Manufacturing Excellence & Digital Lead

Role Purpose

The Manufacturing Excellence and Digital Lead is responsible for driving the implementation of manufacturing excellence initiatives and processes at site level. This role plays a key part in embedding Unilever’s Manufacturing System (UMS), improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reducing food waste, and leading the digital transformation agenda. The Manufacturing Excellence and Digital Lead will also line manage process engineers and digital and cyber security engineer. Additionally, the Manufacturing Excellence & Digital Lead works closely with UMS pillar leads to ensure sustainable performance improvements.

Key Responsibilities

a) Manufacturing Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and coordinate site-wide Manufacturing Excellence initiatives aligned with SU and BG/BU priorities.
• Own improvement projects that increase OEE, reduce waste, deliver cost savings, and eliminate losses.
• Lead the site Loss Tree (DFOS) governance and ensure data accuracy, prioritization, and follow-through.
• Govern Cost Deployment methodology with Finance to validate savings, hotspots, and transformation priorities.
• Develop and maintain the Site Master Plan, ensuring clear link to 3–5 year performance ambition.

b) UMS Deployment & Governance

• Lead the rollout, governance, and maturity progression of UMS in line with global standards.
• Own the Focused Improvement (FI) pillar and support all other Pillars in developing and executing their roadmaps.
• Drive the “Run to Standard” (R2S) program across the site to embed stable and reliable operations.
• Coordinate the site preparation for internal and external UMS assessments and ensure audit readiness.
• Lead the ManEx/UMS Governance Forum and drive consistent review of KPIs, pillar progress, and gaps.
• Maintain the Site UMS Roadmap, escalation routines, and improvement cycles.

c) Daily & Digital Factory Operation System (DFOS) & Performance Insight

• Ensure effective deployment, sustainability, and continuous improvement of DFOS across all levels (L1–L4).
• Govern KPI routines, tier meetings, and escalation processes to ensure timely decision making.
• Coach teams to use DFOS boards, problem solving tools, and visual management effectively.
• Lead benchmarking against internal and external best-in-class factories.
• Use performance diagnostics to identify systemic issues and shape strategic improvement themes.
• Deliver monthly ManEx & Digital performance reports to SU Leadership and BG/BU ManEx.

d) Autonomous Maintenance & Operator Capability

• Support AM Pillar deployment by strengthening basic condition, centerlining, and lubrication standards.
• Support PD pillar to govern technical skills matrices and operator capability development aligned to UMS standards.
• Partner with Production and AM Leaders to close capability gaps and improve equipment ownership.

e) Digital Transformation & Data Management

• Act as the Site Digital Champion, leading digital and Industry 4.0 initiatives (automation, IIoT, advanced analytics).
• Line manage Process Engineers and the Digital & Cyber Security Engineer to deliver digital solutions with strong change management.
• Govern site data systems, including loss data integrity, asset performance data, and digital reporting tools.
• Ensure all digital solutions comply with Unilever OT/IT Cyber Security standards and risk controls.

f) Best Practice, Replication & Capability Building

• Lead creation, documentation, and replication of best practices through the Global Best Practice Portal.
• Build site capability in UMS tools, problem solving, digital adoption, and continuous improvement.
• Facilitate cross-functional learning, coaching, and structured training sessions.

Key Measures of Success

• Delivery of OEE, Waste %, and Cost Savings targets.
• Progression of UMS maturity, including strong R2S performance and positive assessment results.
• DFOS compliance and effectiveness at all levels.
• Accurate DFOS loss data and clear prioritization framework.
• Digital projects delivered, embedded, and adopted by operations teams.
• Demonstrated uplift in capabilities across operators, process engineers, and pillar leaders.
• Strong compliance performance across SHE, Quality, Cyber Security, and Engineering standards.

Skills & Experience Required

• 2-3 years experience in ManEx/Process Engineer and demonstrate good understanding of the methods and tools in WCM, UMS etc
• Experience in deploying structured improvement programs (e.g., TPM, LEAN, WCM, UMS).
• Knowledge of digital manufacturing systems and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and change management skills, PMP is preferred.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability with a data-driven mindset.
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and communication skills.
• Engineering or Production experience is preferred.