Unilever is currently hiring for: Technical Skills Trainer
Function: Supply Chain
Reports to: Assistant Learning Manager
Scope: Southern Africa
Location: Boksburg Factory
Terms & Conditions: Full time
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.
At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don’t believe in the ‘one size fits all’ approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.
JOB PURPOSE
The Technical Skills Trainer leads all technical training interventions for the sourcing units and is necessarily an experienced mechanical and/or electrical technician with an excellent ability to teach, coach and mentor.
The Skills Trainer will coordinate and deliver course training for all technical levels, develop Technical Operators, and Technician Apprentices in accordance with Unilever curriculum requirements. They will liaise with other training providers where it is advantageous to use their capabilities.
Within the factories, the Skills Trainer will continue to support the development and progression of trained Technicians, Artisans and Technical Operators through the skills audit and the HR for Factories Integrated Training system. Operational training interventions will be varied, but often involve legislative safety and hazard awareness training, and loss-based training.
Additionally, the Skills Trainer will offer guidance and measurement frameworks for recruiting technical skills across the sourcing units. The Skills Trainer is also responsible for the proper maintenance and safe running of on-site training facilities and materials.
WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE
Technical Training & Capability Building
Deliver engineering technical training across mechanical and electrical disciplines, using a coaching and mentoring approach
Develop engaging training materials and maintain accurate training records
Build and enhance on-site technical capability for Technical Operators, Machine Specialists, ICE Technicians, and Artisans
Training Strategy & Execution
Execute the site training strategy and drive associated action plans to address technical capability and development needs
Maintain and update the Technical Skills Matrix and assessment records
Capture and track all training activities on the LMS platform
Support the population of Workplace Skills Plan (WSP), Annual Training Report (ATR), and BBBEE training spend tracking
Compliance & Standards
Ensure site compliance with training standards, including the development of training and assessment tools
Maintain accurate training documentation and reporting processes
Safety, Quality & Environment
Promote a strong understanding of workplace hazards and ensure adherence to all safety and environmental procedures
Embed sustainability into training by supporting reduction of environmental impact (utilities, waste, chemicals)
Ensure technical capability across the site supports and protects quality standards
Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
Act as a technical leader, promoting high-performing teams and linking technical skills with leadership behaviours (communication, integrity, accountability)
Lead engineering capability improvement through strong technical expertise and problem-solving
Continuous Improvement
Conduct regular technical skills assessments and audits
Identify capability gaps and implement targeted development and coaching interventions
Drive capability improvements aligned to site priorities and support loss elimination initiatives
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED
EXPERIENCES & QUALIFICATIONS
5 years’ experience as an Artisan, with at least 3 years in Factory Training within a technical, FMCG, or manufacturing environment
N6 in Mechanical and or Electrical Engineering
Trade Tested Artisan
Accredited or Working towards Assessor, Facilitator and Material design and development is preferred
Strong coaching and communication skills supporting some instructional experience in a previous role. Must display an ability to engage and enthuse.
WCM/TPM/ Lean Manufacturing/ Continuous Improvement mind set.
Solid experience identifying training gaps and implementing training programs
Proficient with leading training agendas and leading Learnerships/ SETA programs
Proven track record on the impact of focused Programme and Development – use of training methodologies i.e. how this has improved productivity
Must have in depth knowledge of Training Analysis
Strong understanding of Unions (Unionised environment)
Proven expertise in mechanical systems (mechanisms, motion, condition-based monitoring, materials, and tribology)
Strong knowledge of process engineering equipment (pumps, valves, pipework, vessels, agitators)
Electrical expertise in control circuits, calibration, and hazardous area equipment
Hands-on experience with installation and replacement of major electrical components (motors, switch/control gear)
SKILLS
Strategic Thinking & Planning: Ability to plan proactively and develop forward-looking strategies
Business Performance Optimization: Drive efficiency and continuous improvement to enhance overall business performance
Analytical Problem Solving: Analyze complex issues and implement effective, data-driven solutions
Customer Focus: Deliver high-quality service that meets internal and external customer needs
Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across key stakeholders
Integrity & Ethics: Uphold high standards of professionalism, compliance, and business ethics
Leadership
You are energized by delivering fantastic results. You are an example to others – both your results and your resilience. You are constantly on the lookout for better ways to do things, engaging and collaborating with others along the way. As an individual you are the one responsible for your own wellbeing and delivering high standards of work. You must also focus on the Consumer and what they need. You are humble and have your head up, looking around to interpret evidence and data smartly, spot issues and opportunities to make things better.
Unilever behaviours
CARE DEEPLY: We care deeply about how consumers experience our brands every day, everywhere; about our people’s growth and development and our impact on the planet. We care about our performance, to a point where it hurts when we don’t win. It is not just about being nice or avoiding honest conversations about performance and opportunity.
FOCUS ON WHAT COUNTS: We ruthlessly prioritize what really, really matters, allowing us to do better on fewer things. We set clear and stretching goals and recognize maximum performance impact. It is not about reducing ambition or effort or running after the ‘new and shiny’.
STAY THREE STEPS AHEAD: We think boldly and creatively to make breakthroughs in performance. We are always curious and confident, anticipating and staying ahead of consumer needs and external trends to beat the competition. It is not taking our eye off the ‘here and now’.
DELIVER WITH EXCELLENCE: We deliver everything we do with excellence and pace. We take personal ownership and hold each other to account – always finding a way to do what we’ve said we will do. It is not about analyzing the inevitable roadblocks, admiring the problem or tolerating mediocrity.
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. If you are applying as a foreign national, please note that you may be requested to provide supporting documents supporting this.
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.
#LI-DNP
