Nickolas Ernst

Nickolas Ernst has extensive experience in manufacturing and operations management, currently serving as the Head of Factory at Unilever since June 2014, where responsibilities include end-to-end accountability for safety, quality, operational performance, and financial goals at a facility generating $1 billion in annual revenue. Prior roles at Unilever include Plant Manager, Interim Quality Manager, Business Unit & Manufacturing Manager, and Engineering Project Manager, demonstrating expertise in team leadership, process improvement, and project management. Notably, Nickolas has successfully expanded plant capacity, delivered significant waste reductions, and led teams through critical compliance audits. Nickolas holds a Master of Science in Finance and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University.