Assistant Manager-Factory

Position summary

The Assistant Factory Manager plays a pivotal role in leading daily factory operations, quality assurance, compliance, and process optimization. Anchored in high-volume CTC Black Tea processing, the successful candidate will also leverage technical expertise in Orthodox Tea processing (including Tencha) to oversee specialty trials, execute precision batch-blending to client specifications, and drive continuous improvement while upholding world-class food safety and sustainability standards.

Key responsibilities

1. Black tea operations and green tea integration

- Direct daily high-volume Black Tea manufacturing workflows—including withering, CTC/Orthodox rolling, continuous fermentation control, fluid-bed drying, sorting, and primary packaging.

- Apply specialized knowledge of Green Tea processing to oversee green leaf de-enzyming (steaming/pan-firing), specialty drying, and handling techniques for Tencha trials and scaling.

- Monitor critical control points (moisture content, fermentation temperature, air flow, and cut quality) to ensure maximum recovery of high-value primary grades.

- Execute controlled batch trials for specialty tencha teas, documenting processing parameters, yield ratios, and sensory profiles.

2. Custom grade blending and quality control

- Formulate and execute precision grade-blending protocols for black teas to match exact international buyer specifications and customer blend target sheets.

- Conduct regular organoleptic evaluations (leaf appearance, liquor color, strength, brightness, infusion, and flavor profile consistency) prior to packing.

- Enforce end-to-end batch traceability from Greenleaf intake through processing, sorting, custom blending, and final containerization.

- Perform root-cause analysis on off-grade batches or non-conforming blends to maintain consistent batch-to-batch product standards.

3. Quality systems, compliance and sustainability

- Enforce food safety management protocols across all production lines in accordance with ISO 22000:2018 standards.

- Maintain full compliance with Rainforest Alliance (RA) certification requirements, environmental regulations, and sustainable agricultural processing practices.

- Lead operational preparation and participate in facility audits conducted by regulatory bodies, including the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) and third-party auditors.

4. Plant maintenance and operational efficiency

- Track factory KPIs including outturn percentages, thermal energy utilization, electrical efficiency, and machinery overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

- Partner with the maintenance engineering team to execute preventative maintenance plans for CTC cuts, continuous fermenters, dryers, and specialized fiber extractor units to minimize downtime.

- Champion Lean manufacturing and 5S workplace organization across all production floors.

5. Team leadership and workforce management

- Supervise, mentor, and direct section supervisors, process clerks, and shop-floor teams across rotational shifts.

- Conduct technical training on process control, hygiene, and safe machinery operation.

- Drive a culture of strict adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards to maintain a zero-incident workplace.

Requirements

Qualifications and key competencies

a. Education:

Bachelor’s degree in food science and technology, Process/Chemical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.

b. Experience:

Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive operational leadership in Black Tea manufacturing (CTC and/or Orthodox), with proven technical knowledge and working experience in Green Tea processing (including Tencha).

c. Technical Certifications:

- Certified Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor in FSSC 22000 (v6) or ISO 22000:2018.

- Demonstrated competence or formal qualification in Rainforest Alliance (RA) standards.

d. Core Technical Expertise:

- Mastery of black tea biochemistry, CTC machinery, Orthodox rolling, and automated fermentation management.

- Direct working knowledge of green tea processing mechanisms (de-enzyming/steaming, roasting, and specialty drying for Tencha).

- Proficiency in physical tea grading, mesh sizing, and recipe-based custom grade blending for export markets.

e. Competencies:

- Strong leadership

- Analytical problem-solving

- Sensory evaluation (tea tasting)

- Excellent communication

- Audit defence capabilities

Benefits
1.Housing
2.Medical
3.Pension
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