Unilever has opened applications for its Industrial Engineering Internship (ManEx) Programme for 2026, offering a valuable opportunity for qualified graduates to gain practical, hands-on experience within a world-class manufacturing environment. This internship is based at the Unilever Anderbolt Factory and forms part of the company’s Supply Chain function.
The programme is designed for individuals who are passionate about industrial engineering, continuous improvement, and operational excellence, and who want to build real-world experience within a globally respected organisation.
About Unilever
Unilever is one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies, with products used by over 3.4 billion people across more than 190 countries every day. The company’s purpose is to make sustainable living commonplace, and it believes that responsible business practices drive strong performance and long-term impact.
At the centre of Unilever’s success is its people. The organisation promotes an inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment where individuals are encouraged to shape their own career paths while contributing to a better business and a better world.
About the Internship Programme
The Industrial Engineering Internship (ManEx) falls under the Supply Chain function and reports directly to the ManEx Lead. The role plays a critical part in supporting Unilever’s manufacturing operations by contributing to the development of factories that operate at world-class standards, focusing on zero defects, zero waste, and zero losses.
Interns will work full time and on site at the Anderbolt Factory, gaining exposure to real operational challenges while applying industrial engineering principles in a practical setting.
Main Responsibilities
Interns appointed to the programme will be required to complete all internship and learnership requirements as stipulated by Unilever. These include training attendance, assessment completion, project execution, logbook maintenance, and presentations where required.
Key responsibilities include:
- Applying focused improvement and quality improvement tools to address losses related to safety, quality, cost deployment, customer service, and logistics
- Supporting cost deployment activities through data generated using the Managing Manufacturing Performance Code
- Working directly with line crews on a daily basis to support operational performance
- Acting as a technical trainer for line teams and providing coaching in problem identification, root cause analysis, and countermeasure development
- Validating process improvements and establishing revised basic operating conditions on production lines
- Eliminating losses and waste to improve line stability and support the transition to semi-autonomous teams
- Following SOP, OPL, and Kaizen procedures within assigned operations
- Complying with all site rules related to safety, quality, and business conduct
- Applying structured problem-solving tools
- Verifying factory and site data integrity
- Preparing weekly and monthly site performance reports, including OEE, PVA, tags, and OR metrics
Key Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:
- Completed degree or National Diploma in Industrial Engineering
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
Employment Equity and Inclusion
Unilever is committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity as drivers of business success. The organisation encourages applicants to bring their whole selves to work and supports individuals who may require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process.
Candidates who do not receive feedback within 14 days of submitting their application should consider their application unsuccessful. Applications that do not include the required supporting documentation by the closing date will not be considered.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit an updated CV together with a copy of their qualification certificate and South African ID document.
Applications must be submitted online via Unilever’s official careers platform. The closing date for applications is 19 January 2026.
To apply for this job please visit careers.unilever.com.
Conclusion
The Unilever Industrial Engineering Internship (ManEx) 2026 offers a strong opportunity for graduates who want to gain meaningful experience within a high-performance manufacturing environment. With exposure to continuous improvement methodologies, real operational challenges, and hands-on factory work, this internship provides a solid foundation for a future career in industrial engineering and supply chain operations.
