THE ROLE
As Value Stream Manager for New Product Development (NPD) and Convenience Foods, you will assume full accountability for Caswell’s end-to-end value stream, encompassing operations across the Beverage Plant, Ready-to-Eat (RTE) production, Extrusion and Puffed Snacks, FRK production, and Fried Snack manufacturing.
You will oversee the comprehensive performance of the production line, ensuring optimal flow, cost efficiency, quality standards, food safety compliance, workforce capability, and the agility to integrate and commercialize new products rapidly. Reporting directly to the Head of Manufacturing & Engineering, you will manage a team of supervisors, shift leads, and production operators while serving as the key manufacturing execution lead within Caswell’s NPD Stage-Gate framework.
This position involves establishing robust build processes. You will introduce disciplined, efficient practices to a rapidly expanding manufacturing setting, formalize procedures where none currently exist, and lay the groundwork necessary for Caswell to consistently and efficiently introduce new products at scale.
Oversee and execute a wide range of critical tasks essential to the role, including managing daily operations, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall performance while maintaining rigorous compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Collaborate closely with senior leadership to analyze data, identify trends, and propose data-driven solutions that drive continuous improvement. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence by mentoring staff, delegating responsibilities, and providing constructive feedback. Additionally, oversee budgetary planning, financial forecasting, and resource allocation to optimize operational effectiveness and support sustainable growth.
We are seeking a dynamic leader to drive value stream optimization and champion Lean methodologies across our organization. This role requires an individual who excels in process improvement, fosters a culture of continuous enhancement, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to eliminate waste and maximize efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a proven track record in Lean transformation, and the ability to mentor teams in Lean principles and practices. Responsibilities include leading value stream mapping, implementing Lean tools, and ensuring sustainable improvements that align with strategic business objectives.
Map, oversee, and enhance the entire journey of materials and information within the convenience foods value stream, transitioning from the existing state to an optimized future state.
Implement lean methodologies to methodically eliminate waste throughout the process flow, employing essential tools such as take time management, standardized work procedures, visual controls, 5S workplace organization, Kaiden continuous improvement initiatives, and pull-based production systems.
Drive the execution of tier management routines on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, establishing clear accountability frameworks that permeate every layer of the operational stream.
Own the development and execution of the stream’s capacity model and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (ONE) program, pinpointing key loss drivers and spearheading targeted improvement initiatives.
We are seeking a seasoned professional to oversee the commercialization and scale-up initiatives for our New Product Development (NPD) pipeline. This role requires extensive expertise in transitioning innovative concepts from the development phase into full-scale production, ensuring seamless integration with manufacturing processes, and aligning with broader business objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in managing cross-functional teams, optimizing production workflows, and driving cost-effective solutions to meet market demands. Responsibilities include overseeing pilot production phases, refining manufacturing protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards. Additionally, the position demands strong analytical skills to evaluate scalability challenges and implement strategic improvements to enhance efficiency and profitability.
As the manufacturing lead within Caswell’s New Product Development (NPD) Stage-Gate process, you will oversee the entire product development journey—beginning with feasibility evaluations, progressing through line trials, and culminating in process validation and final commercial launch approval.
Oversee the entire transition process from pilot validation to full-scale commercial manufacturing, defining critical manufacturing benchmarks, standard operating procedures, yield objectives, and quality assurance checkpoints for each new product.
Maintain an NPD pipeline tracker and ensure manufacturing readiness is assessed at each Stage-Gate review.
Provides strategic direction and oversight for technical processes and initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry best practices. Drives innovation and continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for efficiency gains and process optimization. Leads cross-functional teams to implement and refine technical standards, methodologies, and workflows. Collaborates with stakeholders to assess technical risks, mitigate challenges, and deliver scalable solutions that enhance performance and productivity. Monitors industry trends and technological advancements to guide long-term planning and adaptation.
Deliver comprehensive technical leadership spanning extrusion processing, the production of puffed snacks, seasoning and flavoring systems, frying technologies, beverage processing, and ready-to-eat (RTE) food manufacturing.
Optimize process parameters across all production lines, enhancing product quality, throughput, yield, and cost efficiency while collaborating closely with Engineering and Maintenance teams to bolster equipment reliability and ensure adherence to planned maintenance schedules.
We are seeking a dynamic professional to oversee and enhance our operational performance, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and continuous improvement across all processes. The ideal candidate will analyze key performance indicators, identify trends, and implement strategic initiatives to optimize productivity and reduce operational costs. They will collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, enforce compliance with industry standards, and drive data-driven decision-making. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in performance metrics, and experience with operational excellence frameworks are essential. Additionally, the role requires excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities to foster a culture of accountability and innovation within the organization.
Establish and execute performance benchmarks encompassing safety, quality, output, ONE, waste reduction, labor productivity, and manufacturing cost efficiency for all facilities within the designated operational stream.
Deliver structured problem-solving methodologies—such as 8D, 5-Why, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA)—across all organizational levels, identifying the underlying causes of production losses and quality deviations to implement lasting solutions.
Ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and maintaining high-quality standards are critical responsibilities within this role. The position demands vigilant monitoring of food handling processes, thorough documentation of safety protocols, and rigorous adherence to hygiene practices. Candidates must possess a deep understanding of food safety principles, relevant certifications, and prior experience in quality assurance within the food industry. Additionally, the role requires strong analytical skills to identify potential risks, implement corrective actions, and ensure continuous improvement in safety and quality measures. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including production and regulatory affairs, is essential to uphold stringent standards and mitigate compliance risks.
Provide expert food safety leadership throughout the value stream, encompassing HACCP, GMP, allergen management, traceability, and food defense—extending your expertise to both existing operations and new product trials.
Develop infrastructure and processes that ensure compliance with globally recognized food safety standards, including FSSC 22000, BRC, KEYS, or comparable certifications.
Responsible for analyzing and optimizing cost structures as well as monitoring profit margins to ensure financial efficiency. Tracks expenditures, identifies cost-saving opportunities, and evaluates pricing strategies to enhance profitability. Collaborates with procurement and finance teams to negotiate vendor contracts and manage budget allocations. Prepares detailed cost reports and financial forecasts to support strategic decision-making. Ensures adherence to budgetary constraints while maintaining high-quality product standards and service delivery.
Accountable for the complete manufacturing cost management, encompassing raw materials, utilities, labor, packaging, and waste, with heightened focus on cost-to-manufacture for new products.
Lead initiatives to enhance yield and eliminate waste, ensuring sustained, quantifiable improvements to manufacturing margins.
We are seeking a dynamic People & Capability professional to drive organizational growth through strategic talent management and capability development. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in designing and implementing innovative learning and development programs, alongside expertise in workforce planning, performance management, and employee engagement strategies. Key responsibilities include fostering a high-performance culture, enhancing leadership pipelines, and ensuring alignment between individual aspirations and organizational goals. A minimum of five years in human resources or related fields, coupled with strong interpersonal and communication skills, is essential. Proficiency in HR analytics, change management, and digital transformation initiatives is highly desirable.
Spearhead the formation, growth, and optimization of a top-tier team comprising supervisors, shift leads, and operators, establishing robust accountability structures and cultivating an enduring 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, you will bring a wealth of expertise to this role.
Professional experience in leveraging Value Stream Management or lean manufacturing methodologies within a food or FMCG setting is essential, encompassing activities such as value stream mapping, take time optimization, and systematic waste reduction.
Technical proficiency in snacks, extrusion, convenience foods, ready-to-eat products, or closely related food categories is an indispensable requirement.
Demonstrates extensive experience in guiding new product development (NPD) through commercialization, encompassing critical stages such as manufacturing line trials, process validation, yield optimization, and seamless scale-up to full-scale production.
Food safety certification, with a minimum requirement of HACCP, is essential. Preference will be given to candidates holding FSSC 22000 or BRC certification.
Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt certification would significantly enhance a candidate’s profile.
Demonstrated proficiency in cost control initiatives that yield quantifiable improvements in manufacturing expenditures and profit margins.
A degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or Industrial Engineering is a mandatory qualification for this position.
At Caswell Industries Ltd, we invite professionals to become part of a dynamic and forward-thinking organization dedicated to excellence in industrial solutions. By joining our team, you will contribute to innovative projects that shape the future of our industry while benefiting from a collaborative work environment that fosters growth and development. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in competitive compensation packages, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. If you seek a challenging yet rewarding role where your skills and expertise are valued, Caswell Industries Ltd offers the ideal platform to achieve your professional aspirations.
At Caswell, our mission centers on cultivating brands and operational frameworks that uplift families and communities. As a proudly Kenyan FMCG enterprise with deep-rooted heritage and ambitious expansion goals, we provide a vibrant workplace where driven professionals can drive tangible, lasting change. Joining Caswell means:
Assuming senior leadership responsibility for a complete value stream, empowered with the mandate, team, and resources to develop it into a world-class operation.
As an integral member of a leading food company renowned for its consumer trust and a well-established portfolio of trusted household brands, you will contribute to an organization that stands at the forefront of the industry.
Spearheading the convergence of lean manufacturing principles, food technology advancements, and the commercialization of new product development, this role stands out as a distinctive opportunity within Kenya’s competitive landscape.
Operate within a dynamic, results-oriented setting where your choices yield immediate and tangible commercial outcomes.
Driving the innovation and expansion of products utilized by millions of Kenyan households.
At this pivotal juncture in the company’s trajectory, where the operational frameworks established today will define the organization’s growth trajectory for the next decade, your contribution becomes instrumental.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 12 years
