Processing Business Unit Leader
UnileverAbout the role
Job Purpose
We're looking for a transformational manufacturing leader to take ownership of our Compounding and Tank Farm operations while driving the next generation of operational excellence through digital manufacturing, automation, and data-driven decision making.
This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for delivering safe, reliable, and efficient production while building a high-performing team and accelerating the adoption of modern manufacturing technologies. You'll lead a critical operation that directly influences safety, quality, service, cost, and productivity performance across the factory.
You will:
- Lead safe, compliant, and efficient compounding and bulk unloading operations across multiple shifts.
- Drive improvements in productivity, quality, reliability, cost, waste reduction, and operational performance.
- Accelerate digital transformation through automation, real-time performance management, advanced analytics, and AI-enabled tools.
- Build a culture of accountability, ownership, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
- Develop future-ready manufacturing talent through coaching, capability building, and leadership development.
- Serve as a key leader in factory transformation initiatives that modernize operations and improve business performance.
What You'll Do
Lead Operations
- Own daily performance across Compounding and Tank Farm operations.
- Ensure safe execution of all manufacturing activities while maintaining compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements.
- Drive execution of production schedules while maximizing asset utilization and minimizing downtime.
- Manage inventory, chemical handling, batch execution, and operational reliability.
Drive Performance & Continuous Improvement
- Use data and KPI-driven decision making to improve operational results.
- Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving efforts to eliminate recurring losses.
- Deliver measurable improvements in cycle time, efficiency, waste reduction, equipment reliability, and overall manufacturing performance.
- Implement Lean, TPM, UMS, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Advance Digital Manufacturing
- Lead adoption of automation, digital manufacturing systems, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
- Leverage real-time data, dashboards, and predictive analytics to optimize operations.
- Partner with Engineering, Digital, and Manufacturing Excellence teams to implement innovative solutions that improve safety, productivity, and reliability.
- Develop team capability in modern digital and AI-enabled manufacturing tools.
Develop and Inspire Teams
- Build a high-performance culture centered on accountability, engagement, and continuous learning.
- Coach supervisors and frontline teams to achieve operational and leadership excellence.
- Lead talent development, succession planning, hiring, and capability-building initiatives.
- Establish clear expectations and create an environment where teams are empowered to deliver results.
What Success Looks Like
In this role, success means:
- World-class safety and compliance performance.
- Consistent achievement of production, quality, and service targets.
- Improved manufacturing efficiency, reliability, and cost performance.
- Successful deployment and adoption of digital manufacturing tools and technologies.
- A highly engaged, capable, and accountable operations team.
- Sustainable operational improvements that position the factory for future growth.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Operations Management, Business, or a related field; equivalent manufacturing leadership experience will be considered.
- 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience in a process manufacturing environment.
- Experience leading frontline teams in a multi-shift operation.
- Experience in compounding, batching, chemical processing, liquid manufacturing, or related manufacturing operations.
- Proven track record driving operational excellence and performance improvement.
Preferred
- Experience leading digital transformation, automation, or Industry 4.0 initiatives.
- Knowledge of manufacturing systems such as SAP, MES, RSBatch, or similar platforms.
- Experience utilizing advanced analytics, digital performance tools, and AI-enabled technologies to improve operations.
- Lean, TPM, Six Sigma, UMS, or related continuous improvement experience.
- Proven success lead
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