Process Engineer Downstream Assistant Manager

About the job

Unilever Oleochemical Indonesia is looking for a highly motivated and analytical Process Engineer Downstream Assistant Manager to drive process optimization, manufacturing excellence, and continuous improvement across our downstream manufacturing operations.

This role is responsible for improving process performance, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring the consistent delivery of safe, reliable, and high-quality products. The successful candidate will lead process improvement initiatives, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize plant performance and support business growth.

Working closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, R&D, and SHE teams, this position plays a critical role in strengthening operational excellence, improving process capability, and ensuring compliance with quality and process safety standards throughout downstream operations.

Responsibilities

• Analyze process and production data to identify improvement opportunities and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

• Lead troubleshooting activities and provide technical solutions to resolve process-related issues and improve plant performance.

• Develop, maintain, and optimize process recipes, operating parameters, and process conditions to ensure safe and efficient operations.

• Collaborate with Production teams to improve operational efficiency, process stability, and manufacturing performance.

• Partner with R&D teams on product development, product validation, and process scale-up activities.

• Work closely with Quality teams to drive product quality improvement through Statistical Process Control (SPC) and data-driven analysis.

• Collaborate with Maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability, plant availability, and operational effectiveness.

• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to address process deviations and performance gaps.

• Support process safety initiatives and ensure compliance with applicable quality, safety, and environmental standards.

• Lead and participate in operational excellence and cost optimization projects across downstream manufacturing operations.

• Identify and implement best practices to improve productivity, yield, quality, and overall plant performance.

Accountabilities

• Drive continuous improvement in process efficiency, product quality, plant reliability, and operational performance.

• Ensure downstream manufacturing processes consistently meet safety, quality, production, and compliance requirements.

• Maintain process documentation, operating standards, and technical specifications.

• Deliver process optimization initiatives that contribute to productivity improvement and cost savings.

• Support successful implementation of new products, technology improvements, and process modifications.

• Ensure compliance with process safety, quality management systems, and regulatory requirements.

• Promote a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or another relevant Engineering discipline.

• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Process Engineer, Production Engineer, Production Lead, or similar role within oleochemical, petrochemical, chemical, refining, or other process manufacturing industries.

• Strong understanding of process engineering, manufacturing operations, and process optimization methodologies.

• Experience in process troubleshooting, production data analysis, and continuous improvement projects.

• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

• Willing to be based in Sei Mangkei, Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in downstream oleochemical manufacturing processes.

• Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence methodologies.

• Experience supporting product development, process validation, and commercialization activities.

• Familiarity with process safety management and manufacturing quality systems.

• Experience driving cross-functional improvement projects in a manufacturing environment.

• Proven track record of improving process performance, yield, quality, or plant reliability.

Key Competencies

• Strong communication and influencing skills.

• Highly analytical, data-driven, and detail-oriented.

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities.

• High integrity, accountability, and professional discipline.

• Positive attitude with a continuous improvement mindset.

• Collaborative team player who thrives in a cross-functional environment.