Transformation Project Engineer

Unilever
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Full-time
Posted 3 hours ago
Full-time Engineering
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Job Description

JOB PURPOSE

  • Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world.  If you are enthusiastic and passionate about delivering impactful projects that enable world-class performance, contributing to a better business and a better world, and seek an opportunity to bring your purpose to life, then this role is for you!

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE
Project Delivery

  • Lead the end-to-end execution of Capital, Transformation and Continuous improvement projects - from initiation and feasibility through design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and production handover.
  • Develop and implement Project Execution Plans, schedules, and budgets, ensuring adherence to timelines, cost targets, and change management.
  • Collaborate with cross function teams to clarify briefs, define scope, and incorporate local requirements into Conceptual Engineering (CE), Front End Engineering Design (FEED), and Detailed Engineering (DE) Designs.

Financial & Resource Management

  • Prepare and define detailed scope of work, cost estimates, and Capital Expenditure Proposals (CEP’s), ensuring Capex Affordability metrics are achieved.
  • Manage project budgets, track spending and ensure compliance with authorisation limits, and Capex spend Forecast Accuracy.
  • Handle SAP project data, purchase requisitions, goods receipts, and supplier invoice queries.

Engineering Excellence

  • Apply World Class Manufacturing (WCM) principles and champion Early Equipment Management (EEM) to ensure hygienic, reliable, and maintainable plant design.
  • Provide discipline-specific input (mechanical, civil, electrical, controls & automation) for multi-disciplinary projects.
  • Liaise with global and cluster engineering teams to adopt best practices and new technologies.

Safety, Health & Environment (SHE)

  • Ensure compliance with relevant local legal regulations and standards, and Unilever SHE requirements during project design and execution.
  • Manages resources and contractors’ safety on site throughout project execution.
  • Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions to maintain a safe working environment.

Factory Support & Continuous Improvement

  • Support production teams by troubleshooting recurring process issues and optimizing plant performance.
  • Develop and train operators on SOPs and modified processes.
  • Drive cost-effectiveness programs, waste minimization, and energy efficiency initiatives.
  • Design out recurring engineering problems and implement preventive measures.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Run project team meetings, ensuring alignment across disciplines and adherence to EEM methodology.
  • Communicate project progress and outcomes to key senior stakeholders.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED
Experiences & Qualifications

Qualification

  • Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial or related discipline): B. Tech, BSc (Eng), or BEng.
  • Project Management certification or formal training (preferred).

Experience

  • 3-5 years of Project Engineering experience in FMCG or related manufacturing industries.
  • Proven track record in managing capital projects from concept to commissioning.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to deliver projects to high engineering standards.
  • Knowledge of WCM principles and EEM methodology.
  • Proficiency in MS Office, MS Project, SAP, AutoCAD, and project management tools.
  • Managing hygiene and quality, safety & environment from equipment design standpoint.
  • Experience in plant design and project engineering within FMCG or engineering consultancy firms.
  • Working knowledge of international engineering standards.
  • Foods manufacturing experience (advantageous).

Skills

Technical & Professional

  • Strong understanding of engineering design processes and lifecycle management (feasibility, capability, preliminary and detailed engineering).
  • Proficient in project delivery: definition, procurement, installation, commissioning, and performance validation.
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and project management tools (MS Project, Primavera, Agile).
  • Working knowledge of maintenance principles, quality assurance, asset care, and change management.
  • Expertise in World Class Manufacturing (WCM) and Early Equipment Management (EEM) methodologies.
  • Problem-solving and analytical skills to identify and resolve engineering challenges.
  • Competent with SAP (Plant Maintenance and Purchasing), AutoCAD, and 3D design software.
  • Familiarity with IT systems for project management and engineering applications.
  • Strong understanding of OSH Act and compliance requirements

Project Management

  • Project Management skills with ability to plan, schedule, and execute projects effectively. Ability to manage project budgets, resources, and timelines effectively.
  • Skilled in contract management and conflict resolution.
  • Competent in capital budget control and cost optimization.
  • Ability to manage projects with task horizons ranging from 2 to 18 months.
  • Experience implementing supply chain innovation and technology projects.

Leadership & Communication

  • Demonstrates strong stakeholder engagement and clear communication for effective internal and external collaboration.
  • Leads and delivers results through cross-functional teams and contractor management with accountability and clarity.
  • Skilled in facilitating training and ensuring smooth vertical start-up for new installations.
  • Possesses excellent influencing and interpersonal skills, fostering teamwork across factory management, operators, and diverse functional teams.

Operational Excellence

  • Ensure timely project closure and seamless handover to operations.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with WCM principles.

Interested in this role?

You'll apply on Unilever's own site before 26 October 2026. Put your most relevant experience at the top of your CV first.

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Job details
Job TypeFull-time
LocationDurban, KwaZulu-Natal
CategoryEngineering
Experience3+ years
Posted12 October 2026
Closing Date26 October 2026
Unilever
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

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