Listing Reference: R-85525
Listing Status: Applications Open (Closes 2 June 2025)
Position Summary
Company: Unilever
Industry: Consumer Goods / FMCG
Job Category: Internship / Quality Assurance
Location: Lords View, Johannesburg, South Africa
Contract Type: Full-Time (Internship)
Remuneration: Market-related (stipend-based)
EE Position: Open to all applicants
Closing Date: 2 June 2025
Introduction
Unilever, a global leader in the FMCG industry, is offering an exciting opportunity for aspiring professionals through the Inbound Raw and Packaging Material Inspection Internship at its Lords View Factory in Johannesburg. This internship is a stepping stone for recent graduates or students in the field of food science, microbiology, or biotechnology who wish to gain real-world experience in supply chain quality operations. If you’re passionate about quality assurance and sustainable manufacturing, this opportunity could be the launchpad to your future.
Job Description
The internship aims to provide hands-on exposure to quality inspection processes for raw and packaging materials entering the production facility. The intern will support the Site Quality Lead and assist in ensuring compliance with company specifications and safety standards. You will also contribute to audit processes, laboratory testing, supplier liaison, and continuous quality improvement within a globally recognized supply chain.
Ideal Candidate
The perfect applicant is detail-oriented, science-driven, and passionate about quality. You should have a solid academic background in food science or microbiology and be comfortable working in a high-paced, regulated environment. Strong analytical thinking, excellent communication skills, and a proactive attitude are critical for success in this role.
Role Responsibility
Inspection and Quality Control
- Conduct sampling and analysis of raw and packaging materials
- Compare lab results against material specifications
- Identify and manage off-specification products
- Maintain batch management system and release materials via SAP
Laboratory Operations
- Prepare and standardize laboratory reagents
- Ensure proper storage and usage of testing materials
- Train shift analysts in testing procedures
- Record and analyze material trends for continual improvement
Supplier and Warehouse Coordination
- Coordinate supplier audits and meetings
- Conduct internal audits for the warehouse and lab environments
- Create a system to verify waybills and raw material receipts
- Raise and follow up on E-incidents and stock rejections
Documentation and Systems Management
- Maintain current RM and PM specifications
- Implement tracking and feedback systems for material quality
- Document job card findings during daily walkabouts
- Collaborate on SAP for material input, release, and blockage management
Factory Floor Collaboration
- Conduct finished product line inspections when required
- Report and act on non-conformances on the production floor
- Offer real-time quality support to shop floor teams
- Participate in trials of new or reformulated raw/packaging materials
Skills and Attributes
- Knowledge of HACCP and contamination control
- Laboratory and microbiological testing expertise
- Familiarity with SAP (advantageous)
- Microsoft Office proficiency (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Strong consumer focus and service orientation
- High attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Strong organizational and analytical skills
Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum: Grade 12 with 50%+ in Core Mathematics & Physical Science
- Required: National Diploma in Food Technology, Diploma in Biotechnology, or BSc in Food Science/Microbiology
- Experience in laboratory or FMCG manufacturing environments is an advantage
- Understanding of hygiene, safety protocols, and food regulatory standards
Personal Traits (Standards of Leadership)
- Passion for High Performance: Committed to execution and ownership of results
- Personal Mastery: Strives for resilience, personal growth, and high standards
- Consumer Love: Continuously seeks improvements that benefit end-users
- Purpose & Service: Humble and mission-driven team player
- Agility: Learns quickly and adapts to a fast-changing environment
Why Join Unilever?
Unilever is more than just a workplace—it’s a purpose-driven ecosystem that believes in making sustainable living commonplace. With a legacy of innovation and community impact, Unilever empowers employees to bring their whole selves to work while growing both personally and professionally. This internship offers not only skills development but also a meaningful opportunity to contribute to world-class manufacturing practices.
Application Instructions
- Submit your application via the Unilever job portal
- Attach:
- Updated CV
- Certified ID copy
- Certified academic qualifications (No statement of results)
- Email applications will NOT be accepted
- Reference code: R-85525
Important Note:
Unilever supports equity, inclusion, and diversity. If you require any accessibility support or accommodations during the application process, reach out to Unilever’s recruitment team.
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Conclusion
This is your chance to take a pivotal step in your professional journey. If you’re passionate about quality, science, and operational excellence, the Inbound Raw and Packaging Material Inspection Internship at Unilever is a unique opportunity to align with a global leader committed to innovation and sustainable impact. Apply now before 2 June 2025 and be part of a future-forward team shaping everyday essentials for billions of consumers.