Unilever offers an exciting opportunity to work in one of South Africa’s leading FMCG companies. With competitive salaries, diverse roles, and a chance to contribute to impactful projects and customer-centric solutions, Unilever is an attractive employer for young professionals passionate about sales, marketing, logistics, and customer service.
For individuals seeking entry-level positions , Unilever offers diverse opportunities in areas such as sales, marketing, supply chain, IT, HR, finance, customer service, research and development (R&D), and administration . These roles provide young professionals with hands-on experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and opportunities for career growth within a structured and inclusive work environment.
Popular Entry-Level Roles at Unilever
Entry-level roles at Unilever South Africa are ideal for matriculants, unemployed youth, or individuals with minimal experience seeking to enter the FMCG sector. These positions span production, logistics, administration, and customer service, often including structured programs like learnerships or in-service training to build skills and pave the way for long-term career growth.
Common Entry-Level Roles
- In-Service Trainee (e.g., Chemical Engineering): Practical training for students completing diplomas, supporting production or engineering tasks.
- General Worker: Assisting with packaging, cleaning, or material handling in manufacturing plants or warehouses.
- Administrative Assistant: Managing clerical duties like data entry or scheduling in offices or factories.
- Customer Service Representative: Handling consumer inquiries via call centers or retail support.
- Production Assistant: Supporting manufacturing lines, ensuring quality and efficiency in product assembly.
Salaries for Entry-Level Positions at Unilever
Salaries for entry-level roles at Unilever vary by position, location (e.g., Durban, Boksburg), and employment type (permanent, contract, or trainee). Below are approximate monthly ranges as of 2025, based on industry trends:
- In-Service Trainee: Stipends of ZAR 7,500–ZAR 12,000 (ZAR 90,000–ZAR 144,000 annually). Posts on X suggest around ZAR 10,000 for traineeships.
- General Worker: ZAR 8,000–ZAR 11,000 (ZAR 96,000–ZAR 132,000 annually).
- Administrative Assistant: ZAR 10,000–ZAR 14,000 (ZAR 120,000–ZAR 168,000 annually).
- Customer Service Representative: ZAR 9,000–ZAR 13,000 (ZAR 108,000–ZAR 156,000 annually).
- Production Assistant: ZAR 8,000–ZAR 12,000 (ZAR 96,000–ZAR 144,000 annually).
Benefits: Permanent staff may receive medical aid, pension contributions, and staff discounts on Unilever products. Trainee or contract roles typically offer stipends without additional perks but can lead to permanent positions with enhanced pay. Salaries align with FMCG industry norms, with potential increases post-training or based on performance, reflecting Unilever’s investment in employee development.
Requirements for Entry-Level Jobs at Unilever
Unilever sets accessible requirements to attract diverse candidates, emphasizing potential and alignment with its purpose-driven culture. General criteria include:
- Education:
- Matric/Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) with basic literacy and numeracy for most roles (e.g., General Worker, Production Assistant).
- For In-Service Traineeships: Matric with Maths and Physical Science, plus enrollment in a relevant diploma (e.g., Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, S4 level), as noted in recent X posts for Boksburg positions.
- Experience: None typically required; 0–1 year of related experience (e.g., retail, manual labor) is a plus but not mandatory.
How to Apply for Entry-Level Jobs at Unilever
Applying for Unilever entry-level jobs in South Africa is an online process via their official careers portal, with updates as of 2025. Here’s how to proceed:
- Find Vacancies:
- Visit www.unilever.co.za and navigate to the “Careers” section, or go directly to careers.unilever.com.
- Filter for “South Africa” and “Entry Level” or “Early Careers” positions on the global job search tool at careers.unilever.com.
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