Engineering Manager Automation – Foods BG (H/F)

Job Description: Engineering Manager Automation – Foods BG

Reporting to: BG Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence Head

Function: Supply Chain / Engineering

Location: Chevigny, France (Amora-Maille Factory) / Sites in Europe Foods network

CONTEXT

The food industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by Industry 4.0, with automation, robotics, and digitalization at the forefront. Unilever is committed to leveraging these technologies to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and address labor challenges across regions. This role supports the global rollout of automation solutions, including low-cost automation for robotics, cobots and mobile robots tailored to the unique needs of Foods manufacturing sites worldwide. This role offers exposure to global operations and the potential to grow into senior engineering or technology leadership roles.

Main Job Purpose

To enable profitable growth and operational excellence by supporting the global deployment of automation technologies across Foods manufacturing sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Capex program and execution for automation initiatives in Foods manufacturing network.

• Collaborate with sites to identify opportunities, develop concepts, and implement best practices.

• Assist in defining and refining the long-term global automation strategy in partnership with central and regional engineering teams.

• Develop systems to support automation project execution with speed using EEM and WCM methodologies.

• Develop Low-cost automation suppliers to enable more attractive business cases for automation projects in manufacturing and internal logistics.

• Provide hands-on support during project rollouts, including site visits and on-the-ground implementation.

Key Contacts

• Site Engineering Managers across global Foods sites

• Production and Maintenance teams at implementation sites

• Global and Regional Technology Leads

• Key automation and robotics suppliers

• Central Engineering and Supply Chain stakeholders

Key Accountabilities

• Prepare and support long-term strategic automation initiatives.

• Contribute to ideation and innovation in automation technologies.

• Deliver short-term implementation plans for key automation projects.

• Ensure successful rollouts through active site engagement and support.

• Share learnings and best practices across the global network.

Key Challenges

• Managing risk and complexity in breakthrough automation solutions.

• Enabling the feasibility of projects by low-cost automation solutions.

• Balancing speed of implementation with quality and safety.

• Building strong cross-functional relationships across cultures and geographies.

Professional Skills Required

Essential:

• Engineering background with experience delivering projects in factory environments.

• Hands-on experience in automation projects in manufacturing.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred:

• Ability to travel and work on-site during project rollouts.

• Experience with internal logistics automation systems such as AGVs and material handling automations.

• Experience with automation projects where low-cost suppliers are utilized.

• Knowledge of WCM/TPM and EEM methodologies.

• Familiarity with machinery safety standards.

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.