Production Manager

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. 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.

• Production Planning & Execution • ​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.