Operations Manager – Manufacturing

We are seeking a seasoned and results-driven Operations Manager to lead and coordinate all operational functions within a busy manufacturing environment in Kenya. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this role serves as the strategic nerve centre of the business — bridging executive vision with frontline execution across Factory, Depot, Transport, Commercial, Sales, and Quality functions.

The ideal candidate is a high-accountability leader who thrives in complex, cross-functional environments. You will own the Weekly and Daily Operations Review cycles, drive transformation projects to completion, and ensure every department is aligned to measurable KPIs. This is not a passive oversight role — it demands hands-on leadership, sharp commercial instinct, and an unwavering commitment to quality and compliance.

• Serve as strategic advisor to the Managing Director, aligning operational plans with company-wide transformation goals and ensuring frontline management accountability.
• Lead implementation of cross-functional projects under the Strategic Execution and Transformation agenda, tracking milestones, timelines, and deliverables across all business units.
• Chair Weekly Operations Review (WOR) HOD meetings and ensure Daily Operations Review (DOR) cascading meetings are conducted, minuted, and filed with live dashboards tracking tasks to completion.
• Establish formal escalation paths for stalled actions and unresolved cross-departmental issues; submit weekly and monthly operational summary reports to the MD.
• Implement a matrix accountability framework across Factory, Depot, Transport, and Commercial teams with clear KPIs and escalation mechanisms.
• Develop and execute a strategic sales plan to meet and exceed monthly revenue targets; lead marketing and brand management initiatives with full budget accountability and ROI measurement.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate Sales Representatives to achieve individual and collective targets within a collaborative, results-driven team culture.
• Monitor and grow monthly Customer Satisfaction and Net Promoter Score (NPS) performance.
• Oversee daily and weekly production planning in line with Production SOPs, coordinating shift schedules, material readiness, and preventive maintenance programmes.
• Maintain and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) using Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, and DMAIC methodologies to streamline factory processes.
• Define structured escalation protocols for urgent customer-priority orders and production line downtime in collaboration with the Factory Manager.
• Ensure 100% adherence to KEBS and ISO quality standards, including non-conformance reporting and quality protocol execution.
• Enforce health, safety, and environment (SHE) protocols in line with the company's Occupational Safety policy and statutory regulations (KEBS, OSHA, NEMA, KRA).
• Coordinate quarterly SHE audits, maintain PPE compliance logs, and supervise biannual emergency drills.
• Drive budgeting and cost control initiatives across all operational departments, identifying and eliminating waste.
• Use project management tools including Master Plans and Gantt charts to monitor deliverables and measure operational success.

• Must demonstrate at least 8 years of progressive operations management experience, with a minimum of 3 years in a senior leadership role within a manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• Must be able to design and implement KPI frameworks, accountability matrices, and performance dashboards across multi-departmental teams.
• Must have hands-on experience applying Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, or DMAIC methodologies to reduce waste and improve production efficiency.
• Must be capable of preparing and presenting board-level operational reports, including financial summaries, production metrics, and compliance updates.
• Must demonstrate strong commercial acumen — including the ability to develop sales strategies, manage marketing budgets, and drive revenue growth.
• Must have working knowledge of Kenyan statutory compliance requirements including KEBS, OSHA, NEMA, and KRA frameworks.
• Must be proficient in project management tools (Gantt charts, Master Plans, task trackers) and comfortable running structured review meetings.
• Must possess excellent leadership and conflict-resolution skills, with a proven track record of managing cross-functional teams under pressure.
• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is required; a postgraduate qualification or Six Sigma certification is an added advantage.

The estimated monthly salary for this role is KES 250,000 – 400,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The hiring company offers a competitive compensation package reflective of the seniority and scope of this position.

Ideal candidate: A strategic yet hands-on operations leader with a manufacturing background, strong commercial exposure, and demonstrated ability to manage complex cross-functional teams. You are data-driven, process-oriented, and comfortable operating at both boardroom and factory-floor levels. You hold yourself and your teams to the highest standards of accountability.

Do NOT apply if: You have fewer than 5 years of relevant operations management experience, you lack experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting, or you are uncomfortable with the high reporting cadence and KPI accountability this role demands.

To apply for this position, follow these steps:

• Prepare an updated CV highlighting your operations management experience, key achievements, and any relevant certifications.
• Write a concise cover letter (maximum one page) explaining why you are the right fit for this role and your specific experience in manufacturing operations.
• Submit your application through the Brites Management recruitment portal or via their official careers email address.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial screening interview followed by a technical competency assessment.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If you do not hear back within 14 days of your application, consider your application unsuccessful for this cycle.