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Manufacturing Excellence & Digital Lead

Newport
Posted 5 days ago
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Manufacturing Excellence & Digital Lead

Manufacturing Excellence & Digital Lead

Business Function: Manufacturing Excellence

Location: Crumlin Factory

Job 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 (OOE), reducing food waste, and leading the digital transformation agenda. The lead will line manage process engineers and a digital and cyber security engineer, and also work closely with UMS pillar leads to ensure sustainable performance improvements.

Responsibilities

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 a clear link to the 3–5 year performance ambition.

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 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.

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 guarantee 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.

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Autonomous Maintenance & Operator Capability

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

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.

Best Practice, Replication & Capability Building

  • Lead creation, documentation, and replication of best practices via 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.
  • UMS maturity progression, including strong R2S performance and positive assessment results.
  • DFOS compliance and effectiveness at all levels.
  • Accurate DFOS loss data and a 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.

About You

  • 2-3 years experience in ManEx/Process Engineering, demonstrating a good understanding of 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 (a PMP certification is preferred).
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with a data-driven mindset.
  • Strong facilitation, coaching, and communication skills.
  • Engineering or Production experience is preferred.

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What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and pension scheme.
  • Annual bonus, free gym, discounted staff shop, and shares.
  • Opportunity to work with renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment.
  • Open to discussing flexible working options and demonstrating inclusivity.

We also provide a robust approach to wellbeing, with hubs, programs, and development opportunities.

  • Commitment to a family-friendly and inclusive workplace focused on creating equal possibilities for all.

Diversity & Inclusion

Equivalent consideration is given to all applicants, ensuring age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion/belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, and pregnancy/maternity are taken into account.

We provide reasonable adjustments during the application and interview process to ensure fairness and support.


Recruitment Fraud Warning

Cyber criminals may create fake Unilever job adverts to steal information or exploit individuals through financial demands. They sometimes mimic legitimate websites or even conduct fake interviews.

Protecting Yourself

  • If you encounter a potentially fraudulent recruitment ad, fake Unilever recruitment site, or a fake LinkedIn profile, report it through Una Live Chat.
  • Unilever does not ask candidates to pay fees for background checks or work visa costs. Be wary of requests for upfront payments.

Unilever does not accept responsibility or liability for any candidates financially impacted by recruitment fraud. Always exercise vigilance to avoid falling victim to these schemes.

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Skills

Manufacturing Excellence
Digital Transformation
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Change Management
Analytical Skills
Problem Solving
Coaching
Communication
Continuous Improvement
Industry 4.0
Data Management
Automation
Lean
WCM
TPM

Location

Newport, Wales, United Kingdom

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