The Kipchimchim Group stands as a dynamic conglomerate transforming industries across Agriculture, Manufacturing, Wholesale & Distribution, Logistics, Warehousing, Retail and Supermarkets. Starting as a modest retail kiosk in Kericho, Kenya, we have grown into a powerhouse managing over 20 successful companies, including Kipchimatt Supermarkets, Tea Factories, and the prestigious West Valley Sugar Company.Job Overview   To provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership to the entire sugar factory to ensure maximum cane throughput, optimal sugar recovery, quality production, minimal downtime, and full compliance with industry, safety, and environmental standards.  Supervises; Premill Section, Milling Tandem Juice Heaters & Evaporators, Clarifier Section Magma / Remelt Section Crystallization & Pan Boiling Section Centrifugal Section Sugar Hopper & Grader Section Bagging & Dispatch Section Boilers & Turbines Engineering & Maintenance Quality Assurance Safety & Compliance Teams.  Asst. Factory Managers will assist the Factory Manager in undertaking the following roles;-  Key Duties and Responsibilities:  Factory Operations Oversight  Oversee and supervise all sections of sugar processing, including Premill, Mill section, Evaporators, Clarifiers, Magma / Remelt section, Crystallization section,  Centrifugal, Sugar hopper & grader, Bagging and packing section etc and ensure all  sections operate continuously and efficiently to achieve optimum recovery.  Production Planning & Operational Efficiency  Prepare and implement daily, weekly and monthly crushing and production plans based on cane supply.  Monitor KPIs including crush rate, pol extraction, steam economy, and overall recovery.  Analyze process losses and implement continuous improvement measures to ensure efficient production.  Reduce factory stoppages by ensuring timely troubleshooting and section coordination.  Oversee materials movement from cane delivery through operations to sugar bagging and shipment.  Monitor and manage Factory budgets ensuring cost effective operations and controls are in place.  Accountable for custody of all company assets in the Factory.  Maintain and optimize the use of machinery and equipment  Organize and ensure costs effective timely delivery of spares and materials.  Work jointly with maintenance and engineering teams to ensure equipment reliability.  Ensure proper maintenance of mills, gearboxes, crystallizers, clarifiers, boilers, turbines, evaporators, centrifugal, graders, and conveyors.  Lead factory maintenance planning during off-crop season and approve preventive and corrective maintenance schedules for all processing sections.  Monitor resources, minimize process losses and optimize cost efficiency across all operational units.  Quality Assurance & Compliance  Ensure sugar meets KEBS, ISO, and internal quality specifications.  Oversee process sampling, laboratory testing, and corrective actions.  Ensure compliance with environmental standards (NEMA), OSHA, and factory licensing regulations.  Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) Compliance  Enforce strict safety controls across all processing sections.  Ensure that all Operations comply with Health, Safety, Environmental, Food Safety,  RA and all other legal requirements and standards guidelines  Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments and implement emergency preparedness programs and conduct safety audits implement and maintain safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries.  Ensure compliance with Occupational Health requirements.  Review monthly medical and accident reports for risk trend identification.  Facilitate employee wellness and health promotion initiatives within the factory.  Leadership & Human Resource Management  Lead and supervise section heads, shift engineers, chemists, Operators, technical staff and General attendants.  Set performance targets and evaluate section achievements.  Ensure staff discipline, shift coordination, and adequate staffing levels.  Conduct technical training, facilitate training and development opportunities and ensure knowledge transfer to enhance team performance.  Handling administrative escalations, grievances, and conflict resolution related to factory staff.  Foster a collaborative work environment. Coordination & Reporting  Coordinate closely with Agriculture and Transport teams to synchronize cane supply. Prepare regular reports on production performance, quality, safety, and other key metrics. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all factory operations. Communicate effectively and present technical performance trends and improvement strategies to management. Continuous Improvement & Innovation Introduce process automation tools and monitors where applicable. Benchmark operations with best-performing sugar mills locally and internationally. Drive initiatives to improve overall plant efficiency and sugar quality. Stores & Inventory Management Oversee the Engineering/Factory Store to ensure: Timely issuance of spare parts and consumables. Zero stock-outs of critical items during peak crushing. Proper receipt, inspection, and storage of all materials. Required Qualifications & Experience Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Engineering Management, or Operations Management is an added advantage. Professional certifications in operations management, project management, occupational health and safety, or quality management systems are desirable. Minimum 8–15 years of progressive experience in industrial manufacturing, preferably within the sugar, food processing, agro-processing, or related manufacturing sector. At least 5 years in a senior management or supervisory role overseeing production operations Demonstrated experience managing large-scale production processes, maintenance functions, and multidisciplinary teams. Experience with factory budgeting, cost control, and performance management. Key Competencies Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Strong problem-solving, negotiation, and organizational skills. High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism. Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines. Strong organizational and time management skills. Attention to detail and a commitment to quality. Strong analytical and decision-making ability. Effective team leadership and supervision.