Our client, a premier tea blending, packaging, and distribution enterprise, stands at the forefront of the industry with an impressive 47-year heritage spanning both Kenyan and global markets. Renowned for its pioneering spirit, KET EPA delivers tailored branding solutions alongside contract packaging services, backed by an extensive and high-quality 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 objectives, they are actively seeking to onboard highly skilled, proactive, and exceptional professionals for the following role.
Oversee all aspects of production operations to ensure efficient, timely, and high-quality while maintaining cost-effectiveness and adherence to safety standards. Develop and implement production schedules, workflows, and quality control measures to optimize efficiency and meet organizational targets. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, procurement, and quality assurance, to align production goals with broader business objectives. Monitor performance metrics, analyze variances, and implement corrective actions to drive continuous improvement. Ensure compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) protocols. Manage and mentor production staff, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence. Oversee maintenance schedules, equipment upgrades, and process improvements to enhance productivity and minimize downtime.
The position is designed to deliver comprehensive support and leadership across key operational areas, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and enhancing overall organizational effectiveness. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing critical functions, driving process improvements, and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. The ideal candidate must possess a proven track record in similar positions, demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities, and exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Additionally, you will be tasked with managing teams, optimizing resource allocation, and contributing to long-term planning initiatives to sustain growth and performance.
This role is accountable to the Head of Production and is responsible for directing and managing all aspects of tea production, guaranteeing that products are processed, packaged, and delivered in adherence to established quality benchmarks, budgetary constraints, and scheduled timelines. The position involves strategically planning and executing the full spectrum of factory operations—including Receiving, Blending, Packing, and Dispatch.
Oversee a range of critical operational tasks and strategic initiatives to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the department. Deliver exceptional leadership by guiding and motivating cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives and exceed performance targets. Collaborate closely with senior management to align departmental strategies with broader company goals, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Develop and implement robust policies, procedures, and systems that enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and mitigate risks while maintaining compliance with industry regulations and standards. Provide expert guidance and mentorship to staff, fostering professional growth and cultivating a high-performance, results-driven environment.
The responsibilities and key duties associated with this position include the following:
Overseeing and directing team operations, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, and fostering a productive work environment are primary responsibilities of this position. Key duties include strategic planning, performance assessment, resource allocation, and cultivating professional development opportunities for team members. The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong leadership, exceptional communication skills, and a track record of driving team success. Proficiency in project management tools, budget oversight, and conflict resolution is essential, along with a minimum of five years of relevant managerial experience in a fast-paced setting. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field is required; advanced degrees or industry certifications are advantageous.
We are seeking a skilled Production Planning & Management professional to oversee and optimize our manufacturing processes, ensuring efficient resource allocation, timely delivery, and adherence to quality standards. The ideal candidate will develop and implement production schedules, monitor workflows, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to maintain seamless operations. Proficiency in production planning software, strong analytical abilities, and experience in lean manufacturing principles are essential. Additionally, the role requires excellent organizational skills, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. A background in supply chain management or a related field is preferred.
Develop and execute comprehensive production schedules to fulfill customer orders and address market demand, with a dedicated focus on out-of-stock (OOS) management.
Collaborate seamlessly with Procurement, Quality Control, and Maintenance Teams to facilitate uninterrupted operational workflows.
Responsible for overseeing and optimizing production schedules, proactively identifying and responding to disruptions or equipment malfunctions to ensure seamless operations.
Overseeing contract packing operations involves coordinating with external partners to ensure efficient and accurate packaging of products according to client specifications. This role requires meticulous attention to detail to verify compliance with quality standards, delivery schedules, and regulatory requirements. Candidates must possess strong organizational skills, proficiency in inventory management, and the ability to liaise effectively with production teams and suppliers. Experience in contract manufacturing or packaging within a regulated industry is preferred, along with a track record of optimizing workflows to meet tight deadlines.
Plan, coordinate, and manage contract packing initiatives for external clients, verifying that all project timelines, specifications, and quality standards are consistently met.
Collaborate with the Purchasing and Finance Teams to ensure contract packing capacity aligns with established commitments.
Oversee contract packing operations to ensure profitability and optimal resource utilization.
Prepare detailed performance reports for contract packing assignments, encompassing metrics related to efficiency, quality, traceability, and profitability.
Prepare procurement documentation for loose tea orders, ensuring alignment with local sourcing guidelines and facilitating the issuance of Local Purchase Orders (Los).
Oversee and enhance the Quality Assurance Systems by continuously improving existing frameworks and introducing innovative standards and protocols.
Develop and enforce ISO Management Systems alongside other pertinent standards to ensure organizational compliance and operational excellence.
Collaborate closely with the NDP team and other relevant departments to contribute to the product development process.
Oversee and execute operational duties to ensure seamless and efficient workflows. Implement and maintain protocols that enhance productivity and align with organizational objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvements and streamline operations. Monitor performance metrics to assess effectiveness and drive data-driven decision-making. Provide leadership and guidance to team members, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies while optimizing resource allocation for maximum efficiency. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to support long-term operational goals and adapt to evolving business needs.
Efficiently manage the sourcing and allocation of raw materials and production factors to maximize plant capacity utilization.
Develop, execute, and enforce occupational health and safety protocols consistently to maintain compliance with established standards at all times.
Conduct monthly and annual stock audits and reconcile discrepancies for raw materials, specifically loose tea and packaging materials.
Lead, develop, and empower Production Supervisors, Machine Operators, and other team members by providing guidance, training, and mentorship to enhance their skills and performance.
Conduct performance appraisals to assess employee contributions, pinpoint areas for professional development, and enhance team competencies through targeted training initiatives.
Foster a collaborative, motivated, and disciplined work environment on the production floor.
Compile regular production reports—including daily, weekly, and monthly summaries—for executive review and strategic decision-making.
Oversee leave scheduling to ensure uninterrupted production processes.
Conduct in-depth analysis of production data to uncover key trends, pinpoint operational bottlenecks, and evaluate opportunities for enhancement.
Execute any additional duties deemed relevant and assigned by the Supervisor within the defined parameters of the role.
Key Result Areas:
The primary responsibilities encompass the following key areas:
Monthly and annual stock audits are conducted to ensure accuracy, alongside assessing production against predetermined targets.
Ensuring adherence to product quality standards through meticulous compliance monitoring and comprehensive reporting, along with maintaining accurate documentation, constitutes a core responsibility. This role involves systematically verifying that products meet regulatory and quality benchmarks while generating detailed records and reports to support audits and continuous improvement initiatives. Proficiency in compliance frameworks and a strong commitment to precision are essential to uphold operational excellence.
We are seeking a dynamic professional to oversee people management, ensuring efficient team operations and employee development. The role will also focus on waste management strategies to enhance sustainability and reduce operational costs. Additionally, the position requires monitoring and optimizing production cost per unit to maintain profitability and efficiency within the manufacturing process.
Contract packing turnaround time and customer satisfaction are critical metrics for evaluating operational efficiency and service quality. Meeting or exceeding agreed-upon delivery schedules ensures timely fulfillment of orders, while high customer satisfaction reflects the reliability and responsiveness of the service provider. These factors directly impact client retention, brand reputation, and long-term business relationships, making them essential priorities in contract packing operations.
Implementation of ISO standards pertaining to Occupational Health and Safety will be executed to ensure compliance and enhance workplace safety protocols. This role requires adherence to internationally recognized guidelines, systematic risk assessment methodologies, and proactive measures to mitigate potential hazards. Responsibilities include conducting thorough audits, documenting safety procedures, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in safety performance. The position demands meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to interpret complex regulatory frameworks to drive sustainable safety outcomes.
Effective budgetary planning involves the systematic allocation and management of financial resources to ensure organizational objectives are met while maintaining fiscal responsibility. This process requires a thorough analysis of past expenditures, current financial standings, and future projections to develop accurate forecasts. Key responsibilities include monitoring expenses, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring adherence to established budgets. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial software, and the ability to communicate financial insights clearly to stakeholders. Experience in budget preparation, variance analysis, and strategic financial planning is essential for success in this role.
Candidates must possess a comprehensive understanding of the relevant field along with the necessary technical proficiencies to perform the role effectively. Essential qualifications include a minimum of [X] years of experience in [specific area], along with proficiency in [specific software/tools]. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and exceptional communication skills are also required. Familiarity with industry standards and best practices is highly desirable. Additionally, the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while managing multiple priorities is necessary.
The candidate for this position must demonstrate the following qualifications:
A Bachelor of Science in Food Science or a related discipline is required.
With a minimum of eight years of hands-on experience in the field, candidates should bring a proven track record of success and expertise to the role.
With expertise in three fast-moving consumer goods sectors, the candidate will bring extensive experience to the role.
Proficiency in the ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 Management Systems is essential for this role.
Seeking a professional with a proven track record in contract management, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements. Must possess strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret complex legal terms. Familiarity with contract lifecycle management and compliance standards is essential. Excellent communication skills are required to liaise effectively with stakeholders and ensure all parties adhere to agreed-upon terms.
Packing manufacturing expertise offers a valuable edge in this role.
Possesses a comprehensive understanding of production planning methodologies, quality assurance systems, and maintenance coordination strategies.
Accomplished professionals with exceptional leadership and communication abilities are sought after for this role. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in guiding teams, fostering collaboration, and conveying ideas with clarity and influence. Strong interpersonal skills, coupled with the capacity to articulate goals and inspire action, are essential for success in this position.
Experienced candidates must demonstrate strong command of ERP systems alongside expert-level skills in Microsoft Office applications.
Experienced professionals must exhibit strong analytical capabilities alongside proficient Information Technology expertise.
Interested and qualified applicants are encouraged to submit their application by emailing a Motivation Letter (specifying the position sought and including current and expected remuneration), a Curriculum Vitae, and the names and contact details of three referees to jobshag@hcsaffiliatesgroup.com, with the position listed in the email subject line. The Client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications must be received by Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
8 years
