The First Line Manager is a management professional with a good technical understanding of manufacturing, general or chemical engineering or food technology.
The role provides the governance function for a cluster of semi-autonomous teams, delivering management and leadership support for performance monitoring, overtime allocation, working patterns and dispute resolution.
Leading improvement projects for operational processes, First Line Manager needs a strong understanding of the end-to-end manufacturing process. This includes the chemical and electro-mechanical processes and controls.
The First Line Manager provides a common standard of communication and engagement across the factory. They liaise closely with the core factory functions, including Manufacturing, HR, Quality, Engineering, and Safety to achieve this.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Technical: Effective mechanical skills (see qualifications) supported by detailed knowledge of the end-to-end manufacturing processes relevant to their operation and endorsed Good Manufacturing Practice.
- Safety: Utilize appropriate safety and environmental procedures for people, processes, materials, products, and equipment to ensure a safe working environment for the whole team. Full knowledge of hazards in the workplace.
- Environment: Reduce waste and minimize impact to health, safety, and the environment through working to eliminate waste and through the correct management of waste and hazardous materials.
- Leadership: Promote the development of a highly effective team through the establishment of a positive team climate supported by authentic leadership and clear communication.
- Facilitation and Coaching: An ability to facilitate technical improvements using continuous improvement tools. Able to coach Technical Operators and semi-autonomous teams to build team performance.
- Decision Making: Makes governance decisions for the semi-autonomous team and adjudicates on unresolved team issues. Sets the strategy for Continuous Improvement and Preventative Maintenance in her/his area guided by loss trends and direction provided by the Manufacturing Manager.
- Continuous Improvement: Apply rigorous Cost Deployment and the Zero loss concept to eliminate losses. High skill level in Continuous Improvement that is aligned closely with Unilever Manufacturing System and LEAN methodologies.
- Problem Solving: Has the ability to identify, prioritize and address problems using appropriate tools and techniques that eliminate recurrence.
- Quality: Apply core knowledge of Quality skills; Quality Measurement, Prioritization, Improvement, Assessment and Certification etc. to sustain Quality standards in the factory operation.
- Planning and Organizing: Prepare work plans within resource constraints and review implementation to drive improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering or related discipline.
- Continuous Improvement competencies including: Six Sigma methodology, TPM, TQM, Lean Manufacturing.
- Experience in Operations Management as team leader.
- Strong Analytical & Systems Skill.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Power BI, and Project Management Skills.
- Strong Leadership, logical thinking and Influencing Skills.
- Understanding of Continuous Improvement Process.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:
- Opportunity to shape the future of a beloved category.
- High-impact role with visibility across senior leadership.
- A dynamic, innovative, and inclusive work environment.
