The position involves overseeing key operational processes to ensure efficiency and alignment with organizational goals. Responsibilities include managing cross-functional teams, developing strategic initiatives, and monitoring performance metrics to drive continuous improvement. Qualifications require a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, along with at least five years of progressive experience in a leadership role. Exceptional analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential to excel in this dynamic environment. The role demands adaptability, a results-driven mindset, and the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
As the Value Stream Manager for New Product Development (NPD) and Convenience Foods, you will assume complete accountability for Caswell’s entire value stream, encompassing the Beverage Plant, Ready-to-Eat (RTE) operations, Extrusion and Puffed Snacks, FRK production, and Fried Snack manufacturing.
You will oversee the comprehensive performance of the production line, encompassing flow efficiency, cost management, quality standards, food safety compliance, workforce development, and the rapid adoption and commercialization of new products. Reporting directly to the Head of Manufacturing & Engineering, your role will involve leading a team of supervisors, shift leads, and production operators while functioning as the primary manufacturing execution lead within Caswell’s New Product Development (NPD) Stage-Gate process.
You will establish a robust build function, introducing lean methodologies to a rapidly expanding manufacturing setting, where you will develop and implement essential standards in areas lacking structure. Your role will involve crafting the operational framework necessary for Caswell to consistently introduce new products with efficiency and scalability.
Oversee and execute a range of critical duties to ensure operational excellence, including managing project timelines, coordinating cross-functional teams, and implementing strategic initiatives. Develop and maintain processes to enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency while adhering to organizational policies and industry standards. Monitor performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and drive data-driven decision-making to optimize outcomes. Collaborate with stakeholders to align objectives, resolve challenges, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Additionally, prepare comprehensive reports, conduct risk assessments, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices.
We are seeking a seasoned professional to lead our Value Stream Flow and Lean initiatives, driving operational excellence through continuous improvement methodologies. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in optimizing end-to-end process efficiency, eliminating waste, and fostering a culture of Lean thinking across the organization. Responsibilities include analyzing current workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing data-driven solutions to enhance productivity and quality. Additionally, this role requires strong leadership skills to mentor teams, align cross-functional stakeholders, and sustain long-term improvements. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in Lean principles, Six Sigma, or related methodologies, along with the ability to influence organizational change and measure impact through key performance indicators.
Map, oversee, and enhance the entire material and information flow within the convenience foods value stream, transitioning from the current state to the future state while ensuring continuous improvement.
Employ the following lean methodologies to methodically eradicate waste within the value stream: take time optimization to align production pace with customer demand, standardized work procedures to ensure consistency, visual management systems to enhance transparency, 5S workplace organization for efficiency, Kaiden continuous improvement initiatives for incremental advancements, and pull systems to synchronize workflow with actual consumption.
Oversee tier management routines on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, fostering structured accountability across all levels of the stream.
Own the stream’s capacity model and the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (ONE) program, analyzing key loss contributors to drive targeted improvement initiatives. Lead focused improvement activities to enhance efficiency, productivity, and operational performance within the production environment.
We are seeking a skilled professional to lead the commercialization and scale-up initiatives for our new product development (NPD) projects. This role will oversee the transition from prototype to mass production, ensuring operational efficiency, cost optimization, and adherence to quality standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in manufacturing, supply chain management, and cross-functional team leadership. Responsibilities include managing pilot production runs, coordinating with engineering and operations teams, and implementing scalable processes to support market launch timelines. A strong understanding of regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and continuous improvement methodologies is essential. Additionally, the candidate must possess excellent problem-solving abilities and the capacity to drive innovation while maintaining strict budget and timeline constraints.
As the manufacturing lead within Caswell’s New Product Development Stage-Gate framework, oversee the entire process—spanning feasibility evaluation, line trials, process validation, and final commercial launch authorization.
Drive the transition from validated pilot to full-scale commercial production, defining manufacturing benchmarks, standard operating procedures, system protocols, yield objectives, and critical quality control checkpoints for each new product launch.
Maintain a New Product Development pipeline tracker and serve as the manufacturing readiness representative at each Stage-Gate review.
Demonstrates strong technical expertise and provides leadership in process optimization, guiding teams toward enhanced efficiency and innovation. Drives the development and implementation of best practices, ensuring alignment with organizational goals while fostering collaboration across departments.
Deliver comprehensive technical leadership spanning extrusion processing, the production of puffed snacks, seasoning and flavoring systems, frying technologies, beverage processing, and ready-to-eat food manufacturing.
Optimize process parameters across all production lines to enhance product quality, increase throughput and yield, and reduce costs—while collaborating closely with Engineering and Maintenance teams to bolster equipment reliability and ensure adherence to planned maintenance schedules.
The position requires a strong focus on enhancing and maintaining operational performance, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and continuous improvement across all processes. Key responsibilities include monitoring performance metrics, identifying areas for optimization, and implementing corrective actions to meet organizational goals. The ideal candidate will possess analytical skills to assess operational data, problem-solving abilities to address inefficiencies, and leadership qualities to drive change. Proficiency in performance tracking tools and methodologies is essential, along with experience in process improvement initiatives. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is necessary to align operational strategies with broader business objectives.
To establish and meet performance benchmarks in safety, quality, output, ONE, waste reduction, labor productivity, and manufacturing cost efficiency for all facilities within the operational stream.
Apply structured problem-solving methodologies, such as 8D, 5-Why, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA), across all organizational levels to systematically address production losses and quality deviations, ensuring permanent resolutions.
Food safety and quality specialists are tasked with ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, conducting inspections, and implementing measures to maintain high product quality throughout the production process. They evaluate manufacturing procedures, identify potential hazards, and recommend corrective actions to mitigate risks. Additionally, they oversee sanitation protocols, train staff on best practices, and document findings to support continuous improvement initiatives. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of food safety regulations are essential for success in this role.
Demonstrate leadership in food safety throughout the entire value stream by overseeing critical programs such as HACCP, GMP, allergen management, traceability, and food defense. Ensure compliance and implementation across both existing operations and new product trials.
Develop frameworks that attain globally acknowledged food safety accreditations, including FSSC 22000, BRC, KEYS, or other comparable standards.
We seek a meticulous Cost & Margin Specialist to oversee financial analysis and ensure pricing strategies align with profitability goals. The ideal candidate will evaluate cost structures, monitor margin performance, and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements. Responsibilities include conducting detailed cost audits, analyzing market trends to optimize pricing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement data-driven recommendations. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial modeling, and experience with cost accounting are essential. Additionally, the role demands a keen eye for detail to accurately assess financial impacts and drive strategic decision-making.
You will assume full accountability for manufacturing cost management, encompassing raw materials, utilities, labor, packaging, and waste, with a strong emphasis on optimizing cost-to-manufacture for newly developed products.
Implement and oversee initiatives focused on yield enhancement and waste reduction, delivering measurable and lasting improvements to manufacturing margins.
Seeking a dynamic People & Capability professional to lead organizational talent strategies, enhance workforce performance, and drive capability development initiatives. This role will oversee employee engagement, performance management frameworks, and learning and development programs to ensure a high-performing culture. Responsibilities include designing and implementing talent acquisition strategies, fostering leadership development, and optimizing workforce planning to align with business objectives. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, a proven track record in HR strategy, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. A deep understanding of employment legislation, employee relations, and change management is essential.
Foster the growth and performance of a top-tier team comprising supervisors, shift leads, and operators by establishing clear accountability measures and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
With a minimum of eight to twelve years of progressive experience in food manufacturing, including at least four years in a senior leadership capacity within a value stream, plant, or operations environment.
With a proven track record in implementing Value Stream Management or lean manufacturing methodologies within food or FMCG operations, expertise encompasses value stream mapping, take time optimization, and systematic waste reduction initiatives.
A demonstrated proficiency in technical processes related to snacks, extrusion, convenience foods, ready-to-eat (RTE) products, or similar food categories is required and non-negotiable.
Proven expertise in guiding New Product Development (NPD) initiatives through commercialization, encompassing line trials, process validation, yield optimization, and seamless scale-up to full-scale production.
Food safety certification is essential, with HACCP serving as the minimum requirement; however, FSSC 22000 or BRC certification is highly preferred.
Candidates possessing Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt certification will be viewed favorably.
Demonstrates a proven ability to effectively manage costs, delivering tangible improvements in manufacturing expenses and profit margins.
A bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or Industrial Engineering is a mandatory qualification.
WHY CONSIDER EMBRACING AN OPPORTUNITY WITH CASWELL INDUSTRIES LTD. Is an invitation to join a dynamic organization committed to excellence in manufacturing and innovation. As a valued team member, you will have the chance to contribute to projects that drive industry standards forward while benefiting from a supportive work environment and competitive compensation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background, relevant industry experience, and a dedication to quality and continuous improvement. Responsibilities may include overseeing production processes, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and optimizing operational efficiency to meet organizational goals. If you thrive in a fast-paced setting and are eager to make a meaningful impact in a forward-thinking company, this role offers a rewarding career path with ample opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
At Caswell, we are committed to cultivating brands and operational frameworks that sustain families and communities. As a proudly Kenyan fast-moving consumer goods enterprise with a rich heritage and ambitious expansion goals, we provide a vibrant workplace where skilled professionals can drive meaningful change. Joining Caswell means:
Assuming senior leadership responsibility for an entire value stream—with full authority, a dedicated team, and allocated resources—to develop it to world-class excellence.
As a member of a leading food organization renowned for its consumer confidence and a well-established lineup of household brands, you will have the opportunity to contribute to an industry leader committed to excellence and innovation.
At the nexus of lean manufacturing, food technology, and the commercialization of new product development, this role represents a distinctive opportunity in the Kenyan market.
You will thrive in a dynamic, results-oriented setting where your choices yield immediate and significant commercial outcomes.
Crucial involvement in advancing and scaling products that reach millions of households across Kenya.
At this pivotal juncture in the company’s trajectory, you will step into a role where the operational frameworks you establish today will define the organization’s growth trajectory for the next ten years.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 12 years
