The position involves overseeing a dynamic team responsible for delivering high-quality products and services. Key requirements include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, along with at least three years of experience in a similar role. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership abilities, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record of managing complex projects. Responsibilities encompass strategic planning, team coordination, and ensuring adherence to company policies and industry regulations. Additionally, the role demands proficiency in data analysis, budget management, and stakeholder engagement to drive organizational success.
As the Value Stream Manager for New Product Development (NPD) and Convenience Foods, you will assume full accountability for Caswell’s end-to-end value stream, encompassing operations across the Beverage Plant, Ready-to-Eat (RTE) facilities, Extrusion and Puffed Snacks production, FRK manufacturing, and Fried Snack operations.
You will oversee the overall health of the production stream, ensuring its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, quality standards, food safety compliance, workforce capability, and agility in adopting and commercializing new products swiftly. Reporting directly to the Head of Manufacturing & Engineering, you will manage a team comprising supervisors, shift leads, and production operators while serving as the key manufacturing execution lead within Caswell’s NPD Stage-Gate framework.
This position is dedicated to establishing robust operational frameworks. You will introduce lean methodologies to a rapidly expanding manufacturing setting, define necessary protocols where none currently exist, and lay the groundwork for Caswell to consistently and efficiently introduce new products at scale.
Oversee and execute a broad range of critical duties, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic objectives. Lead cross-functional teams to drive project completion while maintaining rigorous standards of quality and efficiency. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance operational performance and mitigate risks. Collaborate closely with senior leadership to analyze performance metrics, identify trends, and recommend data-driven improvements. Facilitate communication between departments to foster a cohesive work environment and streamline workflows. Monitor compliance with industry regulations and internal policies, conducting regular audits and assessments to uphold accountability. Provide mentorship and guidance to team members, cultivating a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
The role requires expertise in streamlining value stream flow and driving lean leadership initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and eliminate waste. Responsibilities include analyzing current processes, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing lean methodologies to optimize workflows. The ideal candidate will lead cross-functional teams to foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives. Strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a proven track record in lean transformation are essential. Experience in change management and the ability to mentor teams in lean principles are critical to success in this position.
Map, oversee, and enhance the complete journey of materials and information across the convenience foods value stream, transitioning from the present state to the future state.
Employers are encouraged to apply lean methodologies to methodically reduce waste throughout the workflow, employing take time optimization, standardized procedures, visual controls, 5S implementation, Kaiden initiatives, and pull-based systems.
Facilitate structured accountability by conducting tier management routines on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis across all organizational levels of the stream.
Oversee the development and management of the stream’s capacity model and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (ONE) program, systematically identifying the primary sources of loss and spearheading targeted improvement initiatives.
The commercialization and scale-up of new products requires a strategic approach to ensure seamless market introduction and robust production capabilities. This role focuses on bridging the gap between product development and full-scale manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on efficiency, quality, and timely delivery. Key responsibilities include overseeing the transition from prototype to market-ready products, optimizing production processes, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Candidates should possess a proven track record in product commercialization, experience in scaling operations, and a deep understanding of supply chain management, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.
As the manufacturing lead within Caswell’s NPD Stage-Gate framework, you will oversee the entire product development lifecycle, beginning with feasibility evaluations and progressing through pilot production, process validation, and final commercial launch approval.
Own the entire ramp process, transitioning from validated pilot to full-scale commercial production by developing robust manufacturing standards, detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs), yield benchmarks, and critical quality control checkpoints for each new product.
Oversee the ongoing development of an NPD pipeline tracker and ensure manufacturing readiness is consistently demonstrated at each Stage-Gate review.
Provides strategic direction and oversight for technical processes and operational frameworks, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and industry best practices. Drives innovation and efficiency improvements across systems, methodologies, and workflows. Leads cross-functional teams to implement and optimize technical solutions while maintaining rigorous quality standards and compliance requirements. Collaborates with senior leadership to shape long-term technology roadmaps and process enhancements.
Provide robust technical leadership 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 all production lines to enhance product quality, increase throughput and yield, and reduce costs by collaborating closely with Engineering and Maintenance teams to bolster equipment reliability and ensure adherence to planned maintenance schedules.
The role focuses on enhancing and maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring that workflows are optimized to meet strategic objectives. Key responsibilities include analyzing performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing corrective actions to streamline processes. The position requires strong analytical skills, proficiency in data interpretation, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive productivity. Additionally, the role involves monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting on progress, and recommending process enhancements based on insights gained. Ideal candidates should possess experience in operational management, a results-driven mindset, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Establish and meet performance targets spanning safety, quality, output, ONE, waste reduction, labor productivity, and manufacturing cost efficiency for all facilities within the stream.
Deliver structured problem-solving methodologies—such as 8D, 5-Why, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA)—across all organizational levels, identifying the underlying causes of production losses and quality deviations to ensure permanent solutions.
Ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and maintaining high-quality standards are critical responsibilities within this role. Candidates must possess a thorough understanding of food safety protocols, including HACCP principles and regulatory requirements. Proficiency in quality assurance methodologies, as well as experience in implementing and auditing food safety systems, is essential. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are necessary to identify potential risks, evaluate compliance, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams are required to uphold food safety and quality objectives throughout the organization.
Provide strategic leadership in food safety throughout the entire value stream, encompassing HACCP, GMP, allergen management, traceability, and food defense protocols, ensuring consistent adherence in both existing operations and new product trials.
Develop frameworks and processes that ensure compliance with globally recognized food safety standards, such as FSSC 22000, BRC, KEYS, or their equivalents.
We seek a skilled professional to oversee cost analysis and margin optimization, ensuring financial efficiency and profitability. This role requires meticulous attention to detail and proficiency in financial modeling, budgeting, and expense tracking. Key responsibilities include evaluating cost structures, identifying savings opportunities, and providing data-driven recommendations to enhance profit margins. Strong analytical skills, experience with financial software, and a background in accounting or finance are essential. The ideal candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement cost-effective strategies and drive sustainable financial growth.
Accountable for the complete management of manufacturing costs, encompassing raw materials, utilities, labor, packaging, and waste, with a heightened focus on the cost-to-manufacture for new product introductions.
Enhance manufacturing margin by implementing and sustaining yield improvement and waste elimination initiatives, ensuring measurable and lasting results.
We are seeking a dynamic professional to lead our People & Capability function, focusing on talent development, organizational effectiveness, and capability building initiatives. The ideal candidate will drive strategic workforce planning, design and implement learning and development programs, and enhance employee engagement strategies to foster a high-performance culture. Key responsibilities include overseeing performance management systems, succession planning, and diversity & inclusion efforts, while collaborating with senior leadership to align people strategies with business objectives. Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field, along with at least seven years of progressive HR experience, preferably within a senior leadership role. Proficiency in HRIS, talent analytics, and change management is essential, along with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
Drive the development and performance of a top-tier team comprising supervisors, shift leads, and operators by establishing robust accountability frameworks and fostering a culture of 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 position overseeing a value stream, plant operations, or a similar capacity, candidates should demonstrate a strong background in operational management and strategic oversight.
Experienced in implementing Value Stream Management or lean manufacturing methodologies within food or FMCG operations, with a proven track record in areas such as value stream mapping, take time optimization, and systematic waste reduction.
A deep and practical understanding of the technical aspects of snacks, extrusion processes, convenience foods, ready-to-eat (RTE) products, or similar food categories is mandatory and non-negotiable.
Demonstrated expertise in new product development commercialization, encompassing the complete manufacturing journey—from conducting line trials and validating processes to establishing yield benchmarks and scaling up to full commercial production.
A minimum of HACCP food safety certification is required, with a strong preference for additional certifications such as FSSC 22000 or BRC.
Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt certification would be highly beneficial to this role.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in cost control, delivering tangible improvements to manufacturing expenses and profit margins.
A bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or Industrial Engineering is a mandatory qualification.
At Caswell Industries Ltd., discover why joining our team presents a compelling opportunity for professional growth. We seek individuals who thrive in dynamic environments and are eager to contribute to innovative projects that shape the future of our industry. As a valued member of our organization, you will engage in meaningful work that aligns with your skills and career aspirations, while benefiting from a supportive and collaborative workplace culture. Our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement ensures that you will have access to resources and opportunities that foster both personal and professional development. If you are motivated by challenges and driven to achieve exceptional results, we invite you to explore how you can make a lasting impact with us.
At Caswell, we are committed to developing 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 foster a fast-paced environment where driven professionals can contribute to meaningful change. Joining Caswell entails:
Assuming full senior leadership accountability for an entire value stream, equipped with the mandate, team, and resources necessary to develop it to a world-class standard.
As a valued member of a globally recognized food industry leader, you will contribute to a company renowned for its unwavering consumer confidence and distinguished portfolio of well-known household brands.
Driving excellence at the convergence of lean manufacturing, food technology, and new product development commercialization—a distinctive and highly sought-after blend of expertise within the Kenyan market.
Thriving in a dynamic, results-oriented setting where your strategic choices yield tangible and immediate commercial benefits is essential.
Dedicated to driving product advancement and expansion, this role plays a pivotal part in enhancing offerings utilized by millions across Kenyan households.
Joining an organization at a pivotal juncture presents a unique opportunity to establish operational frameworks that will define the company’s trajectory over the next ten years.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 12 years
