The position involves overseeing key operational functions, ensuring adherence to company standards, and driving efficiency across departments. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to meet strategic objectives, while identifying process improvements remains a priority. Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, at least five years of progressive experience, and proven leadership capabilities. Proficiency in project management tools and data analysis is required, and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels is critical. Responsibilities include developing and implementing policies, managing budgets, and fostering a culture of innovation within the team.
As the Value Stream Manager for New Product Development (NPD) and Convenience Foods, you will assume full accountability for overseeing Caswell’s entire NPD and Convenience Foods value stream, which encompasses the Beverage Plant, Ready-to-Eat (RTE) operations, Extrusion and Puffed Snacks, FRK production, and Fried Snack manufacturing.
You will oversee the comprehensive performance of the entire production line, encompassing its operational efficiency, financial viability, quality standards, food safety compliance, workforce capability, and adaptability to swiftly integrate and commercialize innovative products. Reporting directly to the Head of Manufacturing & Engineering, you will spearhead a team of supervisors, shift leads, and production operators while fulfilling the role of manufacturing execution leader within Caswell’s NPD Stage-Gate process.
As a Build professional, you will introduce lean discipline to a rapidly expanding manufacturing setting, establish standards where they are currently lacking, and construct the operational groundwork necessary for Caswell to consistently and efficiently introduce new products at scale.
Oversee and execute a range of critical duties, including but not limited to strategic planning, team coordination, and performance evaluation. Ensure adherence to company policies, industry regulations, and quality standards while fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Collaborate cross-functionally to align projects with organizational objectives, streamline operational workflows, and drive continuous improvement. Monitor progress, analyze key metrics, and provide actionable insights to senior leadership to support data-driven decision-making. Additionally, identify and mitigate potential risks, resolve escalated issues, and maintain strong stakeholder relationships to uphold organizational integrity and reputation.
We seek a seasoned professional to champion the optimization of value stream flow and lead Lean initiatives across the organization. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in Lean methodologies, along with a proven ability to identify and eliminate waste, streamline processes, and drive continuous improvement. Responsibilities include mentoring teams in Lean principles, facilitating value stream mapping, and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives to enhance operational efficiency and customer value. This role requires strong leadership skills, analytical thinking, and a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
Map, oversee, and enhance the complete lifecycle of materials and information within the convenience foods value stream, transitioning from the existing state to the intended future state.
Utilize lean methodologies to systematically eliminate waste from the workflow, employing tools such as take time optimization, standardized work processes, visual management techniques, 5S organization, Kaiden continuous improvement, and pull-based production systems.
Lead daily, weekly, and monthly tier management routines to establish structured accountability throughout the entire workflow.
Own the development and management of the production line’s capacity model and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (ONE) program. Analyze key loss drivers to pinpoint critical improvement opportunities, then spearhead targeted initiatives to enhance performance efficiency and productivity.
The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the commercialization and scale-up initiatives for new product development. They will oversee the transition from development phases to full-scale production, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining product quality. This role requires a strong background in project management, with expertise in manufacturing processes and supply chain coordination. Additionally, the candidate must possess exceptional problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills, and the capacity to collaborate with cross-functional teams. Experience in a fast-paced environment and a proven track record in scaling products to market are essential. A degree in engineering, business, or a related field is preferred.
As the manufacturing lead within Caswell’s New Product Development (NPD) Stage-Gate framework, oversee the full product lifecycle—spanning feasibility evaluation, production line trials, process validation, and final commercial launch authorization.
Drive the transition of new products from validated pilot phase to full-scale commercial production, defining manufacturing protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), yield benchmarks, and critical quality control checkpoints throughout the process.
Maintain a New Product Development pipeline tracker and serve as the manufacturing readiness representative at each Stage-Gate review.
Provides strategic direction and oversight in technical domains and operational methodologies, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives while driving continuous improvement in processes and systems.
Deliver comprehensive technical leadership spanning extrusion processing, puffed snack manufacturing, seasoning and flavoring systems, frying technologies, beverage processing, and ready-to-eat (RTE) food manufacturing.
Optimize process parameters across all production lines to enhance product quality, increase throughput, yield, and cost efficiency, while collaborating closely with Engineering and Maintenance teams to bolster equipment reliability and ensure adherence to planned maintenance schedules.
The role entails enhancing and streamlining operational processes to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Responsibilities include analyzing current workflows, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategic solutions to optimize productivity. Key requirements involve a strong analytical mindset, proficiency in data-driven decision-making, and experience with performance metrics. Additionally, the position demands excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate across departments to drive continuous operational enhancements.
Establish and accomplish performance benchmarks spanning critical operational metrics—including safety, quality, output, ONE, waste reduction, labor productivity, and manufacturing cost efficiency—for all facilities within the production stream.
Leverage structured methodologies such as 8D, 5-Why, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to systematically address and resolve production losses and quality deviations, ensuring solutions are permanent and sustainable across all organizational levels.
Ensure adherence to rigorous food safety and quality standards throughout all operational processes. Develop and implement comprehensive quality control measures to mitigate risks and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. Conduct thorough inspections, audits, and assessments to verify product integrity and safety. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address quality discrepancies and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Oversee sanitation protocols, hygiene practices, and contamination prevention strategies to uphold the highest standards. Stay updated on evolving industry regulations and best practices to implement proactive measures that safeguard public health and brand reputation.
Provide strategic direction for food safety excellence throughout the entire value stream, encompassing HACCP, GMP, allergen management, traceability, and food defense protocols—applicable to both current operations and new product development initiatives.
Capable systems must be developed to secure globally recognized food safety certifications, including FSSC 22000, BRC, KEYS, or comparable standards.
Responsible for analyzing and optimizing cost structures to enhance profitability, this role involves monitoring and evaluating expenses, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring financial targets are met. Key duties include conducting thorough cost-benefit analyzes, tracking variance reports, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement efficiency improvements. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial software, and a deep understanding of margin management. A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is required, along with prior experience in cost accounting or financial analysis. Exceptional problem-solving abilities and attention to detail are essential for success in this position.
Own accountability for the complete manufacturing cost structure, encompassing raw materials, utilities, labor, packaging, and waste, with a heightened focus on cost-to-manufacture for newly introduced products.
Implement and oversee programs aimed at enhancing yield and eliminating waste, delivering measurable and sustained improvements to manufacturing margins.
We are seeking a dynamic People & Capability professional to drive organizational growth through strategic talent management and capability development. This role focuses on enhancing employee engagement, fostering a high-performance culture, and aligning talent strategies with business objectives. Key responsibilities include designing and implementing learning and development programs, succession planning, performance management frameworks, and workforce analytics to identify skill gaps and development needs. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of HR best practices, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Proficiency in HR systems, change management, and data-driven decision-making is essential. Experience in a similar role within a fast-paced environment is preferred.
Spearhead the establishment and growth of a top-performing team comprising supervisors, shift leads, and operators, fostering an environment of accountability and relentless 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—such as overseeing a value stream, plant operations, or a related function—you possess the expertise and strategic insight necessary to drive operational excellence in this role.
Proven expertise in implementing Value Stream Management or lean manufacturing methodologies within food or FMCG production settings, encompassing activities such as value stream mapping, take time optimization, and systematic waste reduction initiatives.
Technical proficiency in snack foods, extrusion processes, convenience foods, ready-to-eat products, or related food categories is a fundamental and mandatory requirement for this role.
Achieved full-scale commercialization of new product development (NPD) initiatives through hands-on oversight of manufacturing processes, including line trials, process validation, yield optimization, and seamless transition to full commercial production.
Food safety certification is essential, with a minimum requirement of HACCP certification. Strong preference is given to applicants possessing FSSC 22000 or BRC certification.
Having Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt certification would be highly beneficial.
Exhibits exceptional proficiency in cost management, consistently delivering measurable improvements to manufacturing costs and margins.
A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or Industrial Engineering is mandatory for this role.
We invite professionals to become part of a dynamic and innovative organization by joining Caswell Industries Ltd. Renowned for our commitment to excellence and cutting-edge solutions, we offer a collaborative environment where talent thrives and career growth is nurtured. As a valued member of our team, you will contribute to meaningful projects that drive industry advancements while benefiting from competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development. Ideal candidates possess a strong work ethic, adaptability to evolving challenges, and a passion for delivering exceptional results in a fast-paced setting.
At Caswell, we are committed to creating brands and operational frameworks that support the well-being of families and communities. As a leading Kenyan FMCG company with a rich heritage and a clear vision for expansion, we provide a vibrant professional setting where skilled individuals can drive significant change. Joining Caswell means:
Assuming senior leadership accountability for an entire value stream, equipped with the mandate, the team, and the resources necessary to develop it to a world-class benchmark.
As a key contributor to a leading food company renowned for its consumer trust and a well-established portfolio of household brands, you will play an integral role in its continued success.
At the convergence of lean manufacturing, food technology, and the commercialization of new product development, this position represents a distinctive opportunity within the Kenyan market.
In a dynamic, results-oriented setting where your choices yield immediate and measurable business outcomes.
Dedicated contributions to the advancement and expansion of products utilized in millions of Kenyan households are integral to this role.
At this pivotal juncture in the company’s trajectory, you will play a pivotal role in establishing the operational groundwork that will define the organization’s growth for the next decade.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 12 years
