engineering, strong SAP/AutoCAD skills, and a proven track record in delivering complex

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering as listed (B. Tech/BSc(Eng)/BEng).
• 3–5 years of Project Engineering experience in FMCG or related manufacturing.
• Experience managing capital projects from concept to commissioning.
• Knowledge of WCM and EEM methodologies. Proficient with SAP, AutoCAD and project tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of Capital, Transformation and Continuous improvement projects from initiation to handover.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets and CAPEX proposals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and ensure alignment with CE/FEED/DE designs.
• Ensure safety and compliance with SHE standards on site.
• Support production with continuous improvement and operator training.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

MS Project

MS Office

SAP

AutoCAD

3D design software

WCM

EEM

Problem solving

Education

Engineering degree (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial)

B. Tech / BSc(Eng) / BEng

PM certification or training

Tools

SAP

AutoCAD

3D design software

Job description

Unilever is currently hiring for a Transformation Project Engineer Function: Supply Chain Reports to: Transformation Manager Scope: Local Location: Indonsa Factory Terms & Conditions: Full time, onsite

Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. You will work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. You will lead innovations, big and small, that will make our business win and grow. You will learn from brilliant business leaders and colleagues who provide mentorship and inspiration so that you can become a better you.

JOB PURPOSE

Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. If you are enthusiastic and passionate about delivering impactful projects that enable world-class performance, contributing to a better business and a better world, and seek an opportunity to bring your purpose to life, then this role is for you!

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

• Project Delivery: Lead the end-to-end execution of Capital, Transformation and Continuous improvement projects - from initiation and feasibility through design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and production handover. Develop and implement Project Execution Plans, schedules, and budgets, ensuring adherence to timelines, cost targets, and change management. Collaborate with cross function teams to clarify briefs, define scope, and incorporate local requirements into Conceptual Engineering (CE), Front End Engineering Design (FEED), and Detailed Engineering (DE) Designs.
• Financial & Resource Management: Prepare and define detailed scope of work, cost estimates, and Capital Expenditure Proposals (CEP’s), ensuring Capex Affordability metrics are achieved. Manage project budgets, track spending and ensure compliance with authorisation limits, and Capex spend Forecast Accuracy. Handle SAP project data, purchase requisitions, goods receipts, and supplier invoice queries.
• Engineering Excellence: Apply World Class Manufacturing (WCM) principles and champion Early Equipment Management (EEM) to ensure hygienic, reliable, and maintainable plant design. Provide discipline-specific input (mechanical, civil, electrical, controls & automation) for multi-disciplinary projects. Liaise with global and cluster engineering teams to adopt best practices and new technologies.
• Safety, Health & Environment (SHE): Ensure compliance with relevant local legal regulations and standards, and Unilever SHE requirements during project design and execution. Manages resources and contractors’ safety on site throughout project execution. Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions to maintain a safe working environment.
• Factory Support & Continuous Improvement: Support production teams by troubleshooting recurring process issues and optimizing plant performance. Develop and train operators on SOPs and modified processes. Drive cost-effectiveness programs, waste minimization, and energy efficiency initiatives. Design out recurring engineering problems and implement preventive measures.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Run project team meetings, ensuring alignment across disciplines and adherence to EEM methodology. Communicate project progress and outcomes to key senior stakeholders.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED

• Qualification: Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial or related discipline): B. Tech, BSc (Eng), or BEng. Project Management certification or formal training (preferred).
• Experience: 3-5 years of Project Engineering experience in FMCG or related manufacturing industries. Proven track record in managing capital projects from concept to commissioning. Strong attention to detail and ability to deliver projects to high engineering standards. Knowledge of WCM principles and EEM methodology. Proficiency in MS Office, MS Project, SAP, AutoCAD, and project management tools. Managing hygiene and quality, safety & environment from equipment design standpoint. Experience in plant design and project engineering within FMCG or engineering consultancy firms. Working knowledge of international engineering standards. Foods manufacturing experience (advantageous).

Skills Technical & Professional

• Strong understanding of engineering design processes and lifecycle management (feasibility, capability, preliminary and detailed engineering).
• Proficient in project delivery: definition, procurement, installation, commissioning, and performance validation.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and project management tools (MS Project, Primavera, Agile).
• Working knowledge of maintenance principles, quality assurance, asset care, and change management.
• Expertise in World Class Manufacturing (WCM) and Early Equipment Management (EEM) methodologies.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills to identify and resolve engineering challenges.
• Competent with SAP (Plant Maintenance and Purchasing), AutoCAD, and 3D design software.
• Familiarity with IT systems for project management and engineering applications.
• Strong understanding of OSH Act and compliance requirements.

Project Management

• Project Management skills with ability to plan, schedule, and execute projects effectively.
• Ability to manage project budgets, resources, and timelines effectively.
• Skilled in contract management and conflict resolution.
• Competent in capital budget control and cost optimization.
• Ability to manage projects with task horizons ranging from 2 to 18 months.
• Experience implementing supply chain innovation and technology projects.

Leadership & Communication

• Demonstrates strong stakeholder engagement and clear communication for effective internal and external collaboration.
• Leads and delivers results through cross-functional teams and contractor management with accountability and clarity.
• Skilled in facilitating training and ensuring smooth vertical start-up for new installations.
• Possesses excellent influencing and interpersonal skills, fostering teamwork across factory management, operators, and diverse functional teams.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure timely project closure and seamless handover to operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with WCM principles.

Leadership Purpose-Driven Leadership

• Energized by delivering outstanding results and setting an example through resilience and high standards.
• Demonstrates humility and emotional intelligence, taking feedback constructively and fostering empathy.
• Maintains a consumer-centric mindset while interpreting data to identify opportunities for improvement.

Core Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making: Translates business objectives into actionable project plans while balancing cost, quality, and timelines.
• Influencing & Stakeholder Management: Builds strong relationships across functions and communicates effectively at all levels.
• Team Leadership: Guides cross-functional teams and contractors with clarity, accountability, and coaching.
• Change Leadership: Champions World Class Manufacturing (WCM) and Early Equipment Management (EEM) principles to drive operational excellence.
• People Development: Facilitates training, knowledge transfer, and mentoring for team capability growth.
• Safety & Compliance Leadership: Promotes a safety-first culture and ensures adherence to OSH Act and Unilever SHE standards.
• Results Orientation: Holds self and team accountable for delivering projects on time, within budget, and to high engineering standards.

Critical Behaviours

• Care deeply: caring deeply about how consumers experience our brands every day, everywhere; about our people’s growth and development, and our impact on the planet. You care about your performance, to a point where it hurts when you don’t win. Always brings their best self. Has emotional intelligence to take feedback, manage mood and motivations and build empathy for others. Sets high standards for themselves. Has humility, understanding that leadership is service to others, inside and outside of Unilever.
• Focus on what counts: We set clear and stretching goals and recognise maximum performance impact. Generates intensity and focus to motivate people to deliver results at speed.
• 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. Approaches delivery with an iterative and incremental, test - do - learn approach. Has an owner’s mindset, using data and insight to make decisions.
• 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 said we will do. Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results.

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. 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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