Andile Xulu
Sebenza
Summary
Driven and detail-oriented Electrical Engineering graduate with hands-on experience in automation, and supply chain management, currently serving a dual role as a Project Engineer and Instrumentation & Control Engineer through Unilever's Future Leaders Program, with a strong focus in automation initiatives in the Home Care plant. Skilled in end-to-end supply chain planning, strategic sourcing, project execution, and control systems. Actively pursuing an honors degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Johannesburg to deepen technical expertise. Recognized for reliability, commitment, and a foundation in engineering principles, with a proven track record of delivering impactful, value-driven projects.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
4042
4042
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Engineer – CAPEX & Manufacturing Automatio
Unilever South Africa
Johannesburg
02.2025 - Current
- Lead the delivery of capital engineering projects across automation, utilities, and packaging systems within a high-volume FMCG manufacturing environment, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget while improving equipment reliability and operational performance.
- Secured approval and lead execution of a €1M (≈R28M) CAPEX programme to modernise 12 Bosch SVE3600WR filling machines, delivering a 1-year manufacturing automation upgrade focused on improving equipment reliability, maintainability, and operational efficiency.
- Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, production, procurement, quality, and external OEM suppliers to ensure alignment of project scope, timelines, and operational readiness.
- Develop and manage Capital Expenditure Proposals including technical scope definition, financial justification, lifecycle cost evaluation, and risk mitigation strategies to support investment decisions.
- Drive improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) through automation modernisation, control system upgrades, and mechanical reliability improvements on critical packaging assets.
- Develop and manage project schedules, milestone plans, and capital budgets, ensuring projects are delivered on time, in full, and within approved capital expenditure limits.
- Direct contractor teams and OEM engineers during installation and commissioning activities while ensuring strict adherence to SHEQ, machinery safety, and statutory engineering standards.
- Lead equipment installation, commissioning, and vertical start-up, validating asset performance and ensuring successful integration into plant operations.
- Establish and monitor equipment performance KPIs (including OEE and reliability) with production and maintenance teams to ensure assets achieve expected operational performance.
- Maintain structured project governance and financial control, including WBS tracking, budget forecasting, and documentation management through enterprise systems and SharePoint.
- Support plant reliability by conducting automation and control system troubleshooting across PLC, instrumentation, and industrial network infrastructure.
Innovation & Sourcing Planner
Unilever South Africa
02.2024 - 02.2025
- Coordinated cross-functional innovation projects within the Home Care portfolio, supporting delivery of new products from concept through supply chain readiness.
- Managed planning activities for innovation launches valued at over €20M, ensuring On-Time-In-Full delivery and maintaining innovation delays below 10% of target.
- Collaborated with R&D, procurement, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to support commercialization of new product innovations.
- Supported cost optimization initiatives that delivered more than €2.8M in sourcing and supply chain savings.
- Contributed to manufacturing productivity improvement programs including OEE benchmarking and complexity reduction initiatives.
- Supported innovation governance processes including project tracking, reporting, and risk mitigation within the innovation pipeline.
Automation Graduate Trainee
Rockwell Automation (Allen Bradley)
11.2023 - 02.2024
- Underwent training in Allen Bradley control systems, including ControlLogix, Studio5000, and FactoryTalk platforms
- Supported network and control equipment installation during major upgrades
- Assisted in commissioning of PLCs, SCADA systems, and network modules during a motor control centre upgrade at Impala Platinum Mine.
- Collaborated with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure safe and timely project delivery in a high-risk industrial environment
Education
Honors in Bachelor of Engineering Technology - Electrical Engineering
University of Johannesburg
01.2026 - 03.2026
Bachelor of Engineering Technology - Electrical Engineering
University of Johannesburg
National Senior Certificate (Matric) -
Khombindlela High
Skills
Project & Operational Management
- Capital Project Development & Delivery
- Project Planning & Scheduling
- Stakeholder & Cross-Function Team Leadership
- Risk Management & Project Governance
- Contractor & Supplier Management
- Post-Implementation Performance Review
Manufacturing & Automation
- PLC Systems (Siemens & Allen Bradley)
- Industrial Networks (Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP)
- Instrumentation & Process Control
- SCADA & HMI Systems
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
Certification
- Siemens TIA-SERV1, Siemens
- Siemens TIA-SERV2, Siemens
- Digital Transformation in Supply Chains, LinkedIn
- Data-Driven Decision-Making for Business Professionals, LinkedIn
- Artificial Intelligence in the 4IR, University of Johannesburg
Languages
Zulu
First Language
English
Proficient
C2
Xhosa
Intermediate
B1
Project Portfolio Experience
Compressed Air System Replacement – Unilever Boksburg
• Led feasibility and business case development for replacement of aging compressor infrastructure.
• Managed supplier engagement, technical evaluation, and capital investment proposal.
Bosch SVE3600WR Filling Unit Upgrade Programme
• Managing phased upgrade of multiple packaging machines including controls modernization and mechanical overhaul.
• Coordinating OEM supplier engineering support and installation planning.
References
Available on Request.
Timeline
Honors in Bachelor of Engineering Technology - Electrical Engineering
University of Johannesburg
01.2026 - 03.2026
Project Engineer – CAPEX & Manufacturing Automatio
Unilever South Africa
02.2025 - Current
Innovation & Sourcing Planner
Unilever South Africa
02.2024 - 02.2025
Automation Graduate Trainee
Rockwell Automation (Allen Bradley)
11.2023 - 02.2024
Bachelor of Engineering Technology - Electrical Engineering
University of Johannesburg
National Senior Certificate (Matric) -
Khombindlela High