Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Mechanical Technician
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Salary: KES 50,000 – KES 80,000 Monthly (Estimated based on market research from reputable sources: Glassdoor and PayScale for mechanical technicians in Nairobi’s FMCG manufacturing sector)
• Category/Department: Supply Chain
• Reporting To: HPC Factory Engineer
• Application Deadline: Not specified (apply as soon as possible)

Introduction

A strategic mechanical technician opportunity is now available at Unilever in Nairobi, Kenya, for a passionate and detail-oriented professional driven to innovate systems that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and product quality. Posted on 07 September 2025, this full-time role in the Supply Chain function reports to the HPC Factory Engineer and focuses on preventative maintenance and focused improvement to optimize factory equipment performance. As a mechanical technician, you will diagnose faults, recommend design improvements, and contribute to a safe, high-performing work environment, aligning with Unilever’s mission to make sustainable living commonplace. This position is ideal for individuals with a diploma in Mechanical Engineering and at least one year of experience, offering a chance to work with purpose in a global company that impacts 3.4 billion lives daily.

About Unilever

Unilever is a global powerhouse serving 3.4 billion people across over 190 countries with beloved brands that improve lives and communities. Driven by the purpose of making sustainable living commonplace, Unilever believes ethical business practices lead to superior performance. At its core, the company invests in its people, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and flexible environment where careers are unique journeys shaped by individual tools and aspirations. Unilever’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity empowers employees to bring their whole selves to work, creating a better business and world. For a mechanical technician, Unilever provides a dynamic platform to apply technical expertise in manufacturing, contributing to innovative systems that drive efficiency and sustainability in Nairobi’s vibrant operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply technical skills and expertise to provide effective engineering support, focusing on performance targets that improve safety, quality, sustainability, and cost in the mechanical technician role.
• Implement planned and preventive maintenance with rigor to ensure optimal equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Demonstrate knowledge of tools and their application, reading and interpreting mechanical drawings and manuals to understand and diagnose basic and complex equipment.
• Execute maintenance safely, adhering to Unilever Machinery Safety standards through proper upkeep and continuous improvement.
• Utilize all appropriate safety and environmental procedures for people, processes, materials, products, and equipment to maintain a safe working environment for the team.
• Identify workplace hazards and manage risks effectively to protect team members and operations.
• Reduce costs due to waste and minimize environmental impact by eliminating waste and managing hazardous materials correctly.
• Ensure all quality aspects in the area of responsibility comply with local Quality procedures to protect and promote Unilever’s brands and products.
• Promote team development through strong communication, leading by example, and focusing on goals to achieve superior performance.
• Use performance measures to identify and prioritize production losses, applying Cost Deployment and Zero Loss concepts to eliminate them.
• Understand the key principles of the Unilever Manufacturing System (UMS) and its impact on Key Performance Indicators in production areas.
• Identify, prioritize, and address problems using appropriate tools and techniques to eliminate recurrence in the mechanical technician role.
• Make and implement technical decisions that impact weekly plans, balancing short-term needs with long-term strategy.
• Demonstrate business awareness by understanding changing demands and the role of marketing and product innovation in business growth.
• Contribute to focused improvement initiatives by recommending design enhancements for equipment to boost efficiency and reliability.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot faults during breakdowns, acting swiftly to restore operations while documenting root causes.
• Set maintenance strategies for production areas, collaborating with teams to align with overall factory objectives.
• Coach and mentor Technical Operators on mechanical engineering and UMS techniques to build team capabilities.
• Maintain a mentally agile approach as an advanced problem solver, protecting product quality and reducing environmental impact.
• Act as a positive contributor to the factory’s work environment and culture, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Monitor equipment performance metrics, using data to drive proactive maintenance and loss elimination.
• Participate in cross-functional projects to integrate mechanical solutions with broader manufacturing goals.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols during all maintenance activities to safeguard team and operations.
• Document maintenance activities, including preventive schedules and corrective actions, for audit and review purposes.
• Support sustainability efforts by optimizing energy use and waste reduction in mechanical processes.
• Collaborate with production teams to minimize disruptions during maintenance interventions.
• Train junior technicians on safe execution of mechanical tasks and diagnostic techniques.
• Analyze failure modes to recommend preventive measures and design modifications.
• Contribute to weekly planning by providing technical input on resource needs and timelines.
• Promote a culture of agility, exploring new methods to enhance mechanical reliability and performance.
• Engage in personal mastery by setting high standards and building resilience for consistent high performance.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Minimum diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical course, essential for the mechanical technician role.
• Experience: At least 1 year in a similar role, with proven advanced maintenance experience in manufacturing, preferably FMCG.
• Team Experience: Background working as part of an extended team in the manufacturing sector, including project or maintenance teams.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in mechanical diagnostics, tool application, and interpreting drawings and manuals.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Advanced ability to identify, prioritize, and resolve issues using structured techniques to prevent recurrence.
• Digital Awareness: Strong skills in digital tools for data analysis, maintenance tracking, and automation.
• Coaching and Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to mentor operators and lead by example.
• Analytical Skills: Proven capacity to analyze performance data and drive continuous improvement.
• Leadership Behaviors: Passion for high performance, personal mastery, consumer love, purpose & service, and agility as per Unilever’s Standards of Leadership.
• Safety Knowledge: Full understanding of workplace hazards, risk management, and Unilever Machinery Safety standards.
• Environmental Awareness: Commitment to reducing waste and minimizing health, safety, and environmental impacts.
• Quality Focus: Adherence to local Quality procedures to protect brand integrity.
• Business Acumen: Awareness of market demands, marketing, and product innovation’s role in growth.
• Decision-Making: Ability to make technical decisions impacting weekly plans.
• Collaborative Mindset: Energized by results, resilient, and focused on better ways of working.
• Preferred Skills: Experience in FMCG manufacturing and familiarity with UMS principles.
• Personal Attributes: Humble, data-smart, and service-oriented leadership style.
• Diversity Commitment: Embrace equity, inclusion, and bringing one’s whole self to work.

Company Culture and Values

Unilever fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and flexible work environment where every individual’s journey is unique, grounded in purpose-driven performance. The company believes diverse workforces match growth ambitions and drive inclusion, giving full consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. Unilever’s culture emphasizes equity, with support for access requirements during recruitment. Employees are empowered to shape their futures, focusing on sustainable living and superior ethical performance. For a mechanical technician, this means a supportive setting to innovate, mentor teams, and contribute to a better world, with leadership behaviors like passion for high performance, personal mastery, consumer love, purpose & service, and agility guiding daily interactions.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Mechanical Technician position. Submit your application via the official careers portal:

• A detailed CV highlighting your education, experience, and relevant skills.
• A cover letter explaining your interest in the mechanical technician role and how your qualifications align with Unilever’s purpose.
  Apply through the official portal: Submit Application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Unilever is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all walks of life. If you require support or access requirements, advise during application. Unilever does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process.

Additional Engagement

View More Job Opportunities
Explore more vacancies at JobKenya.org: Browse verified jobs.

Free WhatsApp Channel for Job Seekers
Get real-time alerts from our WhatsApp Channel for Job Updates: Join now.

Connect with Us
Follow our updates on Twitter: Kenyan Job Finder.
Join our professional network on LinkedIn: The Kenyan Job Finder.

Tags

mechanical technician, Nairobi jobs, manufacturing jobs Kenya, FMCG careers 2025, engineering roles

Extended Content for Depth and Context

The mechanical technician role at Unilever is a pivotal position in the Supply Chain function, focused on preventative maintenance and focused improvement to ensure factory equipment operates at peak efficiency. Posted on 07 September 2025 in Nairobi, this full-time opportunity reports to the HPC Factory Engineer and involves diagnosing faults, recommending design enhancements, and mentoring Technical Operators on mechanical engineering and Unilever Manufacturing System (UMS) techniques. As a mechanical technician, you will optimize equipment reliability, reduce waste, and contribute to a safe, sustainable work environment, aligning with Unilever’s global purpose of making sustainable living commonplace. This role is ideal for diploma holders with one year of experience in FMCG manufacturing, offering a chance to thrive in an inclusive, purpose-driven organization that impacts billions daily.

Why Choose This Mechanical Technician Role?

The mechanical technician position at Unilever offers a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership in a global FMCG leader. With a focus on innovation for efficiency and sustainability, you’ll apply skills to real-world challenges, from troubleshooting breakdowns to implementing preventive maintenance. Unilever’s inclusive culture supports your whole self, providing tools for career growth without a one-size-fits-all approach. For Nairobi professionals, this role at the local market scope means contributing to brands loved worldwide while advancing in a resilient, high-performance environment.

The Role in Manufacturing Maintenance

In FMCG manufacturing, the mechanical technician is essential for maintaining equipment that produces daily essentials. At Unilever, you’ll optimize running and maintenance, diagnosing faults and setting strategies for production areas. This multi-skilled role ensures safety, quality, and minimal environmental impact, using advanced problem-solving to eliminate losses and support UMS principles for superior Key Performance Indicators.

Focused Improvement and Technical Support

As a mechanical technician, focused improvement involves applying expertise to deliver engineering support that meets performance targets. You’ll contribute to safety, quality, sustainability, and cost reductions, using tools like Cost Deployment and Zero Loss concepts to prioritize and eliminate production losses. This proactive approach directly impacts factory efficiency and Unilever’s sustainable goals.

Preventative Maintenance Implementation

Implementing planned and preventive maintenance is core to the mechanical technician role. With rigor and skill, you’ll ensure equipment reliability, scheduling checks to minimize breakdowns and extend asset life. This includes reading drawings, interpreting manuals, and executing tasks safely, adhering to Unilever Machinery Safety standards for optimal performance.

Mechanical Skills and Diagnostics

The mechanical technician must demonstrate knowledge of tools, diagnosing basic and complex equipment issues. You’ll troubleshoot faults during breakdowns, recommending design improvements to enhance reliability. This hands-on expertise protects product quality, reduces waste, and minimizes environmental impact, showcasing mental agility in problem-solving.

Safety and Environmental Procedures

Safety is paramount in the mechanical technician role. You’ll utilize procedures for people, processes, materials, products, and equipment, identifying hazards and managing risks. By reducing waste and handling hazardous materials correctly, you’ll minimize health, safety, and environmental impacts, aligning with Unilever’s sustainable living purpose.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

Ensuring quality compliance is a key duty for the mechanical technician. You’ll follow local Quality procedures to protect Unilever’s brands, maintaining standards that promote product integrity. This vigilance safeguards consumer trust and supports the company’s global reputation for excellence.

Leadership and Team Development

The mechanical technician acts as a coach and mentor to Technical Operators, promoting team development through communication and leading by example. Focused on goals, you’ll foster a high-effective team culture, embodying Unilever’s Standards of Leadership like passion for high performance and personal mastery.

Continuous Improvement and UMS

Using performance measures, the mechanical technician identifies losses and applies UMS principles to eliminate them. Understanding UMS’s impact on KPIs, you’ll drive continuous improvement, making decisions that affect weekly plans and business growth through innovation awareness.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Advanced problem-solving defines the mechanical technician role. You’ll identify issues, prioritize using tools to eliminate recurrence, and make technical decisions impacting operations. This agility ensures resilience, spotting opportunities for better ways of working.

Business Awareness and Consumer Focus

The mechanical technician demonstrates business awareness, understanding market demands and product innovation’s role in growth. With consumer love, you’ll invest in understanding needs, serving through sustainable practices and high standards.

A Day in the Life

A typical day as a mechanical technician starts with reviewing maintenance schedules and conducting preventive checks on equipment. You might diagnose a fault, troubleshoot using manuals, and implement repairs safely. Afternoons involve mentoring operators on UMS techniques or analyzing data for loss elimination. Team meetings foster collaboration, while documenting activities ensures compliance. In Unilever’s Nairobi factory, your work blends technical tasks with leadership, contributing to sustainable production.

Why Nairobi Is Ideal

Nairobi’s dynamic manufacturing hub makes it perfect for the mechanical technician role. As Unilever’s local market scope, the city offers access to FMCG innovation and diverse teams. The inclusive environment supports career journeys, aligning with Kenya’s growing industrial sector.

Preparing for Success

To excel as a mechanical technician, strengthen technical skills through certifications and hands-on practice. Develop problem-solving with case studies and embrace UMS principles via online resources. Hone communication for mentoring and demonstrate agility by staying updated on sustainability trends. Unilever’s leadership behaviors—passion, mastery, consumer love, purpose, and agility—will guide your success.

The Broader Impact

As a mechanical technician, your maintenance ensures Unilever’s products reach billions sustainably, reducing waste and enhancing safety. By optimizing equipment, you support the purpose of commonplace sustainable living, impacting communities and driving superior performance ethically.

Career Growth Opportunities

The mechanical technician role opens doors to senior engineering or maintenance leadership at Unilever. With experience, advance to Factory Engineer or specialist roles. The company’s focus on development and diversity provides training, positioning you for global opportunities in FMCG manufacturing.

Challenges and Solutions

Challenges in the mechanical technician role include equipment breakdowns—mitigate with rigorous preventive maintenance. Balancing decisions? Use data and UMS tools for informed choices. Team mentoring? Lead by example and communicate clearly. These strategies ensure resilience and high performance.

Industry Trends in FMCG Manufacturing

The mechanical technician field evolves with Industry 4.0, automation, and sustainability. Trends like predictive maintenance via IoT and energy-efficient equipment align with Unilever’s goals. Staying informed prepares you for innovative roles in Nairobi’s manufacturing landscape.

Final Thoughts

The mechanical technician role at Unilever is a chance to innovate with purpose, optimizing factory operations in a global leader. With technical expertise and leadership, contribute to sustainable impact. Apply now to shape a better business and world in Nairobi.

Salary Estimate: KES 50,000–80,000 monthly, estimated based on market research from reputable sources Glassdoor and PayScale for mechanical technicians in Nairobi’s FMCG manufacturing sector, reflecting diploma-level qualifications, 1+ year experience, and mid-level responsibilities.