Our client, a distinguished leader in tea blending, packaging, and distribution, has established an impressive 47-year presence in both Kenyan and global markets. Renowned for its innovative solutions, KET EPA provides tailored branding and contract packaging services, alongside an extensive and premium product range exceeding 50 items, including 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 hire exceptional, driven, and highly capable individuals for the following role:
Overseeing daily manufacturing operations, the Production Manager ensures adherence to quality standards, optimizes efficiency, and maintains strict compliance with safety protocols. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams, managing production schedules, and addressing any operational challenges to meet delivery timelines. Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of relevant experience, along with strong leadership skills and proficiency in production management software. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have a degree in Engineering or a related field, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Purpose of the Job
This role is accountable to the Head of Production and is responsible for directing and managing all tea production activities, guaranteeing that products are processed, packaged, and dispatched in accordance with established quality benchmarks, cost objectives, and delivery schedules. The position involves strategically overseeing and executing every stage of the factory production cycle—including Receiving, Blending, Packing, and Dispatch—to ensure seamless and efficient operations.
Oversee the full spectrum of duties and responsibilities associated with this role, ensuring adherence to established protocols and standards. Develop, implement, and monitor strategic initiatives to drive operational excellence and optimize team performance. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to align objectives, foster innovation, and maintain high levels of productivity. Manage day-to-day operations with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with regulatory and company policies. Provide leadership and guidance to team members, fostering a culture of accountability, professional growth, and continuous improvement. Identify opportunities for process enhancements, cost savings, and performance improvements to support organizational goals. Prepare and present detailed reports, analyses, and recommendations to senior management to facilitate informed decision-making. Ensure seamless communication and coordination across departments to achieve unified business objectives.
The key responsibilities and duties include the following:
Responsibilities entail overseeing team performance, driving operational excellence, and ensuring adherence to organizational policies and procedures. Leadership duties include strategic planning, resource allocation, and fostering a collaborative work environment to achieve business objectives. Additionally, the role demands strong decision-making skills, problem-solving capabilities, and effective communication to guide teams toward success. Regular performance evaluations, mentorship, and professional development initiatives are integral to maintaining high standards and team growth.
Responsible for overseeing and coordinating the entire production process, ensuring efficient scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow optimization to meet deadlines and quality standards while maintaining cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.
Develop and execute production schedules tailored to fulfill customer orders and address market demand, with a specific focus on managing out-of-stock (OOS) scenarios.
Collaborate with Procurement, Quality Control, and Maintenance teams to facilitate seamless operational workflows.
Monitor and modify production schedules to proactively resolve disruptions or equipment malfunctions, ensuring minimal downtime and maintaining operational efficiency.
Contract Packing Management involves overseeing the packaging of products for businesses that prefer to outsource this function. This role requires ensuring that products are accurately and efficiently packaged according to client specifications and industry standards. Key responsibilities include coordinating with suppliers and clients, managing production schedules, maintaining quality control, and adhering to strict deadlines. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment are essential. Experience in packaging operations or a related field is preferred, along with proficiency in relevant software tools for tracking and reporting.
Plan, coordinate, and manage contract packing initiatives for external clients, guaranteeing adherence to agreed-upon timelines, specifications, and quality standards.
Collaborate with the Purchasing and Finance Teams to ensure contract packing capacity aligns with established commitments.
Oversee financial performance and optimize the allocation of resources within contract packing operations to ensure maximum efficiency and profitability.
Prepare comprehensive performance reports for contract packing assignments, encompassing key metrics such as efficiency, quality, traceability, and profitability.
To streamline procurement processes, draft and submit Local Purchase Orders (Los) based on the specified loose tea requirements.
Maintain and enhance Quality Assurance Systems by implementing new systems and guidelines to ensure continuous improvement and compliance.
Develop and deploy ISO Management Systems alongside other pertinent standards, ensuring compliance and operational excellence across organizational processes.
Collaborate with the NDP team and other relevant departments to facilitate seamless product development initiatives.
The position encompasses a range of operational duties and responsibilities, ensuring the efficient execution of daily tasks and long-term strategic initiatives. Key responsibilities include overseeing workflow processes, maintaining compliance with company policies and industry regulations, and managing cross-functional collaboration to achieve organizational objectives. Additionally, the role requires meticulous attention to detail in reporting, data analysis, and performance tracking to support informed decision-making. Candidates must demonstrate strong organizational skills, adaptability in dynamic environments, and proficiency in relevant software or tools to enhance operational effectiveness. A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential for success in this role.
Efficiently source and utilize raw materials and production factors while optimizing the plant’s operational capacity to its fullest potential.
Develop, execute, and maintain strict adherence to occupational health and safety standards across all operations.
Conduct monthly and annual stocktaking and reconciliation of raw materials, including loose tea and packaging materials.
Lead, guide, and develop Production Supervisors, Machine Operators, and other personnel through structured training and mentorship initiatives.
Conduct performance evaluations to assess employee strengths and areas for improvement, pinpoint specific training requirements, and enhance team capabilities through targeted development initiatives.
Foster collaboration, drive motivation, and uphold discipline among the production team to ensure optimal performance and a cohesive work environment.
Compile regular reports on production outputs for management, including daily, weekly, and monthly summaries, to facilitate informed decision-making.
Oversee leave schedules to ensure seamless production operations without interruptions.
Examine production data to detect emerging trends, identify process inefficiencies, and pinpoint opportunities for enhancement.
Execute any additional duties deemed pertinent and within the scope of the position as assigned by the Supervisor.
Key Result Areas:
Accountability areas include the following:
Monthly and annual stock counts are conducted with precision to ensure accuracy. The production is meticulously compared against predefined targets to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement.
The position involves overseeing the product quality compliance rate, ensuring meticulous reporting, and maintaining comprehensive documentation to meet regulatory standards and organizational protocols.
We are seeking a professional with strong leadership and organizational skills to oversee people and waste management initiatives while ensuring optimal production cost per unit. The role involves effectively managing teams, implementing sustainable waste management practices, and monitoring production expenses to enhance efficiency and profitability. A keen eye for detail and the ability to balance multiple priorities are essential for driving operational excellence in this position.
Contract packing turnaround time must align with client expectations while ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality results. Customer satisfaction remains a cornerstone of our operations, driving continuous improvement in efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness to meet or exceed client demands. This dual focus underscores our commitment to maintaining reliable timelines and fostering enduring partnerships through exceptional service.
Professional implementation of ISO standards pertaining to Occupational Health and Safety is required.
Effective budgetary planning entails meticulous financial forecasting, resource allocation, and expenditure monitoring to ensure fiscal responsibility. This role demands a keen analytical mindset, proficiency in financial software, and the ability to interpret complex financial data to support strategic decision-making. Candidates must possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in preparing comprehensive budgets while adhering to regulatory compliance. Key responsibilities include collaborating with department heads to align financial goals, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and presenting budget reports to stakeholders with clarity and precision.
A strong foundation in relevant industry expertise and proven technical competencies is essential for this role. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in specific tools, methodologies, or frameworks pertinent to the position, along with the ability to apply them effectively in practical scenarios. Excellent problem-solving abilities, keen attention to detail, and robust communication skills are also vital. Additionally, familiarity with industry standards, regulatory requirements, or best practices may be necessary, depending on the position’s demands. Prior experience in a similar capacity is typically required, along with the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
The ideal candidate should have the following qualifications:
A Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science or an equivalent field is required.
With a minimum of eight years of professional experience, candidates should bring a wealth of practical expertise to the role.
With a minimum of three years of experience in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods sector, including direct involvement in relevant roles.
Proficient understanding of the ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 Quality Management Systems is essential.
Individuals with prior involvement in contract-related activities are encouraged to apply. A background in negotiating, drafting, or managing contracts is preferred. Familiarity with legal frameworks and compliance standards is a valuable asset. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of contractual obligations and risk assessment. Prior exposure to contract lifecycle management is beneficial.
Packing manufacturing experience would be beneficial for this role.
Possesses comprehensive expertise in production planning, quality management systems, and maintenance coordination, ensuring efficient operational workflows and adherence to stringent quality standards.
Seasoned professionals with outstanding leadership acumen and exceptional communication proficiency are sought.
Demonstrates strong expertise in ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications, including advanced skills in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Demonstrates strong analytical prowess and proficiency in Information Technology systems, methodologies, and tools.
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their application, which must include a Motivation Letter specifying the position applied for along with current and expected remuneration, a Curriculum Vitae, and the names and addresses of three referees, to the following address: Our Client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications must be received by Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Qualified applicants should forward their CV to jobshag@hcsaffiliatesgroup.com, ensuring the position title is included in the email subject line.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
8 years
