ManEx Performance Data Intern

Unilever is hiring for a ManEx Performance Data Intern

Function: Supply Chain

Reports to: ManEx Manager

Location: Boksburg

Terms & Conditions: Local terms

ABOUT UNILEVER                                                                    

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes 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.  With Unilever you can develop a purpose-led career doing impactful work towards a better business, a better world and a better you. We are one of the top 5 employers in South Africa according to the Top Employer Institute and ranked as the number 1 employer of choice for Graduates in Manufacturing Industry according to SAGEA.

JOB PURPOSE

The position is for a Manufacturing Excellence (ManEx) Performance Data Analyst Internship based at Unilever Boksburg Factory. The internship is focused on improving the accuracy, structure, and usability of manufacturing performance data (OEE and Waste). The role ensures that reliable and consistent data is available to support decision-making, prioritisation of improvement initiatives, and cost deployment processes within the factory. The intern will work closely with the Site ManEx Lead, Production Engineers, and Finance teams to strengthen data systems and support the transition toward fully digital performance management.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The intern will support the Manufacturing Excellence system by improving data integrity and enabling data-driven performance management.

Key responsibilities include:

• Clean, standardise, and validate OEE and Waste data to ensure an accurate and reliable loss tree for the factory.

• Ensure correct loss classification and alignment to standard definitions and MMP coding principles.

• Identify gaps and inconsistencies between manual and digital reporting systems and support alignment toward a single source of truth.

• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports that provide clear visibility of performance losses and trends.

• Support measurement and tracking of key KPIs such as OEE, waste, downtime, and cost-related losses.

• Provide reliable and structured data inputs to support Business Priority & Cost Deployment processes and decision-making.

• Support the Focused Improvement (FI) pillar by enabling accurate identification and prioritisation of improvement opportunities.

• Track and validate the impact of improvement initiatives, ensuring that reported performance improvements are accurate.

• Support the transition from manual reporting to digital systems by improving data structures, reporting routines, and governance processes.

• Work with Production Engineers and line teams to improve data capture accuracy and discipline at source.

• Establish baseline performance and support tracking of improvements over time.

• Participate in performance review routines and provide insights on key losses and trends.

• Ensure adherence to Safety, Quality, and data integrity standards at all times.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Completed a Degree or National Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

• Strong analytical skills and ability to structure and interpret data.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, pivot tables, dashboards).

• Understanding of manufacturing KPIs such as OEE, waste, and loss trees is advantageous.

• Basic knowledge of Lean, TPM, or Manufacturing Excellence methodologies.

• Strong attention to detail and focus on data accuracy.

• Good communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.

• High curiosity and systems-thinking mindset.

UNILEVER BEHAVIOURS

• Care deeply

• Focus on what counts

• Stay three steps ahead

• Deliver with excellence

Unilever is an equal opportunities employer and committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.  We are intentional in employing the best talent that reflects the demographics of our country and which will help build representation of currently under-represented groups. We therefore invite applications from all candidates representing diversity of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. When appointing potential candidates, the South African Employment Equity and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Legislation will be considered.  

We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa.  

This is an Factory-based role in Boksburg, Johannesburg and requires 100% of time attendance on site.

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.