Automation & Engineering Lead

Level:                                                 Senior level

Location:                                           Nairobi

Industry:                                            FMCG Manufacturing

Nationality:                                       Kenyan

Age Group:                                        35 & above

Salary:                                                Competitive

Job role

On behalf of our client, a leading FMCG manufacturer, we are seeking an experienced Automation & Engineering Lead

This role provides strategic and operational leadership for the engineering function across the Beverages, PET, and Noodles production divisions. The successful candidate will be responsible for maximizing asset performance, reliability, and technical efficiency through advanced maintenance strategies, automation optimization, and continuous improvement frameworks.

By spearheading engineering innovations and minimizing operational downtime, the incumbent will play a critical role in driving productivity and enhancing cost-efficiency across all manufacturing lines.

Academic & Professional Requirements

·        Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Electronic, Instrumentation, or Automation Engineering.

Experience

·        8–12 years of relevant experience, preferably within FMCG or beverage bottling.

·        Extensive hands-on experience with Krones bottling lines and automation systems.

·        Proven expertise in predictive maintenance and reliability engineering.

Technical Skills

·        Advanced expertise in automation, instrumentation, and control systems.

·        Strong hands-on experience with Krones bottling lines, with a specific preference for the Krones Combi Block Model C3.

·        Advanced technical knowledge in electrical and electronic systems and troubleshooting.

·        Proven experience in implementing predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance programs.

·        Expertise in improving plant performance by reducing Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and increasing Mean Time between Failures (MTBF).

·        Proficiency in conducting breakdown analysis and implementing corrective action plans to prevent recurrence.

·        Skills in managing engineering projects, including plant expansions, equipment upgrades, and new line installations.

·        Experience with Kaizen, digitalization, and continuous process optimization.

·        Ability to manage periodic automation program backups and maintain accurate technical documentation.

·        Technical capability in managing engineering spares inventory and evaluating technical support services.

Responsibilities & Requirements

1.      Engineering Leadership & Reliability

·        Provide overall accountability for the engineering function across multiple production lines.

·        Oversee maintenance operations to ensure high equipment reliability and plant availability.

·        Implement best practices in preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs.

2.      Automation & Technical Expertise

·        Offer advanced technical expertise in electrical, electronic, and automation systems.

·        Specialize in Krones bottling lines, specifically the Krones Combi Block Model C3.

·        Diagnose and resolve complex automation and instrumentation faults.

·        Manage periodic automation program backups and maintain technical documentation.

3.      Operational Performance

• Support manufacturing to achieve production efficiency above 85% and keep wastage below 1%.
• Reduce Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and increase Mean Time between Failures (MTBF).
• Identify bottlenecks and recommend engineering solutions to improve throughput.

4.      Continuous Improvement & Analysis

• Conduct Breakdown and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for equipment failures.
• Develop corrective and preventive action plans to mitigate technical recurrences.
• Drive initiatives including Kaizen, digitalization, and process optimization.

5.      Project & Vendor Management

• Lead engineering support for plant expansions, upgrades, and new line installations.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and technical specifications.
• Oversee spares inventory management and maintain relationships with technical vendors.

Benefits:                                            As per the company policy

Joining:                                             Immediate