Reliability Engineering Lead - Hellmann's Mayo Factory

Earlier this year (March 2026), Unilever announced an agreement to separate our Foods business. Our Foods business, including brands such as Hellmann's and Knorr, will join forces with McCormick to become a global flavour leader, with leading positions across spices, seasonings, condiments and complementary food categories, supported by a strong retail and foodservice platform. McCormick has 135+ years of heritage, a presence in 150+ countries and territories, and a portfolio of trusted brands. The transaction remains subject to consultation, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions with a targeted deal close of mid-2027.Job PurposeAre you passionate about improving equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and leading continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment? As a Reliability Supervisor, you'll play a highly visible role in ensuring our factory operates safely, efficiently, and at peak performance.In this role, you will lead critical reliability and maintenance processes, use data to solve recurring equipment issues, and partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Safety, Procurement, and external vendors to deliver sustainable improvements. You'll also help develop the site's maintenance capabilities by coaching and supporting key reliability team members.What You'll DoLead Reliability ExcellenceOwn and drive key reliability processes, including preventive maintenance (PM) compliance, asset criticality reviews, bad actor elimination, KPI tracking, and action plan execution.Improve equipment reliability and operational performance by identifying and eliminating recurring failures and chronic losses.Use downtime, OEE, and reliability data to prioritize improvements and implement sustainable solutions.Support troubleshooting efforts by providing technical guidance, securing resources, and escalating issues when necessary.Improve Maintenance Planning & ExecutionPartner with Maintenance Planners, Reliability Specialists, and Operations teams to improve planning quality, schedule adherence, backlog management, and shutdown readiness.Conduct regular audits to ensure work orders contain accurate scope, materials, and execution details.Drive continuous improvement in maintenance systems, reliability processes, and defect elimination programs.Lead Cross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with Operations, Quality, Safety, Engineering, Procurement, vendors, and OEMs to solve complex technical challenges and improve equipment performance.Support safety and quality initiatives by ensuring audits, corrective actions, and compliance activities are completed effectively and on time.Engage external partners and equipment manufacturers to leverage technical expertise and drive reliability improvements.Develop People & CapabilityCoach, support, and develop the Reliability Specialist and Maintenance Planner to strengthen team capability and accountability.Promote clear communication and consistent execution across all maintenance shifts.Foster a culture of ownership, problem solving, collaboration, and continuous improvement.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field.Minimum 4+ years of maintenance, reliability, or maintenance leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.Experience leading maintenance technicians, technical teams, or cross-functional improvement initiatives.Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable improvements.Ability to communicate effectively across functions, leadership levels, and multiple shifts in a 24/7 manufacturing operation.Experience using maintenance and reliability metrics to drive performance improvements.Demonstrated ability to work independently while successfully leading projects and influencing stakeholders.Experience working with a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).Experience supporting industrial controls and automation systems is a plus. Hands-on knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLCs and automation platforms is a plus.What Makes You SuccessfulBias for Action – You move quickly to solve problems and drive results.Technical Curiosity – You enjoy troubleshooting equipment and improving system performance.Data-Driven Decision Making – You use facts and metrics to identify opportunities and prioritize work.People Leadership – You coach, develop, and empower others to succeed.Accountability – You take ownership of outcomes and follow through on commitments.Continuous Improvement Mindset – You constantly seek ways to eliminate losses, improve reliability, and strengthen maintenance systems.Impact You'll HaveIn this role, you'll directly influence equipment reliability, manufacturing performance, and maintenance excellence. Your work will reduce downtime, improve asset health, strengthen planning and execution processes, and help create a safer, more productive factory environment.Pay: The pay range for this position is $88,600 to $133,000. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs. Bonus: This position is bonus eligible. Long-Term Incentive (LTI): This position is LTI eligible. Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. ------------------------------------At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities.For more information on your federal rights, please see Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is IllegalEmployment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background check, credit check and DMV check.If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application statuses. The Protected Veterans or Individuals with Disabilities AAP narratives are available for inspection by any employee or applicant for employment Monday through Friday during normal business hours at establishment.SummaryLocation: Chicago, ILType: Full time