Unilever is looking for a Factory Manager for the Odense Factory

Company: Unilever Denmark

Profession: Supply Chain – Manufacturing and Technology

Job Title: Factory Manager

Location: SU Odense, Denmark

Reporting to: Vice President of Supply Chain

About Unilever

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that has a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world. 

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don't believe in a 'one size fits all' approach. Instead, we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

Main Job Purpose

The Odense Factory Manager will be responsible for operating the Odense Factory. Key responsibilities include creating strategic site plans (master plans) and implementing technologies and programmes related to new products, new standards, environment, safety and quality across the factory.

Key Accountabilities

• Achieve Excellence: Ensure production targets are consistently met, maintaining high standards across Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Sustainability, and Engagement. Drive the manufacturing, 5S and savings agenda for Unilever.

• Strategic Leadership: Proactively identify key opportunities and translate strategy into actionable plans that support the company's overall business goals.

• Governance and Compliance: Establish and maintain robust governance to review and control operational performance, ensuring products meet or exceed internal and external standards and regulatory requirements. Including the support to other sites and operations within Unilever.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements and foster a zero-loss mindset across the site to achieve best-in-class performance both internally and externally.

• Cost Management: Monitor and control manufacturing costs within the budget, implementing strategies for cost reduction and waste minimization.

• Innovation: Drive and facilitate the implementation of innovations, encompassing products, ways of working, service models, and supply chain models.

• Capital Investments: Propose and implement capital investments to meet planned production requirements, safety, environmental, and cost targets.

• Long-Term Planning: Develop and pursue a long-term site plan, including restructuring, re-engineering, and retrofitting; prioritize and plan resource development and deployment.

• Asset Management: Ensure technical standards of all manufacturing and non-manufacturing fixed assets are maintained, enabling factory operations to achieve high levels of customer service at optimal cost.

• Talent and Engagement: Lead and be accountable for Talent, Capabilities, and Engagement at the plant. Identify and implement critical levers to attract, retain, and develop key talent, building capability at all levels.

• Stakeholder Management: Ensure effective local stakeholder management and address community issues in alignment with Unilever policies.

• Policy Adherence: Guard and ensure the application of all Unilever policies and governance requirements.

• Relationship Building: Interface with key stakeholders internally and externally to establish and maintain effective relationships, align priorities, and deliver company objectives, goals, and build company equity and image.

• Leadership Team Contribution: As a member of the European Supply Chain Leadership Team (EU SCLT), actively shape and steer the overall Unilever business. Contribute to cross-functional strategic decisions, represent the manufacturing perspective at the leadership level, and ensure alignment between factory operations and broader business objectives.

• Statutory Responsibilities: Act as the statutory head of the factory where legally required.

Experience, Skills and Competencies

• Proven Leadership in Manufacturing: Extensive experience in leading manufacturing performance. A career that includes significant time at manufacturing, engineering or technology roles at a senior management level

• Operational Excellence: Demonstrable expertise in managing costs and variances, and in leveraging motivators and engagement strategies to enhance shop floor performance.

• Leadership Skills: good coaching and leadership skills in a team-based setting. Proven capabilities in analytics, problem-solving, and team building, with a robust financial and business acumen.

• Project Management and Technical Knowledge: Strong project management skills and comprehensive knowledge of industrial maintenance and manufacturing equipment.

• Supply Chain and Commercial Interface: Experience in interfacing with broader Supply Chain and Commercial functions.

• Extensive Supply Chain Experience: At least 10 years of experience in Supply Chain, encompassing Operations, Maintenance, SHE (Safety, Health, and Environment), and Quality. Proven experience and track record of managing Manufacturing operations (FMCG). Additional experience in Planning or R&D is advantageous.

• Strategic and Decisive Thinking: Strong strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.

• Leadership and People Management: Demonstrated strength in leadership and people management.

• Effective Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Proven effectiveness in communication and stakeholder engagement.

• Change Management and Continuous Improvement: A mindset geared towards change management and continuous improvement.

• Language Proficiency: Fully fluent in English. Fluency in Danish will be a big plus.

Excited?

Join Unilever and our team! To apply, please do so online. Please do not forget to upload your CV and a cover letter. Your application will be reviewed against our requirements, and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date to provide you with an update on the status of your application.

We are looking forward to meeting you! 

Please note this is Direct Search led by Unilever. Applications from agencies will not be accepted, nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, parenthood, pregnancy or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against. By highlighting the gender diversity at the workplace, Unilever encourages applications from all genders. If you are looking for a job after a long career break or after any type of leave, do not hesitate to apply.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.