Factory Director (d/f/m)

CONTEXT

The Heilbronn site is a long-established production location with roots in the founding of the Knorr brand in 1838. It has developed into one of the most important dry foods factories in Europe.

Today, the site operates with 430 FTEs across 22 making and 25 packaging lines, producing soups, sauces, seasoning mixes, and other products for a wide range of markets.

Modern technologies, including automation, digitalization, and connected production systems, are central to improving productivity, quality, sustainability, and ensuring a reliable supply across the manufacturing network.

JOB PURPOSE

This role exists to lead and continuously develop a large-scale manufacturing site, ensuring operational excellence and delivering performance across service, cost, productivity, quality, innovation, and OSHE. The role designs, sets up, and leads manufacturing activities in alignment with Supply Chain and Business Unit strategies, ensuring sustainable and competitive site performance.

You’ll be part of a team that believes in doing work that matters — for people and the planet.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver the annual plan and financial results, including service, cost, productivity, quality, innovation, and OSHE targets
• Co-design and recommend long-term site strategy (Masterplan) with Foods Supply Chain teams
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to deliver manufacturing performance targets
• Manage site financial performance including budgets, sourcing unit results, and conversion costs
• Drive implementation of product, process, and supply chain innovations on site
• Define and implement capital investment plans with Engineering and T&I teams
• Lead execution of the long-term site masterplan, including restructuring and capability development
• Ensure technical standards of all assets and enable high customer service at optimal cost
• Lead UMS (Unilever Manufacturing System) Steering Committee and drive UMS implementation
• Drive working capital and inventory performance with Planning and Supply Management teams
• Lead site quality management in line with QA systems and procedures
• Lead HR policy deployment, employee relations and proactively manage Works Council / union collaboration, ensuring effective partnership in a German manufacturing environment
• Manage local stakeholder relationships in line with company policies
• Ensure compliance with governance and corporate policies
• Drive integration and collaboration across the extended supply chain

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluency in German and English
• 8–10 years of experience in Supply Chain (Manufacturing, Technology, SHE, and Quality required; Planning and R&D advantageous)
• Proven experience as Sourcing Unit Director or in a comparable leadership role
• Strong track record in delivering operational and financial performance
• Deep expertise in manufacturing excellence systems (e.g. TPM, WCM, IWS)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in FMCG or other advanced manufacturing environments (e.g. automotive)
• Experience in automation and digitalization

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• 30 days of annual leave Company pension scheme via our pension fund
• Comprehensive occupational health management and on-site medical support
• Employee discounts with partner companies and in our on-site staff shop, as well as subsidized meals in our company canteen
• Bicycle leasing options (Company Bike)
• Wellbeing initiatives and access to a confidential 24/7 employee assistance program for personal support A supportive and appreciative working environment, an engaged team, and the opportunity to contribute to successful products, with diverse development and career opportunities

At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.

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.