Production Manager
Job summary
The Production Manager will take full operational ownership of factory floor production during facility commissioning and full-scale commercial operations. This role ensures maximum yield, cost efficiency, daily output, and continuous adherence to international food safety and quality standards.
Job descriptions & requirements
- Production Planning & Execution
Lead daily factory operations, shift scheduling, machine utilization, and frontline workforce deployment to meet daily production targets (targeting ~2 tonnes finished product per day).
- Monitor and optimize key performance indicators (KPIs), including yield/recovery rates, WIP tracking, downtime reduction, waste minimization, and production cost per kilogram.
- Establish structured daily shift handovers and submit disciplined operational reports to executive leadership.
- Quality, Food Safety & Compliance
- Enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP standards, sanitation, traceability, and foreign-matter/segregation controls across all processing lines.
- Collaborate closely with Quality Assurance to prepare the plant for upcoming BRCGS certification within three months of operational launch.
- Team Leadership & Operational Management
- Directly manage the Assistant Production Manager, Production Supervisors, Line Leaders, Machine/Dryer Operators, Maintenance team, Packing Teams, and seasonal casual labor.
- Foster a culture of discipline, accountability, safe work practices, and high productivity on the factory floor.
- Coordinate cross-functionally with Sourcing, Warehouse/Stores, Maintenance, HR, and Finance teams to ensure seamless factory operations.
Key Requirements & Qualifications
1. Degree or Diploma in Food Science/Technology, Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
2. Minimum 5 years of progressive production experience within food or agro-processing manufacturing, including at least 3 years directly managing shifts and frontline teams. Hands-on experience in dried fruit, fresh-produce packhouses, juice/pulp, canning, dairy, beverages, or snacks is required.
3. Strong practical knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and foreign-matter controls within BRCGS, FSSC 22000, or ISO 22000 operating environments.
4. Demonstrable track record of managing yield, waste, equipment utilization, and labor productivity using structured daily KPI data.
5. Business fluency in spoken and written English and Kiswahili.
6. Must reside within or be willing to relocate to Thika, with full availability for shift-based schedules, weekend coverage, and extended hours during peak mango season and plant commissioning.
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