Head of Operations for a Food manufacturing plant – Tigoni, Kenya

Our client, a reputable food manufacturing company, is seeking an experienced Head of Operations to lead operations at their factory in Tigoni.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across the full operational value chain, from raw material sourcing and processing through to quality, maintenance, stores, dispatch and delivery to customers across East Africa.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Operations will translate the company’s overall strategy into a robust operational plan that ensures the right products are delivered at the required quality, on time and at the optimal cost. The role will focus on building the operational capability, systems and culture required to support profitable and sustainable growth. Leading through a team of functional heads, the successful candidate will set the overall operations agenda, drive performance and continuous improvement, strengthen efficiencies and ensure consistently high standards across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and deliver a 3–5 year operations strategy, covering capacity, investment and capability for growth

Lead the planning process that turns sales forecasts into production, purchasing and stock plans, working with Sales and Finance

Improve efficiency, yield, milk conversion and waste through Lean and Kaizen

Lead purchasing of milk, ingredients and packaging, and build strong relationships with farmers and suppliers

Own food safety and quality, keeping us certified to ISO 22000 and HACCP and compliant with KEBS and the Kenya Dairy Board

Run a planned maintenance programme and manage utilities: boilers, refrigeration, water and power

Deliver on time and in full (OTIF) to customers, distributors and our own stores

Lead a zero-harm safety culture and compliance with OSHA and NEMA

Deliver cost of goods, gross margin and operations budget targets

Build, coach and develop a strong leadership team, with succession for key roles

Key Qualifications

A degree in Food Science or Technology, Dairy Technology, Engineering, Supply Chain or a related field. An MBA or postgraduate qualification is an advantage

At least 10 years in operations, manufacturing or supply chain, including 5 or more years in senior management leading several functions

Food manufacturing experience, ideally in dairy or FMCG

Strong leadership skills

A record of measurable gains in cost, efficiency, quality and service

Strong knowledge of Lean or Six Sigma, HACCP, and ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000

Experience with budgets, investment business cases and ERP systems; strong Excel skills

A strategic, data-driven leader with high integrity, who builds trust with teams, suppliers and customers

Please click on the tab below to apply:

Summit Recruitment and Search Africa is a leading Recruitment and Executive Search agency headquartered in Kenya providing outstanding talent to a wide range of companies and NGOs in various business sectors across Africa.

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