ManEx & Manufacturing and Engineering – Opus Project Manager, Europe

Function: Supply Chain
Location: Preferably Amsterdam, Europe

Local condition apply

Purpose of the Role

The ManEx & Manufacturing and Engineering Opus Project Manager is a key leadership role within the European Supply Chain organisation. Reporting to the IC Global Head of Engineering, Technology & ManEx, this role works and supports to the Europe Supply Chain Extended Leadership Team. It is responsible for driving performance across all factories, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring operational excellence.

The role champions improvements in waste reduction, operational reliability (OR), overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), cost efficiency, safety, health, environment (SHE), quality, and manufacturing capabilities, ensuring alignment with both the Company’s manufacturing strategy and local site priorities.

This position also oversees ManEx and Engineering activities within Opus, the strategic transformation programme that supports the company’s demerge and transition from legacy Unilever IT systems.

Key Accountabilities

1. Leadership & Business Impact

• Serve as a supportive, empowering leader who enables factory teams to successfully deploy the Global ManEx Strategy across all sites.

• Coordinate the activities related to Opus Transformation Project to guarantee an smooth transition from the current to new digital tools.

• Foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and people at all levels feel able to contribute to continuous improvement.

2. Factory Masterplan Development

• Partner with Finance, Planning, Engineering, Digital and HR to co‑create robust, long‑term Factory Masterplans that reflect the unique needs and capabilities of each site.

3. Continuous Improvement Programme (ICMS)

• Lead the implementation of ICMS programme at both foundational and advanced levels.

• Conduct gap analyses, support teams in designing improvement plans, and coordinate assessments with global partners.

• Scale strong solutions and best practices across all sites while acknowledging the cultural and operational differences of each location.

• Promote knowledge sharing and collaboration across sites and GVS.

• Maintain standardisation across the BU with respect for local context.

• When appropriate, work with Technology Hubs to deploy improvements.

4. Waste & Cost Governance

• Strengthen waste governance frameworks and support the development of comprehensive reduction glidepaths across all waste streams.

• Enable teams to plan, manage and monitor cost performance using weekly cost reviews and Zero‑Based Budgeting principles.

• Works together with the European Transformation Project leader to implement those actions that will guarantee the project deliveries.

5. Savings & Reliability Performance

• Support the identification and delivery of savings linked to production cost, manufacturing waste and performance efficiency.

• Enhance the loss‑management framework and expand KPIs across interfaces with Manufacturing.

6. Digital Transformation & Industry 4.0

• Lead the development and rollout of digital roadmaps that empower factories to adopt consistent, user‑friendly, and accessible technologies. Level 1 & 2 (Descriptive and Diagnostic): Drive adoption of digital factory programmes and support sites in building the confidence and skills needed to use digital reporting tools effectively. Level 3 & 4 (Predictive and Prescriptive) Collaborate with BG and BU Engineering on advanced digital solutions that improve operations and business performance.

• Coordinate ManEx and Engineering activities within the Opus programme, including Capex transitions. Lead the implementation of a new digital tool within Opus to enhance the asset reliability and improve the AM/PM/EEM/EPM pillar’s activities

• Act as the main contact for digital systems such as RTVA, MDCS, DFOS, BuildApp, SPC and NGTW.

7. Training & Coaching

• Deliver accessible learning experiences—both classroom and on‑the‑floor—tailored to diverse learning needs and backgrounds for the sites.

• Build capabilities among pillar leaders and team members across sites.

Skills & Experience

• Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical Engineering or equivalent

• Strong experience in manufacturing operations and continuous improvement

• Experience coordinating multi‑site or cross‑functional programmes

• Familiarity with structured project portfolio management environments

• Strong knowledge of project‑management tools and methodologies

• Proficiency in digital tools and artificial Intelligence applied to Manufacturing and Engineering.

• Effective and inclusive communication skills—both written and verbal

• Ability to manage diverse stakeholder groups and balance multiple priorities

#TMICC

ABOUT THE MAGNUM ICE CREAM COMPANY:

With 19.000 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 100 years, serving happiness with every lick or scoop of ice cream for generations.

The Magnum Ice Cream Company (formerly part of Unilever) 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. Here’s what defines success in our organization :

· We are all about growth

· We operate with speed and simplicity

· We win together with fun

· We boldly innovate to disrupt our industry

· We care and challenge

· We are experts in the Ice Cream Category

ARE YOU EXCITED TO CRAFT THE ICE CREAM FUTURE?

Please apply online and do not forget to upload your CV. Your application will be reviewed against the requirements, and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date, with an update on the status of your application.