Engineering Manager, Automation

Earlier this year, Unilever announced an agreement to combine its Foods business with McCormick & Company, creating a scaled global flavour powerhouse. The proposed combination would bring together iconic Foods brands, including Hellmann’s and Knorr, with McCormick’s portfolio to create a global leader across spices, seasonings, condiments and complementary food categories, supported by strong retail and foodservice platforms. McCormick brings more than 135 years of heritage, a presence in 150+ countries and territories, and a portfolio of trusted brands. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, with completion estimated for mid-2027.

Job Title  Engineering Manager

Function Supply Chain / Engineering

Reporting to: Engineering Director

Scope ​​Regional 

Country Location and Worksite Details: Poland/Poznan

Europe BU is accelerating automation across its manufacturing network to improve productivity, safety and operational resilience. The programme covers end-of-line, internal logistics and material-handling automation, leveraging technologies including robotics, machine vision and AGVs through pragmatic and cost-effective solutions.

We are looking for an Engineering Manager, Automation to support the Engineering Director in translating the automation strategy into a qualified and executable portfolio of factory projects.

This is a practical, delivery-oriented role working closely with factory teams, regional engineering and technology suppliers to identify opportunities, develop concepts, build viable business cases and accelerate projects from idea through implementation.

Main Job Purpose

To accelerate the development and implementation of automation projects across the Foods manufacturing network in EU by providing technical expertise, structured project development and hands-on support to factories.

The role bridges global automation strategy and factory execution, helping priority opportunities progress from initial concept to technically robust, investment-ready and successfully implemented projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Support deployment of the Automation Programme across the Foods manufacturing network in EU, translating the global automation strategy into a pipeline of viable, executable factory projects.

• Align the automation pr

• Work with factories to identify, prioritise and mature automation opportunities from initial concept through technical feasibility, business case, supplier engagement and investment readiness.

• Manage visibility of the automation pipeline, including project status, investment, expected benefits and key risks, and provide concise programme updates.

• Support factories in developing technically robust, safe and cost-effective automation concepts with viable business cases.

• Develop and promote standardised and scalable automation concepts and engineering solutions to increase execution speed and enable replication across the network.

• Evaluate technology partners and suppliers based on technical capability, solution quality, lifecycle support and total cost of ownership, while developing cost-competitive options that strengthen project business cases.

• Build strong working relationships across BG Global Automation Lead, factory Engineering, Production and Maintenance teams, Procurement and key technology partners.

• Provide hands-on support during critical phases of priority projects, including on-site presence during commissioning.

Key Accountabilities

The role will be accountable for:

• Developing and maintaining a pipeline of automation opportunities with clear visibility of project costs, expected benefits and status.

• Increasing the number and speed of priority projects reaching investment-ready maturity.

• Developing cost-competitive, standardised and scalable automation solutions that can be replicated across the Foods network.

• Supporting successful implementation of priority automation projects.

• Capturing and sharing learnings, standards and proven solutions across the network.

Key Working Relationships

• Factory Engineering, Production and Logistics teams across global Foods sites

• Global and Regional Engineering teams

• Suppliers and Integrators of Automation technologies

• Procurement

• Engineering and Supply Chain leadership 

Key Challenges

• Converting automation opportunities into technically and financially viable projects.

• Balancing global standardisation with site-specific requirements.

• Accelerating project development without compromising engineering quality or safety.

• Managing technical and implementation risks associated with emerging technologies or breakthrough solutions.

• Supporting multiple projects at different maturity stages and across different geographies.

Professional Skills Required

Essential:

• Engineering background with experience delivering projects in factory environments.

• Experience developing engineering or automation projects from initial opportunity through concept, supplier selection and implementation.

• Strong project and stakeholder management capability.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

• Ability to work effectively across factories, functions, cultures and geographies.

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to manufacturing sites and suppliers.

Preferred:

• Experience working with automation system integrators and technology suppliers.

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

• Experience applying EEM methodologies in UMS/WCM.

• Working knowledge of machinery safety standards.

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.