KETEPA is owned by the Tea Farmers of Kenya through the Kenya Tea Development Agency Limited (KTDA) and the Kenya Tea Growers Association (KTGA). The Kenya Tea Development Agency is the majority shareholder representing over 450,000 small scale tea farmers spread all over the country. These farmers own over 60 tea processing factories countrywide and produces over 60% of all the Kenyan Tea. Other major shareholders include Brooke Bond Kenya Limited (Unilever Tea), James Finlay, Williamson Tea and Eastern Produce (EPK) among others who together own 38 tea processing factories, and produce about 40% of the tea produced in Kenya. Mission "The KETEPA Way" - To always refresh our consumer with trusted quality beverage brands while being committed to our stakeholders.Purpose of the Job This position reports to Head of Production and oversees and manages all tea production operations, ensuring that products are processed, packed and delivered in compliance with quality standards, cost targets and delivery timelines.  Planning and effectively execute all the factory production processes – Receiving, Blending, Packing and Dispatch.  Main Duties and Responsibilities The duties and responsibilities are as follows: Managerial Roles and Responsibilities Production Planning & Management Develop and implement production schedules to meet customer orders and market demand (OOS Management) Coordinate and work closely with Procurement, Quality Control and Maintenance Teams to ensure smooth operations Monitor and adjust Production Plans to address any disruptions or equipment breakdown Contract Packing Management Plan, Coordinate and Oversee contract packing projects for External Clients, ensuring timelines, specifications and quality requirements are met Liaise with Purchasing and Finance Teams to align contract packing capacity with commitments Monitor profitability and resource utilisation for contract packing operations Provide performance reports for contract packing assignments, including efficiency, quality, traceability and profitability metrics Summarise loose tea requirements for procurement to raise Local purchasing Orders (LPOs).  Maintain the Quality Assurance Systems improving and implementing new systems/ guidelines. Implement ISO Managements systems and other relevant standards Participate, in liaison with NDP team other relevant departments in product development.  Operational Duties and Responsibilities Ensure efficient sourcing and utilization of raw materials and factors of production (optimal utilization of plant capacity). Create, implement and ensure occupational health and safety standards are met/observed at all times. Ensure monthly and annual stock taking and reconciliation of raw material (Loose tea and packaging material) Lead, Train and Mentor Production Supervisors, Machine Operators and other staff Conduct Performance Appraisals, identifying training needs and build staff capability Promote teamwork, motivation and discipline in the Production floor Prepare daily, weekly and monthly production reports for management review Manage leave schedules to avoid disruptions of production Analyse production data to identify trends, bottlenecks and improvement areas. Perform any other relevant duties that may be assigned by the Supervisor within the scope of the position. Key Result Areas: The accountability areas are as follows; Proper monthly/annual stock taking Production volume vs target achievement Product quality compliance rate Reporting and documentation People management Waste management Production cost per unit Contract packing turnaround time and customer satisfaction Implementation of ISO standards of Occupational Health and Safety Effective budgetary planning Knowledge and Skills Required The job holder must possess: Bachelor’s degree in Science in Food Science or related field. Eight (8) years of experience. Three (3) of which in Fast Moving Consumer Goods. Good knowledge of ISO 9001 & 22000 Management System Experience in contract Packing manufacturing is an added advantage Strong knowledge of production planning, quality systems and maintenance coordination Excellent Leadership and Communication skills Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications Demonstrated analytical and Information Technology skills