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Processing Business Unit Leader

Unilever
Raeford, NC, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 31 Jul 2026
💰 $133,000/yr($88,600/yr$133,000/yr)

About 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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Company

Unilever

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