Manufacturing Excellence & Digital Lead

Job Title:

Manufacturing Excellence & Digital Lead
• Business Function:
Manufacturing Excellence
•

Location:

Crumlin Factory

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 also line‑manages process engineers and a digital and cyber security engineer, and works closely with UMS pillar leads to ensure sustainable performance improvements.

• 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 3‑5 year performance ambition.
• 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) programme across the site to embed stable and reliable operations.
• Coordinate site preparation for internal and external UMS assessments and ensure audit readiness.
• Lead the Man Ex/UMS Governance Forum and drive consistent review of KPIs, pillar progress, and gaps.
• Maintain the Site UMS Roadmap, escalation routines, and improvement cycles.
• Ensure effective deployment, sustainability, and continuous improvement of DFOS across all levels.
• 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 Man Ex & Digital performance reports to SU Leadership and BG/BU Man Ex.
• Support AM Pillar deployment by strengthening basic condition, centre‑lining, 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Measure success through OEE, waste %, and cost savings targets; UMS maturity; DFOS compliance; digital project delivery; and compliance with SHE, Quality, Cyber Security, and Engineering standards.

• 2‑3 years of experience in Manufacturing Excellence / Process Engineering or equivalent, with a strong understanding of WCM, UMS, and related tools.
• Experience deploying structured improvement programs such as TPM, LEAN, WCM, or UMS.
• Knowledge of digital manufacturing systems and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and change‑management skills; PMP certification 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.

• Competitive salary and pension scheme.
• Annual bonus.
• Free gym membership.
• Discounted staff shop and share scheme.
• Flexible and hybrid working environment.
• Holistic wellbeing support including hubs, programmes, and development opportunities.
• Family‑friendly and inclusive workplace.

Unilever embraces diversity and inclusion. We consider all applicants equally under U.S. law and ensure reasonable adjustments during application and interview processes. We are committed to a fair and inclusive work environment for all employees.