Processing Business Unit Leader

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 leading organizational change and building high-performing teams.

• Note: This position includes compensation ranges, eligibility for bonuses, long-term incentives, and benefits. Unilever is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background check, credit check and DMV check. For accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact the appropriate channels.