Unilever, one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, is inviting passionate and driven candidates to apply for an exciting full-time internship opportunity based at its Lords View Factory in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The role of Packaging Warehouse and Raw Material Inspection Intern offers young professionals the chance to gain hands-on experience in supply chain quality assurance, working with raw materials and packaging inspection within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
The internship covers a broad range of quality assurance tasks aimed at maintaining and improving the company’s supply chain standards. The intern’s responsibilities will include:
- Chemical and Physical Analysis: Assisting in analysing raw materials and packaging to verify conformity with Unilever’s specifications. This includes preparation and standardization of laboratory reagents and conducting confirmatory tests to identify any off-spec materials.
- Material Inspection and Sampling: Receiving waybills from the warehouse for every raw material delivery, inspecting offloading processes, weighing samples to confirm declared weights, and taking samples for laboratory analysis.
- Problem Solving and Reporting: Identifying defective raw and packaging materials quickly and initiating corrective actions. The intern will also be responsible for recording test results, releasing approved materials, and rejecting failed batches.
- Supplier and Internal Audits: Supporting supplier audits by coordinating meetings with suppliers and procurement teams and conducting internal warehouse and laboratory audits to maintain compliance and quality.
- Training and Support: Training shift analysts on testing procedures and assisting with quality assessment of pallets and warehouse audits.
- Stock and Batch Management: Ensuring proper documentation and management of rejected materials, coordinating stock returns to suppliers, and updating results on SAP systems.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborating closely with research and development (R&D), procurement, and shop floor teams to address quality issues and improve material usage.
- Trial Material Handling: Assisting with inspection and analysis of trial materials during product development phases.
The intern will also take part in daily factory quality walkabouts, report non-conformance on the shop floor, and ensure all work complies with safety and environmental guidelines.
What Unilever Looks For in Candidates
This internship is ideal for individuals who have recently completed or are pursuing qualifications in Food Technology, Biotechnology, Food Science, Microbiology, or related fields. Applicants should have a strong foundation in core subjects such as mathematics and physical science.
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- A solid understanding of laboratory operations and microbiology.
- Familiarity with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) requirements.
- Good knowledge of contamination control and quality management systems.
- Basic working knowledge of SAP software and Microsoft Office tools.
- Strong problem-solving skills and an ability to analyze data critically.
- Leadership potential and the ability to train and support peers.
- Consumer focus and a commitment to delivering high-quality results.
The Unilever Culture and What It Means for You
Unilever emphasizes core leadership behaviors called SOL (Standards of Leadership) that shape how employees work and grow. These include:
- Passion for High Performance: Taking responsibility and using data to drive decisions.
- Personal Mastery: Continuously building resilience and setting high standards.
- Consumer Love: Always seeking ways to better serve customers.
- Purpose and Service: Leading with humility and focusing on helping others.
- Agility: Embracing learning and adapting to new challenges.
Applicants will be part of a workplace that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion. Unilever actively encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, promoting a culture where everyone can bring their whole selves to work.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply via the Unilever online portal, attaching a detailed CV and supporting documents such as an ID and relevant qualifications. Unilever does not accept email applications or statements of results.
With the application deadline set for June 2, 2025, this is a limited-time opportunity to join a globally recognized company that values purpose-driven work and professional growth.
The Packaging Warehouse and Raw Material Inspection Internship at Unilever offers a valuable entry point into the supply chain and quality assurance sector within a multinational company. It is a unique chance for recent graduates or students in related fields to gain practical experience, develop industry-relevant skills, and build a strong foundation for a future career.
By working closely with experienced professionals, contributing to quality control processes, and supporting supplier and internal audits, interns will learn the importance of quality and compliance in delivering products that consumers trust every day.
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