Basic Operator – Unilever
Recruiter: Unilever
Position: Basic Operator
Job Reference: R-1184170
Location: Khanyisa/Anderbolt Factory, Boksburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Employment Type: Full-Time
Job Category: Supply Chain
Work Arrangement: On-site (100% Factory-Based)
Reports To: Shift Coordinator
Date Posted: 08 July 2026
Job Overview
Unilever is currently recruiting for a Basic Operator to join its Supply Chain team at the Khanyisa/Anderbolt Factory in Boksburg, Gauteng. This full-time opportunity is ideal for individuals who have a passion for manufacturing, enjoy working in a production environment, and are committed to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and operational excellence.
As one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies, Unilever produces trusted brands used by over 3.4 billion people in more than 190 countries every day. The company is committed to improving lives through sustainable business practices while creating an inclusive workplace where employees can learn, grow, and build rewarding careers.
The Basic Operator plays an essential role in ensuring that production lines operate efficiently and safely. Successful candidates will assist with general production line operations, packaging activities, cleaning procedures, quality inspections, material handling, and maintaining production standards. Every task contributes to delivering safe, high-quality products to consumers while supporting the factory’s operational goals.
Working closely with the Shift Coordinator and other production team members, you will perform equipment start-up and shutdown procedures, ensure production areas remain clean and organised, monitor product quality, report faults or abnormalities, and maintain accurate production records throughout each shift.
Safety is a major priority in this position. Operators are expected to follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), workplace safety regulations, and environmental practices while identifying hazards and reporting any unsafe conditions immediately. Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting themselves, their colleagues, company equipment, and the environment.
The successful applicant will also support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying production losses, reporting operational issues, and contributing ideas that improve productivity, efficiency, and product quality. Good teamwork, reliability, and communication are essential, as operators work closely with colleagues across different production areas to achieve manufacturing targets.
This role requires individuals who are physically fit and comfortable working in a factory environment. Operators may need to move between workstations, lift and carry materials, climb stairs, and remain active throughout their shifts. Flexibility is also important, as employees may be required to work different shifts, assist other production areas, or support factory shutdowns and training programmes.
If you are looking to build a career with one of the world’s most respected manufacturing companies and enjoy working in a fast-paced FMCG environment, this is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable production experience while contributing to globally recognised brands.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
Essential Qualifications
- Grade 12 (National Senior Certificate) with Mathematics and Science, or
- N3 Engineering qualification.
- Good reading, writing, and mathematical skills.
- Ability to record production data accurately.
Experience
- Previous experience in a Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturing environment.
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to work shifts.
- Flexibility to assist in different production areas when required.
- Ability to work during factory shutdowns and attend training programmes.
- Physically fit and capable of performing manual production duties.
Key Responsibilities
As a Basic Operator, your responsibilities will include:
- Perform production line start-up and shutdown procedures.
- Conduct equipment safety and cleanliness inspections before production begins.
- Clean equipment and production areas according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Identify and report contamination risks or production issues.
- Ensure continuous supply of packaging materials to production lines.
- Monitor product quality and report defects immediately.
- Detect production abnormalities and take appropriate action.
- Record production data, including output and rejected products.
- Complete accurate shift handover reports.
- Maintain workplace safety and follow all company procedures.
- Identify workplace hazards and report unsafe conditions.
- Support waste reduction and environmentally responsible practices.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
- Work collaboratively with production team members.
- Communicate production observations and operational issues to supervisors.
Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Good communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Basic Microsoft Word and Excel skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a team.
- Good organisational skills.
- Problem-solving ability.
- Commitment to safety and quality.
- Agility and physical fitness.
- Reliability and accountability.
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Working Conditions
- Full-time permanent employment.
- Factory-based role requiring 100% on-site attendance.
- Shift work may be required.
- Physical work environment involving standing, walking, lifting, and operating production equipment.
- Flexibility to support different production areas when needed.
Why Join Unilever?
Unilever is one of the world’s leading FMCG companies, offering employees the opportunity to build meaningful careers while contributing to products used by millions of people every day. Employees benefit from an inclusive workplace, continuous learning opportunities, and a culture focused on innovation, teamwork, sustainability, and personal growth. By joining Unilever, you become part of a global organisation that values diversity, supports employee development, and encourages individuals to make a positive impact both inside and outside the workplace.