Production Manager
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The role fosters a lean, hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset driven by ownership, data-backed execution, transparency, and high performance. 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.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
Production Planning & Execution
- Lead daily factory operations, shift scheduling, machine utilization, and frontline workforce deployment to meet daily production targets.
- Monitor and optimize key performance indicators (KPIs), including yield or 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 or 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 or 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 or Stores, Maintenance, HR, and Finance teams to ensure seamless factory operations.
Key Requirements & Qualifications
- Degree or Diploma in Food Science or Technology, Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 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 or pulp, canning, dairy, beverages, or snacks is required.
- Strong practical knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and foreign-matter controls within BRCGS, FSSC 22000, or ISO 22000 operating environments.
- Demonstrable track record of managing yield, waste, equipment utilization, and labor productivity using structured daily KPI data.
- Business fluency in spoken and written English and Kiswahili.
- 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.