Production Manager – Phytotech

Job description
THE JOB:
We are looking for skilled, committed, self-driven and result oriented individual to fill the position of a Production Manager- Phytotech in our Macro biological Unit at Dudutech. The position is based in Naivasha.
JOB SUMMARY
The Production Manager – Phytotech will take an active role in the Production of Phytotech as a commercial product for use within Flamingo Farms and for sale to third parties as biological control agents for pests.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reporting to the Business Unit Manager, Microbial Production Dudutech, the incumbent will be responsible for:

Managing mass production of predator mite (Phytosieulus persimilis)- Phytotech on our 13 hectare production facility in Naivasha.
Maintaining high standards of crop management, hygiene and husbandry to ensure the quality of phytotech produced meets customer expectation
Supervising and providing leadership to the phytotech production team.
Effective management of phytotech production environment, cool chain after harvest and all quality assurance protocols.
Preparation of annual production budget in line with sales requirements and Facilities’ capacities.
Preparation of production forecasts , anticipating production trends and giving four weeks outlook of production against budget
Reviewing scouting data and using it to formulate weekly spray programme. Enforcing contamination management protocols including quarantine measures
Ensure full compliance to the ISO9001:2008 standards by rallying the team to adopt a culture of continuous improvement and strict adherence to the Quality Management System.
Ensure customer satisfaction by carrying out in process QC checks at all production stages. Receive, document and action all Non conformities raised internally and customer complaints as stipulated by ISO 9001:2008
Maintain production costs within budget by ensuring, input materials usage is well monitored to minimize waste. Labour is properly supervised and efficiently allocated, develop and adhere to all production facilities and equipment maintenance plans.
To carry out quarterly performance reviews for production Officers and team leaders
To ensure the environment, safety, health and welfare of the employees is kept at required SHE standards
Continuous improvement in production through research into new production technologies, resource use efficiencies, pest and disease control, contamination management and mortality control of Phytotech

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETECIES

Bsc. in Horticulture/Agriculture, Post graduate in Entomology option will be an added advantage
Over 5 years’ experience working with Predator Mites – Phytoseiulus Persimilis
Experience in soil and soilless crop husbandry methods
Good Knowledge in Pesticides and Fertilizer (ICM)
Experience in Phytoseiulus production, Quality Control, and cool chain management
Must be a team player with very good people management skills
Highly Numerate and computer literate
Showing leadership by adjusting approach to the demands of a particular task
Good communication skills and interpersonal relationship

REMUNERATION:
Dudutech will offer a package commensurate with the applicant’s experience and benchmarked to the industry.