Assistant Manufacturing Excellence (ManEx) Manager - Foods

Function: Supply Chain
Work Level: WL1
Reports to: Sourcing Unit Director
Scope: Local
Location: Istanbul, Tuzla
Terms & Conditions: Full Time / Office-Based

JOB PURPOSE

This role exists to drive Manufacturing Excellence across the sourcing unit through the application of World Class Manufacturing (WCM) and Continuous Improvement methodologies. The role is responsible for identifying and eliminating losses, driving operational efficiency, supporting digital transformation initiatives, and delivering sustainable improvements in productivity, cost, waste, and overall factory performance.

You will play a key role in developing the Factory Masterplan, deploying problem-solving methodologies, coaching teams on Manufacturing Excellence principles, and supporting the implementation of the factory's digital agenda.

Because here, we don't just hire for jobs. We invite you to be part of something bigger.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the deployment and sustainability of WCM and Manufacturing Excellence methodologies across the factory.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on loss eradication, waste reduction, and productivity enhancement.
• Analyze factory performance data and identify improvement opportunities through structured problem-solving techniques.
• Facilitate root cause analysis activities and support teams in implementing sustainable corrective actions.
• Support OEE improvement and Run-to-Standard programs across manufacturing operations.
• Coach and mentor cross-functional teams on Manufacturing Excellence tools and frameworks.
• Conduct WCM assessments and support autonomous and semi-autonomous teams in achieving performance targets.
• Develop and maintain the Factory Masterplan in alignment with site manufacturing strategies.
• Track KPIs and support the execution of production cost and material waste reduction projects.
• Support and accelerate the factory digitalization agenda through the implementation of digital tools and solutions.
• Promote best-practice sharing and replication of successful improvement initiatives across the factory.
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in Manufacturing Excellence, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, TPM, WCM, or similar factory-based roles.
• Experience with Manufacturing Excellence methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, TPM, WCM, IWS, EWS, and similar continuous improvement programs.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Experience driving operational performance, productivity, cost optimization, or waste reduction initiatives.
• Proven ability to coach and influence cross-functional teams.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken.
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in manufacturing cost analysis and driving cost optimization initiatives.
• Knowledge of Power BI, Microsoft Office, and similar digital, analytics, and performance management tools.
• Certifications such as Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Six Sigma, TPM, or similar Continuous Improvement certifications.
• Experience with Kaizen and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Exposure to factory digitalization and digital transformation initiatives.

SKILLS

Technical Skills

• Lean Manufacturing
• TPM (Total Productive Maintenance)
• WCM (World Class Manufacturing)
• IWS (Integrated Work System)
• EWS
• Continuous Improvement Methodologies
• Root Cause Analysis
• OEE Improvement
• Performance Management

Behavioral Skills

• Leadership
• Problem Solving
• Coaching & Influencing
• Stakeholder Management
• Communication
• Strategic Thinking
• Collaboration

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.