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Home Jobs Kericho Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager

Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager

HCS Affiliates Group  · Consulting

Full Time Kericho
Kericho
Deadline: 10 June 2026
Posted June 3, 2026

Our client, a distinguished leader in tea blending, packaging, and distribution, celebrates a remarkable 47-year heritage in both Kenyan and global markets. Renowned for its pioneering spirit, KET EPA delivers tailored branding solutions and contract packaging services, complemented by an extensive and premium selection of over 50 products. Their diverse range encompasses black tea, flavored tea, green tea, purple tea, white tea, orthodox tea, herbal infusions, and refreshing bottled water. To support their ongoing expansion and strategic achievements, they are now seeking to employ highly skilled, motivated, and exceptional professionals for the following role.

Oversee the entire production process, ensuring efficient and timely manufacturing operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement production plans, schedules, and workflows that align with organizational goals. Monitor performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions to enhance productivity and quality. Manage inventory levels, coordinate with procurement and logistics to maintain optimal supply chain operations. Ensure compliance with safety regulations, quality standards, and industry best practices. Lead and mentor production staff, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) to streamline processes and reduce waste. Prepare and present reports on production performance, costs, and efficiency to senior management.

The objective of this position is to facilitate the achievement of organizational goals through the execution of key responsibilities and adherence to established requirements. This role is designed to contribute to the overall success of the team by ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and in accordance with company policies. The incumbent will be expected to meet specific qualifications and fulfill a range of duties that support the mission and vision of the organization.

This role reports directly to the Head of Production, with responsibility for supervising and directing all tea production activities. The position ensures products are processed, packaged, and dispatched in accordance with established quality benchmarks, budgetary goals, and scheduled delivery deadlines. Additionally, it involves strategically organizing and executing all manufacturing stages—including Receiving, Blending, Packing, and Dispatch—to maintain operational efficiency and consistency.

Oversee the full spectrum of operational and administrative functions to ensure seamless daily operations, including coordinating schedules, managing communications, and maintaining organizational systems. Handle sensitive information with discretion while providing executive support, such as preparing reports, drafting correspondence, and facilitating meetings. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, track deadlines, and ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations. Prioritize tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment, adapting to shifting priorities while maintaining high standards of accuracy and professionalism. Foster a collaborative work culture by serving as a liaison between departments, vendors, and stakeholders to enhance operational efficiency and alignment with strategic objectives.

The role encompasses a diverse range of duties and responsibilities, including:

Overseeing and directing team operations to ensure optimal performance and adherence to organizational goals are central duties of this position. Key responsibilities include strategic planning, resource allocation, and fostering a collaborative work environment to drive productivity and innovation. Additionally, the role demands strong leadership skills, the ability to mentor team members, and proficiency in data analysis to inform decision-making. Candidates must possess proven managerial experience, excellent communication abilities, and a track record of achieving measurable results in previous roles. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is typically required, though advanced qualifications may be preferred for certain industries.

The role involves overseeing and coordinating production schedules to ensure efficient operations and meet project deadlines. Responsibilities include managing workflows, allocating resources, and monitoring progress to maintain productivity and quality standards. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills are required, along with proficiency in production planning tools and methodologies. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including procurement and logistics, is essential to streamline processes and address any operational challenges. The ideal candidate will have experience in production management and a track record of optimizing workflows to enhance overall efficiency.

Develop and execute production schedules designed to fulfill customer orders and address market demand, with a specific focus on out-of-stock (OOS) management.

Collaborate proactively with Procurement, Quality Control, and Maintenance Teams to maintain seamless operational workflows.

Monitor production schedules and make necessary adjustments to mitigate disruptions or resolve equipment malfunctions promptly.

Experienced professionals in contract packing are sought to oversee and optimize packaging operations for clients. The ideal candidate will ensure adherence to quality standards, manage production schedules, and coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to meet delivery deadlines. Proficiency in process improvement and compliance with regulatory requirements is essential, alongside strong leadership and problem-solving capabilities. Familiarity with packaging machinery and lean manufacturing principles is preferred.

Plan, coordinate, and manage contract packing initiatives for external clients while meticulously ensuring all timelines, specifications, and quality standards are consistently achieved.

Collaborate with the Purchasing and Finance Teams to ensure contract packing capacity aligns with established commitments.

Oversee the financial performance and resource allocation for contract packing activities to ensure optimal efficiency and profitability.

Prepare detailed performance reports for contract packing assignments, encompassing key metrics such as efficiency, quality, traceability, and profitability.

Compile and present the specifications for procuring loose tea to facilitate the creation of Local Purchase Orders (Los).

Maintain and enhance Quality Assurance Systems by refining existing frameworks and introducing innovative guidelines to ensure operational excellence.

Develop and deploy ISO Management Systems in addition to other applicable industry standards to ensure compliance and operational excellence.

Collaborate closely with the NDP team and other relevant departments throughout the product development process.

Coordinate and oversee daily operational tasks to ensure seamless workflow and adherence to established procedures. Implement and maintain efficient systems and processes to enhance productivity and minimize operational disruptions. Monitor performance metrics and key indicators to identify areas for improvement and drive continuous operational excellence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align operational objectives with organizational goals. Provide guidance and support to staff to ensure compliance with policies and standards while fostering a culture of accountability and efficiency.

We are responsible for procuring and deploying raw materials and production inputs in a manner that maximizes operational efficiency and plant utilization.

Develop, enforce, and continuously monitor occupational health and safety protocols to guarantee full compliance at every level of operations.

Conduct monthly and annual stocktaking and reconciliation processes for raw materials, specifically loose tea and packaging materials.

Lead, guide, and develop Production Supervisors, Machine Operators, and other team members by providing mentorship, coaching, and structured training programs to enhance their skills and performance.

Perform performance appraisals to evaluate employee contributions, assess skill gaps, and determine individual development requirements to enhance overall team capability.

Foster a culture of collaboration, motivation, and professionalism on the production floor.

Compile regular production reports—including daily, weekly, and monthly summaries—for executive review and strategic decision-making purposes.

Efficiently coordinate leave schedules to ensure uninterrupted production flow.

Examine production data to detect patterns, identify constraints, and uncover opportunities for enhancement.

Execute any additional duties deemed pertinent by the Supervisor, provided they fall within the defined parameters of the role.

Key Result Areas:

The responsibilities for this role encompass the following key areas:

Conducting precise monthly and annual stock assessments ensures accurate inventory records and financial alignment. Tracking production against established targets verifies operational efficiency and goal attainment.

The role involves ensuring adherence to product quality compliance standards and maintaining accurate reporting and documentation practices. Responsibilities include verifying that products meet specified quality criteria and meticulously recording all relevant data to support compliance efforts. Strong attention to detail and a commitment to thorough documentation are essential for this position.

Our role focuses on overseeing personnel, optimizing waste reduction strategies, and minimizing production cost per unit to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. Responsibilities include leading teams, implementing waste management protocols, and analyzing cost structures to identify opportunities for improvement. Candidates must demonstrate leadership in people management, expertise in waste reduction techniques, and analytical skills to assess and control production expenses.

Contract packing operations must deliver rapid turnaround times while maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, strict adherence to production schedules, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently under tight deadlines. Responsibilities include accurately assembling, packaging, and labeling products to meet client specifications while ensuring quality control at every stage. Strong organizational skills and a commitment to precision are essential to fulfill order requirements and uphold the company’s reputation for reliability.

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management systems in strict accordance with ISO standards. This role involves developing, documenting, and enforcing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Our goal is to cultivate a safe working environment by systematically identifying risks, implementing preventive measures, and continuously monitoring performance to minimize workplace hazards.

Effective budgetary planning entails meticulous allocation and management of financial resources to ensure organizational objectives are met while maintaining fiscal responsibility. This involves analyzing historical financial data, forecasting future expenses and revenue, and identifying cost-saving opportunities to optimize resource utilization. Proficiency in financial software, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams are essential to execute this role successfully. Additionally, the position requires adherence to regulatory compliance, regular reporting, and strategic decision-making to support sustainable financial growth.

Candidates must possess specific knowledge and skills to succeed in this role. Essential requirements include proficiency in relevant technical or industry-specific tools, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Excellent communication and teamwork skills are also necessary, as collaboration across departments is a key aspect of the position. Additionally, familiarity with pertinent regulations, standards, or methodologies may be required, depending on the field. Prior experience in a similar role is often preferred, along with the ability to adapt to evolving challenges and priorities.

The successful candidate is required to have:

A bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a closely related scientific discipline is required.

With a minimum of eight years of experience in the field, candidates must demonstrate a proven track record of success and expertise.

Three (3) of which in Fast Moving Consumer Goods.

Proficiency in the ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 Management Systems is required, along with a comprehensive understanding of their principles and applications.

Experienced in developing, negotiating, and managing contractual agreements, ensuring compliance with legal standards and organizational policies. Proficient in drafting, reviewing, and finalizing contracts to mitigate risks and align with business objectives. Skilled in identifying and resolving contract-related issues while maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders. Familiar with various contract types, including service, vendor, and employment agreements, and experienced in handling contract renewals, amendments, and terminations.

Packing manufacturing experience is a beneficial qualification for this role.

Possesses extensive expertise in production planning, quality management systems, and maintenance coordination, ensuring seamless operational efficiency and adherence to stringent standards.

Outstanding leadership and exceptional communication abilities are essential for this role. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong capacity to guide teams effectively and articulate ideas clearly, ensuring alignment and engagement across all stakeholders.

Demonstrated expertise in utilizing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems alongside advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications is essential.

Demonstrated proficiency in analytical reasoning and Information Technology competencies is essential for this role.

Interested candidates who meet the qualifications are encouraged to submit their application, including a Motivation Letter specifying the position sought along with current and expected compensation, a Curriculum Vitae, and the names and contact details of three referees, to the following address. Please note that our Client operates as an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications must be received by Wednesday, June 10, 2026; only those selected for further consideration will be notified. Qualified applicants should forward their CV to jobshag@hcsaffiliatesgroup.com, with the position clearly stated in the email subject line.

Qualifications

BA/BSc/HND

Experience Required

8 years

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