Operations & Quality Control Manager

Talent Grid Africa, on behalf of a leading client in the chemical construction industry, is recruiting a seasoned Operations & Quality Control Manager to be based in Nairobi. This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving quality assurance, optimising manufacturing operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement across the production environment.

If you have deep technical expertise in quality management systems, hands-on experience with construction chemicals or related industrial products, and a track record of leading high-performing teams, this role offers a compelling opportunity to make a tangible impact at an established manufacturing organisation.

• Oversee end-to-end quality assurance and quality control processes across all manufacturing lines, ensuring products consistently meet internal specifications and industry standards.
• Lead, mentor, and manage QC laboratory teams and operations supervisors, setting clear performance targets and accountability frameworks.
• Implement, maintain, and continuously improve ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems, ensuring full documentation and audit readiness at all times.
• Monitor and analyse operational KPIs to identify inefficiencies, drive process improvements, and reduce waste across manufacturing workflows.
• Coordinate regulatory compliance activities, ensuring all products and processes adhere to relevant local and international standards for construction chemicals, coatings, adhesives, and cementitious products.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, procurement, and production teams to resolve quality issues, approve raw material specifications, and validate new product formulations.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) investigations for non-conformances and customer complaints, implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Develop and deliver training programmes to upskill production and QC staff on quality standards, safe handling of chemicals, and best practices.
• Prepare and present quality and operations performance reports to senior management, providing data-driven insights and recommendations.
• Manage supplier quality assessments and incoming inspection protocols to ensure raw material integrity.

• Demonstrate at least 5 years of hands-on experience in Quality Control, Quality Assurance, or Manufacturing Operations within a technical or industrial environment.
• Show a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory or management role, with proven ability to lead, develop, and hold teams accountable.
• Apply deep knowledge of ISO 9001 QMS — not just awareness, but the ability to implement, audit, and maintain the system independently.
• Interpret laboratory test results for construction chemicals, paints, coatings, adhesives, or cementitious products and translate findings into operational decisions.
• Use data analysis and problem-solving methodologies (RCA, CAPA, Six Sigma, or Lean) to drive measurable improvements in quality and operational efficiency.
• Communicate technical quality standards clearly to non-technical stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment without compromising quality or safety standards.

The gross monthly salary for this role is KES 350,000. This is a full-time, permanent position based in Nairobi. Additional benefits are aligned with the client's compensation policy for senior management roles.

Ideal candidate: A results-driven quality and operations professional with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Civil Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering, who has at least 5 years of relevant industry experience and has led teams in a structured manufacturing environment. You are analytically minded, process-oriented, and comfortable taking ownership of both strategic quality planning and day-to-day operational challenges.

Do NOT apply if: You have fewer than 5 years of relevant experience in QC or manufacturing operations, have no hands-on exposure to ISO 9001 implementation, or have not held a supervisory or management role. This is not an entry-level or purely laboratory-focused role.

• Prepare an updated CV highlighting your QC/operations management experience, ISO 9001 involvement, and relevant industry background.
• Submit your application through the Talent Grid Africa careers portal or the job platform where you found this listing.
• Ensure your CV clearly reflects your years of experience, supervisory responsibilities, and specific products or industries you have worked in.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Do not pay any fees at any stage of this recruitment process.