THE ROLE
As Value Stream Manager for New Product Development (NPD) and Convenience Foods, you will assume full accountability for Caswell’s entire value stream, encompassing 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 production line, encompassing its efficiency, cost management, quality standards, food safety compliance, workforce capability, and capacity to integrate and launch new products swiftly. Reporting directly to the Head of Manufacturing & Engineering, your role involves leading a team of supervisors, shift leads, and production operators while serving as the key manufacturing execution authority within Caswell’s NPD Stage-Gate framework.
This position focuses on establishing robust development processes. You will introduce efficient, disciplined methodologies to an expanding manufacturing setting, develop necessary standards where they are currently absent, and lay the groundwork for Caswell’s ability to consistently and efficiently introduce new products at scale.
Oversee the core operational tasks entrusted to this role, ensuring meticulous execution and adherence to established protocols. Facilitate collaboration across departments to streamline processes and enhance productivity. Monitor performance metrics and provide actionable feedback to refine workflow efficiency. Maintain compliance with organizational policies while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Serve as a liaison between leadership and staff to align objectives with strategic goals. Additionally, oversee the management of resources, including budget allocations and personnel development initiatives, to support sustainable growth.
We are seeking a seasoned professional to provide strategic oversight and champion continuous improvement initiatives within our operational framework. This role will focus on optimizing value stream flow, eliminating waste, and fostering a culture of Lean leadership to enhance overall efficiency and productivity. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in Lean methodologies, process optimization, and team leadership, with the ability to drive sustainable change and measurable results. Responsibilities include analyzing current workflows, identifying opportunities for improvement, mentoring teams in Lean principles, and implementing best practices to streamline operations.
Map, oversee, and enhance the seamless flow of materials and information throughout the convenience foods value stream, transitioning from the current-state framework to a future-state design.
Utilize lean methodologies to methodically eradicate waste from the workflow, including take time optimization, standardized processes, visual controls, 5S implementation, Kaiden initiatives, and pull-based systems.
Oversee structured tier management processes on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, fostering accountability across all levels of the operational stream.
Own the stream’s capacity model and ONE program, analyzing key loss contributors to pinpoint improvement opportunities, and spearheading targeted initiatives to enhance performance outcomes.
The successful candidate will spearhead the commercialization and scale-up initiatives within the New Product Development (NPD) framework, ensuring seamless transition from prototype to full-scale production. Responsibilities include orchestrating cross-functional collaboration with R&D, manufacturing, and marketing teams to align on strategic goals, optimizing production processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, and evaluating market readiness to ensure timely product launches. Requirements encompass a minimum of 5 years of experience in NPD, scale-up operations, or a related field, proficiency in project management and lean manufacturing principles, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate complex technical and commercial challenges.
Act as the manufacturing lead throughout Caswell’s New Product Development (NPD) Stage-Gate process, overseeing activities from initial feasibility assessments to line trials, process validation, and final approval for commercial launch.
Drive the transition of new products from validated pilot stages to full-scale commercial production, defining robust manufacturing standards, standard operating procedures, systemized yield targets, and critical quality control checkpoints at each stage.
Manage the NPD pipeline tracker and serve as the manufacturing readiness representative at each Stage-Gate review.
You will provide strategic technical leadership and oversee process optimization initiatives to drive operational excellence. Your responsibilities include guiding cross-functional teams through complex technical challenges, establishing robust frameworks for system integration, and ensuring adherence to industry best practices. Additionally, you will mentor junior engineers, identify opportunities for automation, and lead the implementation of scalable solutions that enhance productivity and reliability. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in technical troubleshooting, and the ability to translate technical concepts into actionable strategies are essential. A proven track record in technical leadership and process improvement is required.
Offer strategic technical guidance and oversee advancements in extrusion processing, puffed snack production, seasoning and flavoring systems, frying technologies, beverage processing, and ready-to-eat food manufacturing.
Optimize process parameters across all production lines to enhance product quality, increase throughput and yield, and reduce costs, in close collaboration with Engineering and Maintenance teams to bolster equipment reliability and ensure adherence to planned maintenance schedules.
We are seeking an individual to oversee and enhance our operational performance, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and strategic alignment across all processes. The ideal candidate will monitor key performance indicators, identify areas for improvement, and implement targeted solutions to streamline workflows. They will collaborate with cross-functional teams to align operational goals with broader business objectives while maintaining rigorous compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include analyzing performance data, reporting findings to leadership, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The role demands strong analytical skills, proficiency in data-driven decision-making, and the ability to translate insights into actionable strategies.
Establish and meet performance targets spanning safety, quality, output, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (ONE), waste reduction, labor productivity, and manufacturing cost efficiency for every facility within the production stream.
Lead systematic problem-solving initiatives (8D, 5-Why, RCA) across all organizational levels, meticulously identifying and addressing the underlying causes of production inefficiencies and quality deviations to ensure sustainable solutions.
Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and uphold the highest standards of quality control throughout all stages of food production and handling. Monitor sanitation protocols, conduct routine inspections, and verify adherence to established safety guidelines to mitigate risks and prevent contamination. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement best practices, address quality discrepancies, and maintain compliance with industry standards. Develop and enforce quality assurance policies, perform detailed audits, and document findings to ensure traceability and accountability. Stay informed about evolving food safety laws, emerging risks, and technological advancements to continuously improve processes and safeguard public health.
Provide strategic oversight for food safety within the value stream, encompassing HACCP, GMP, allergen control, traceability, and food defense—spanning both existing operations and new product development initiatives.
Develop robust systems that meet the stringent criteria for obtaining globally recognized food safety certifications, such as FSSC 22000, BRC, KEYS, or their equivalent counterparts.
Seeking a skilled professional to oversee cost analysis and margin optimization initiatives within the organization. The ideal candidate will evaluate pricing strategies, track expenses, and identify opportunities to enhance profitability while maintaining competitive positioning. Proficiency in financial modeling, data analysis, and cost accounting is essential, along with strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities. Responsibilities include developing budget forecasts, analyzing variance reports, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement cost-saving measures. A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is required, with prior experience in cost management or financial planning strongly preferred.
You will be responsible for overseeing the full manufacturing cost structure, including raw materials, utilities, labor, packaging, and waste management, with heightened focus on optimizing the cost-to-manufacture for new product introductions.
Enhance manufacturing margin through targeted yield improvement initiatives and systematic waste elimination efforts, delivering measurable and sustainable results.
We are seeking a People & Capability professional to drive organizational growth by fostering employee development, optimizing talent strategies, and enhancing workforce productivity. The ideal candidate will design and implement innovative learning initiatives, assess skill gaps, and create customized training programs to align with business objectives. Additionally, they will lead change management efforts, promote a high-performance culture, and collaborate with leadership to strengthen talent acquisition and retention. Strong analytical skills and expertise in performance management are essential, along with the ability to measure the impact of capability-building programs on overall business success. This role requires excellent communication and stakeholder management to influence key decision-makers and cultivate an engaging work environment.
Direct, cultivate, and assemble a top-tier team comprising supervisors, shift leads, and operators, establishing robust accountability structures and fostering a culture rooted in continuous improvement.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
With over eight years—up to twelve—of progressive experience in food manufacturing, you should also bring a minimum of four years in a senior leadership capacity, overseeing a value stream, plant operations, or manufacturing site.
Proven expertise in Value Stream Management or lean manufacturing methodologies within food or FMCG production settings, encompassing value stream mapping, take time optimization, and systematic waste reduction initiatives.
Technical proficiency in snacks, extrusion processes, convenience foods, ready-to-eat (RTE) products, or closely related food sectors is a fundamental and indispensable requirement.
Demonstrates successful end-to-end commercialization of new product development (NPD) from a manufacturing perspective, encompassing line trials, process validation, yield optimization, and seamless scale-up to full-scale commercial production.
Certified knowledge in food safety standards, with HACCP as a minimum requirement and a strong preference for FSSC 22000 or BRC certification, is essential.
Holding a Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt certification would be highly beneficial and provide a competitive edge.
Demonstrated expertise in cost control strategies, resulting in tangible reductions in manufacturing expenditures and improved profit margins.
A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or Industrial Engineering is mandatory for this role.
We invite professionals to join our dynamic team at Caswell Industries Ltd, a leading company in [industry/sector, if applicable]. If you are passionate about [specific field or role, e.g., engineering, supply chain management, quality control], possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply. The ideal candidate will have [X years] of experience in [relevant field], along with proficiency in [specific tools, software, or methodologies]. Key responsibilities include [list major duties, e.g., overseeing production processes, managing supplier relationships, ensuring compliance with industry standards]. In return, we offer competitive compensation, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive workplace culture designed to foster innovation and success.
At Caswell, we are committed to developing brands and operational frameworks that empower families and communities. As a distinguished Kenyan FMCG company with a rich heritage and ambitious growth trajectory, we provide a vibrant workplace where skilled professionals can drive significant change. Joining Caswell offers:
Assuming full senior leadership accountability for a complete value stream, empowered with the mandate, team, and resources to elevate it to world-class excellence.
Being part of a market-leading food company with strong consumer trust and a recognized portfolio of household brands
Spearheading operations at the convergence of lean manufacturing, food technology, and the commercialization of new product development—a distinct and uncommon intersection in Kenya’s business landscape.
Operating within a high-velocity, results-oriented setting, your contributions wield immediate and measurable influence on commercial outcomes.
Directly shaping the innovation and expansion of products utilized by millions of Kenyan households.
At this pivotal moment in the company’s trajectory, you will become part of a transformative phase where the operational frameworks you establish will define the organization’s growth for the next ten years.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 12 years
