Drive Operations as Manufacturing Manager at Unilever – $99,760 to $149,640

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Organization: Unilever
Location: Independence, Missouri, United States (Onsite)
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $99,760 – $149,640 per year + bonus & LTI
Schedule: Full-time, multi-shift
Language Requirement: English

About Unilever

Unilever is a global leader in consumer goods, committed to creating sustainable growth while fostering an inclusive work environment. The Independence, MO factory plays a critical role in Unilever Foods’ North American supply chain. The organization values safety, innovation, and a high-performance culture, providing employees with development opportunities and comprehensive benefits.

Role Overview

The Manufacturing Manager at Unilever’s Independence facility will lead a high-performing team in a fast-paced, unionized food manufacturing environment. This role requires a results-driven leader who combines technical expertise with strong people leadership to deliver operational excellence. The manager will drive safety, quality, and productivity, ensuring world-class performance across all manufacturing operations.

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Core Duties & Responsibilities

  1. Safety & Compliance
    • Champion a zero-injury culture and enforce OSHA and environmental regulations.
    • Implement and elevate site-specific safety and environmental programs.
  2. Operational Excellence
    • Lead factory improvement programs targeting safety, quality, cost optimization, labor efficiency, OEE, and waste reduction.
    • Drive perfect quality across all Make and Pack processes.
    • Manage a complex product portfolio to optimize production strategy.
  3. Team Leadership & Development
    • Inspire, coach, and develop Shift Supervisors and Senior Supervisors to foster a high-performance culture.
    • Build AGILE work systems for over 280 full-time union employees.
    • Manage employee relations in alignment with HR policies to ensure engagement and accountability.
  4. Strategic Management
    • Maintain a strategic perspective, balancing factory needs with broader business objectives.
    • Champion change management initiatives to drive continuous improvement.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, a technical field, or related discipline.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum 5 years of supply chain experience in foods, CPG, or manufacturing.
  • Experience managing multi-shift operations and large teams in a unionized environment.
  • Strong leadership, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Familiarity with HACCP principles and implementation.
  • Ability to inspire teams, drive performance, and implement change effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Leadership experience in continuous improvement methodologies (WCM, TPM, Lean Manufacturing).
  • Experience in a 24/7 food manufacturing environment.
  • Strong communication, project management, and analytical skills.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: $99,760 – $149,640 per year
  • Bonus: Eligible
  • Long-Term Incentive (LTI): Eligible
  • Benefits: Health insurance (including dental, vision, and prescription), retirement savings, life insurance, disability, parental leave, paid vacation, holidays, and access to additional voluntary benefits.

How to Apply

Candidates interested in joining Unilever can apply online via the official careers portal. Employment is subject to verification, including drug screening, background checks, credit checks, and DMV checks. Applicants requiring accommodations due to disabilities can contact NA.Accommodations@unilever.com.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

Unilever is committed to diversity and inclusion and provides fair and respectful consideration to all applicants. The organization supports the growth and development of every employee and actively promotes an inclusive workplace.

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