We seek a highly motivated individual to join our team in the capacity of [Job Title], responsible for [key responsibility 1], [key responsibility 2], and [key responsibility 3]. The ideal candidate will possess [required skill/experience 1], [required skill/experience 2], and [required skill/experience 3], with a proven ability to [specific task/outcome]. Additionally, familiarity with [tool/software/platform] and a minimum of [X years] of experience in [relevant field] are essential. Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills are imperative, as this role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to [specific objective]. A commitment to [company value or goal] and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment are also required.
As the Value Stream Manager for NPD and Convenience Foods, you will oversee the entire value stream for Caswell’s NPD and Convenience Foods portfolio, encompassing the Beverage Plant, Ready-to-Eat (RTE) operations, Extrusion and Puffed Snacks, FRK production, and Fried Snack manufacturing.
You will oversee the entire production stream, ensuring its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, quality standards, food safety compliance, workforce capability, and adaptability to introduce and scale new products swiftly. Reporting to the Head of Manufacturing & Engineering, your responsibilities include leading a team of supervisors, shift leads, and production operators while serving as the manufacturing execution lead within Caswell’s NPD Stage-Gate process.
This position focuses on constructing robust operational frameworks within a rapidly expanding manufacturing environment. You will introduce lean principles to enhance efficiency, establish essential standards where they are currently lacking, and lay the groundwork for Caswell’s ability to consistently and efficiently introduce new products to the market.
Oversee the full spectrum of essential functions within this role, including the development and execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Manage day-to-day operations with precision, prioritizing efficiency and accountability while adhering to established policies and procedures. Lead team members by providing clear direction, mentorship, and performance feedback to drive productivity and professional growth. Serve as a liaison between departments to streamline communication, resolve conflicts, and promote a cohesive work environment. Monitor progress through data-driven assessments, implementing corrective actions as needed to maintain operational excellence. Additionally, ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements while maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct.
We seek a seasoned professional to drive operational excellence as a Value Stream Flow & Lean Leadership specialist. This role demands expertise in streamlining processes, eliminating waste, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement through Lean methodologies. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams toward achieving performance targets. Responsibilities include identifying inefficiencies, implementing process optimizations, and mentoring teams in Lean principles to enhance productivity and quality. Ideal applicants will have proven experience in Lean Six Sigma, value stream mapping, and change management, along with exceptional communication and problem-solving abilities.
Map, oversee, and enhance the entire process of materials and information movement within the convenience foods value stream, progressing from the current-state configuration to an optimized future-state design.
Utilize lean methodologies to methodically remove waste from the workflow, employing tools such as take time optimization, standardized work processes, visual management techniques, 5S workplace organization, Kaiden continuous improvement initiatives, and pull-based production systems.
Oversee structured tier management processes on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to ensure consistent accountability is maintained throughout the stream.
Own the development and management of the stream’s capacity model and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (ONE) program, pinpointing key contributors to performance losses and spearheading targeted improvement initiatives.
Responsible for driving the commercialization and scale-up initiatives within New Product Development (NPD), ensuring seamless transition from concept to market launch. Oversees process optimization, production scaling, and cross-functional collaboration to meet quality, cost, and timeline objectives. Requires expertise in manufacturing operations, supply chain management, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on risk mitigation and cost efficiency. Strong project leadership and problem-solving skills are essential to navigate complex scaling challenges and drive successful product deployment.
Act as the manufacturing lead throughout Caswell’s NPD Stage-Gate process, overseeing activities from initial feasibility assessments to line trials, process validation, and final commercial launch approval.
Spearhead the transition from pilot validation to full-scale commercial manufacturing, defining robust manufacturing standards, comprehensive SOPs, yield benchmarks, and critical quality control checkpoints for each new product.
Maintain a New Product Development (NPD) pipeline tracker and ensure manufacturing readiness is evaluated at each Stage-Gate review point.
Providing strategic oversight and direction in technical and process excellence, the role demands proficiency in designing, implementing, and refining systems and workflows to enhance operational efficiency. Key responsibilities include spearheading process optimization initiatives, fostering collaboration between technical teams and cross-functional stakeholders, and ensuring adherence to industry best practices and compliance standards. Candidates must possess a strong background in technical leadership, with expertise in process management and a proven track record of driving continuous improvement within dynamic organizational settings.
Offer strategic technical guidance and expertise in extrusion processing, puffed snack production, seasoning and flavoring systems, frying technologies, beverage processing, and ready-to-eat (RTE) food manufacturing.
Optimize process parameters across every production line to enhance product quality, increase throughput and yield, and reduce costs, collaborating closely with Engineering and Maintenance to bolster equipment reliability and ensure adherence to planned maintenance schedules.
Drives ongoing enhancements in operational efficiency by systematically evaluating and refining processes to achieve targeted performance outcomes. Analyzes key performance indicators (KPIs), identifies trends, and implements corrective actions to mitigate inefficiencies and bottlenecks. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with strategic objectives while maintaining rigorous compliance with established standards and regulatory requirements. Develops and monitors performance metrics, providing data-driven insights to support decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.
Establish and meet performance benchmarks across key operational metrics—including safety, quality, output, ONE, waste reduction, labor productivity, and manufacturing cost—for all facilities within the operational stream.
Drive structured problem-solving initiatives at every level, employing methodologies such as 8D, 5-Why, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to meticulously investigate and resolve production losses and quality deviations with lasting solutions.
We are seeking a meticulous professional to ensure adherence to food safety regulations and uphold the highest quality standards in our operations. This role requires a deep understanding of food safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and quality management systems. Responsibilities include conducting inspections, audits, and risk assessments, as well as implementing corrective actions to mitigate potential hazards. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in food safety or quality assurance, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain compliance and continuous improvement. Excellent communication and documentation skills are essential to effectively train staff and report findings to stakeholders.
Provide strategic direction for food safety management within the value stream by ensuring adherence to HACCP, GMP, allergen management, traceability, and food defense protocols across both existing operations and new product trials.
Design and implement robust systems to attain globally recognized food safety certifications, including FSSC 22000, BRC, KEYS, or their equivalents.
We seek a highly detail-oriented Cost & Margin Analyst to oversee financial performance tracking, cost analysis, and profitability evaluations. This role involves developing and maintaining cost models, analyzing pricing strategies, and identifying opportunities to optimize margins. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial analysis, proficiency in spreadsheet software and ERP systems, and the ability to communicate complex data insights to stakeholders. Responsibilities include preparing monthly cost reports, conducting variance analyzes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve cost efficiency. A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is required, along with 3+ years of relevant experience.
Accountable for the complete manufacturing cost management, including raw materials, utilities, labor, packaging, and waste, with heightened focus on cost-to-manufacture for new product introductions.
Enhance manufacturing profitability by spearheading yield improvement initiatives and waste reduction programs, ensuring measurable, long-term benefits to overall margin performance.
We are seeking a dynamic People & Capability professional to design and implement initiatives that drive employee engagement, talent development, and organizational transformation. In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to create and deliver effective learning solutions, performance management frameworks, and talent acquisition strategies. Additionally, you will analyze workforce trends, identify skill gaps, and recommend interventions to enhance overall capability. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management, interpersonal, and strategic planning skills, along with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Experience in change management and a passion for fostering a high-performance culture are highly valued.
Drive the development and success of a top-performing team comprising supervisors, shift leads, and operators by establishing clear accountability structures and fostering a culture of sustained continuous improvement.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Professional Rewrite:
A minimum of 8 to 12 years of progressive experience in food manufacturing is required, including at least four years in a senior leadership capacity overseeing a value stream, plant operations, or similar function.
Professional rewrite:
A proven track record in applying Value Stream Management or lean manufacturing methodologies within a food or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) environment, encompassing value stream mapping, take time optimization, and disciplined waste reduction strategies.
Demonstrated practical technical proficiency in snacks, extrusion processes, convenience foods, ready-to-eat (RTE) products, or closely related food categories is a fundamental and indispensable requirement for this role.
Proven expertise in the commercialization of New Product Development (NPD) from a manufacturing perspective, including conducting line trials, validating processes, establishing yield benchmarks, and scaling up to full-scale commercial production.
Professionals holding at least HACCP certification will be considered, with a distinct advantage for those possessing FSSC 22000 or BRC credentials.
Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt certification would be highly beneficial.
Demonstrates a proven ability to effectively manage costs, delivering tangible improvements in manufacturing expenditures and overall profitability.
A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or Industrial Engineering is mandatory for this role.
At Caswell Industries Ltd, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and innovative organization committed to excellence in the industrial sector. Our team values collaboration, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of quality, offering a supportive environment where professional growth is encouraged. We seek individuals who are passionate about their work, adaptable to evolving challenges, and dedicated to delivering outstanding results in a fast-paced industry. Whether you are an experienced professional or just beginning your career, we invite you to join a company that prioritizes integrity, sustainability, and cutting-edge solutions in everything we do.
At Caswell, we are committed to developing brands and operational systems that sustain families and communities. As a Kenyan FMCG company with a proud heritage and a clear vision for expansion, we provide a vibrant workplace where skilled professionals can drive significant change. Joining Caswell offers the opportunity to:
Assuming full senior leadership accountability for an entire value stream, empowered with the mandate, the dedicated team, and the necessary resources to develop it to a world-class standard.
As an integral member of a globally recognized food industry leader, distinguished by its unwavering consumer confidence and a prestigious portfolio of beloved household brands, you will contribute to a dynamic and influential organization.
At the dynamic nexus of lean manufacturing, food technology, and new product development commercialization, this role offers a distinctive opportunity—one that remains scarce in Kenya’s professional landscape.
In a dynamic, results-oriented setting where your choices yield tangible and immediate commercial benefits, you will thrive.
Your contributions will play a pivotal role in advancing the innovation and expansion of products that reach millions of Kenyan households daily.
At this pivotal juncture in the company’s trajectory, where the operational groundwork established now will determine the organization’s growth trajectory for the next ten years, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a transformative phase.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 12 years
