Production Lead

The Ice Cream division at Unilever is preparing to stand on its own, aiming to become an independent, EUR 8.3 billion publicly listed company by the end of 2025. We’re on a mission to create the ultimate snacking company.​ A place where growth, innovation, founder and ownership mentality, and performance are cultivated and rewarded. And where we craft extraordinary ice cream experiences - transforming ordinary moments into lasting memories.​ Because we know, life tastes better with ice cream.​

The Magnum Ice Cream Company is all about growth. Growing our business. Growing our customers’ businesses. Growing our people’s careers.​ Growth begins with empowerment. So we free our people to be innovative, responsible entrepreneurs, driven and equipped to give our consumers more amazing products and unforgettable moments – and having fun doing it.​  

With 19.000 expert ice cream colleagues and iconic brands like Wall’s, Cornetto and Ben & Jerry’s, loved in 76 countries, we are the world’s largest Ice Cream company leading the industry.  We have been taking pleasure seriously for more than 100 years, serving happiness with every lick or scoop of ice cream for generations.  

We are investing to unlock the full growth potential of The Magnum Ice Cream Company as a standalone entity, once we separate from Unilever, which is planned to happen before the end of 2025.  

We dream big but keep things simple to act fast.​ 

If you want to grow with us, make an impact, and shape the future of Ice Cream, this is the place for you! 

JOB PURPOSE:

We are looking for a dynamic Production Lead in a permanent full-time opportunity based in our Minto ice cream factory, leading one of our production cells. The role will provide direct autonomous leadership and supervision to frontline operators.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead with Purpose: Take charge of a production cell, empowering frontline operators with autonomy and clear direction.
• Drive Excellence: Own and elevate KPIs across Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Morale.
• Champion Lean Thinking: Implement world-class manufacturing systems like Autonomous Maintenance, Focused Improvement, and Progressive Maintenance.
• Optimise Costs: Manage wastage, overtime, and consumables with a sharp eye on efficiency.
• Inspire Teams: Build a high-performance culture by energizing and enabling your team to thrive.
• Develop Talent: Spot potential, mentor growth, and support performance recovery.
• Collaborate for Success: Partner with Safety, Quality, Engineering, and Planning to unlock continuous improvement.
• Adapt and Prioritise: Ensure labor is agile and aligned with dynamic production needs.
• Lead Change: Drive focused improvement initiatives and deliver measurable results.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:  

• Proven leadership across diverse shifts.
• A proactive mindset and strong initiative.
• Exceptional communication, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• A “can-do” attitude and hunger for career growth.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing shift patterns.
• Strong organizational skills and resilience under pressure.
• Autonomy, prioritization, and results-driven focus.
• Proficiency in MS Office and digital tools.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATION:

• 3+ years of experience managing a team of people who are working across different shifts.
• An Engineering degree
• Hands-on experience with Lean Manufacturing systems (AM, FI, PM, EEM).
• Track record of delivering safety, quality, and cost objectives.
• Budget management experience with proven cost-saving results.

LEADERSHIP: 

• Growth Mindset
• Consumer and Customer Focus
• Bias for Action
• Accountability and Responsibility
• Building Talent and Teams

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

• A unique mix of global scale & start-up spirit—€8.3bn powerhouse with an agile, entrepreneurial mindset. We’re building a new high growth Ice Cream company from the ground up. ​
• Career without limits—42 markets, international opportunities, and fast tracked growth. ​
• A performance-driven culture—Freedom to act, disrupt and grow – your success is measured by impact.​
• A company that celebrates joy, innovation, and purpose—We create extraordinary careers, just like our ice cream creates extraordinary moments.

As publicly announced, Unilever will separate its Ice Cream business which is expected by the end of 2025. This role will transfer to the new Ice Cream company.

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. 

For the recruitment of this position, we would like to emphasize that local conditions apply to the position

ARE YOU EXCITED TO CRAFT THE ICE CREAM FUTURE?

To apply, you must do so online. Please do not forget to upload your CV and a motivation letter.  

Your application will be reviewed against our requirements, and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date to provide you with an update on the status of your application.

Disclaimer

Equal Opportunity Employer: Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. 

Unilever is an organization 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.

This means we encourage people with all backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pacific Peoples, and people with disabilities.

At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! We encourage you to advise us at the time of your application if you require any reasonable adjustment so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.