Production Coordinator
Bayer East Africa
Quick Take
Manage the complete lifecycle of production orders in SAP across Bayer's maize seed processing plants, converting planned orders into live production batches and ensuring real-time accuracy on the shopfloor.
Advanced SAP PP module proficiency, hands-on experience with production planning systems like Maestro, and strong attention to detail in batch management and goods movement tracking.
Competitive mid-market salary, exposure to world-class agricultural operations at a global Fortune 500 company, and clear development opportunities in production systems and lean continuous improvement.
Job Description
Bayer East Africa is seeking a detail-oriented and systems-savvy Production Coordinator to join its seed processing operations based in Nakuru, Kenya. This is a critical operational role responsible for managing the full life cycle of Production Process Orders — from creation through to closed status — within Bayer's commercial maize seed processing plants across the region.
The ideal candidate will be a confident SAP user with a strong understanding of production planning processes. You will serve as a key link between the planning, shopfloor, and master data teams, ensuring every processing activity is accurately captured in real time within SAP and Maestro systems. Your work directly underpins Bayer's seed production efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement agenda across East Africa.
- Manage the end-to-end life cycle of Processing Orders and Batch Management across all processing sites, including Ethiopia operations.
- Collaborate with the ERD Master Data team to ensure complete and accurate master data setup for respective processing plants.
- Review planned orders in Maestro with the plant planner and firm required orders accordingly.
- Convert Planned Orders (PLO) to Process Orders (PRO) in SAP for DS-Bulk, CS-Bulk, CS-KGWB, CT-Bulk, and TB categories across all processing sites.
- Create and manage batches at all stages, updating relevant values in batch characteristics within SAP.
- Issue process orders to the shopfloor and ensure teams perform requisite goods movements.
- On a weekly basis, set open orders to Confirmation status after verifying goods movements and conducting a mass balance per process order per batch.
- Participate in monthly stock counts for product supply and inventory accuracy.
- Actively identify, communicate, and follow up on SAP errors and deviations from standard processes.
- Contribute to colleague development by providing continuous feedback and facilitating SAP PP module training sessions.
- Maintain a comprehensive archive of processing documents, communications, and activities for all Kenya processing plants and production stations.
- Participate in 5S activities, TIER 2 and TIER 3 meetings, and ensure visual board data accuracy.
- Lead and participate in problem-solving initiatives including 5 Why analyses and Quick Kaizen projects.
- Monitor and action continuous improvement suggestions via the red/blue tag system under the ONEMES framework (HSE, quality, and efficiency).
- Support commissioning of new production system applications and serve as a role model for shopfloor operators.
- Ensure full compliance with internal controls, safety standards, and SAP process protocols at all times.
- Demonstrate hands-on proficiency in SAP — specifically the PP (Production Planning) module — including order creation, batch management, and goods movement processing.
- Apply working knowledge of Maestro or similar production planning tools to review, firm, and convert planned orders.
- Coordinate cross-functionally with master data, planning, and shopfloor teams to maintain real-time system accuracy.
- Execute mass balance calculations and weekly order confirmation processes with precision and accountability.
- Communicate SAP errors clearly and follow through to resolution with relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.
- Facilitate training sessions on SAP PP module for teammates and EMEA colleagues, demonstrating a strong coaching mindset.
- Apply continuous improvement methodologies (5S, 5 Why, Kaizen) in a manufacturing or seed processing environment.
- Work within HSE and quality compliance frameworks, including ONEMES standards.
- Demonstrated experience in agricultural production, seed processing, or FMCG manufacturing operations is an added advantage.
The salary for this position is open and will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Based on the seniority and technical nature of this role within a multinational agribusiness like Bayer East Africa, the estimated market-competitive range is KES 120,000 – 200,000 per month. Bayer offers a comprehensive benefits package in line with its global standards.
Ideal candidate: A mid-level operations or production planning professional with 3–6 years of relevant experience in manufacturing or agribusiness, who is confident navigating SAP PP, thrives in cross-functional environments, and has a passion for continuous improvement. You are highly organized, system-driven, and comfortable working in a structured multinational setting.
Do not apply if: You have no prior experience with SAP or ERP systems in a production environment, are unfamiliar with batch management or process order workflows, or are not comfortable with the documentation and compliance rigor expected in a global agribusiness operation.
- Prepare an updated CV highlighting your SAP PP experience, production coordination responsibilities, and any continuous improvement initiatives you have led or contributed to.
- Write a concise cover letter (1 page) addressing your fit for this role and your familiarity with SAP production planning processes.
- Submit your application through Bayer's official careers portal or the platform where you found this listing.
- Applications close on 6th July 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Requirements Breakdown
Must Have
- Hands-on proficiency in SAP PP (Production Planning) module including order creation, batch management, and goods movement
- Working knowledge of Maestro or similar production planning tools
- Demonstrated experience managing production orders or batch processes in a manufacturing environment
- Strong Excel and data management skills with ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
- Ability to work cross-functionally with planning, shopfloor, and IT teams
Nice to Have
- Experience in seed processing, agricultural production, or similar regulated manufacturing
- Familiarity with 5S, lean manufacturing, or continuous improvement methodologies
- SAP training experience or mentoring capability
- Knowledge of stock management and inventory systems
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Salary Context
Competitive mid-market salary for a systems-heavy production coordination role in Nakuru
At KES 120,000–200,000/month, this role sits above typical entry-level Production Coordinator positions in Kenya but reflects the technical demand (SAP expertise) and responsibility for multi-site operations. Bayer's global scale and the role's critical operational impact support the upper range; actual pay will depend on SAP fluency, prior manufacturing experience, and scope of multi-country oversight (Kenya and Ethiopia).
About Bayer East Africa
Bayer East Africa is a subsidiary of Bayer AG, a global leader in life sciences, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals operating across Africa. Bayer's seed division is a cornerstone of agricultural development in East Africa, supplying high-quality maize seeds to farmers across the region. This is a role within a mission-critical operation that directly supports food security and farmer livelihoods, backed by world-class systems, compliance standards, and professional development opportunities.
Likely Interview Questions
- 1
Walk me through how you would handle a discrepancy between the SAP batch master data and actual goods movement reported by the shopfloor—what is your troubleshooting process?
- 2
Describe your experience using Maestro or a similar production planning tool to review and firm planned orders. How would you approach converting planned orders to production orders across multiple product categories?
- 3
This role involves training colleagues on SAP PP and facilitating 5S or Kaizen activities. Tell me about a time you supported colleague development or led a continuous improvement initiative.
- 4
Bayer operates seed processing plants in both Kenya and Ethiopia. How would you manage documentation, master data consistency, and cross-site communication in a multi-country setup?
- 5
Can you describe your experience with monthly stock counts or inventory reconciliation? How do you ensure accuracy and follow up on discrepancies?
Application Tips
Emphasise SAP PP module expertise prominently—quantify it (e.g. 'proficient in order creation, batch characteristics, and goods movement for 3+ years'). This is the primary technical bar.
Highlight specific production planning tools or systems you've used (Maestro, Oracle, JDA, etc.) and any experience converting planned orders to live production orders.
If you have manufacturing or seed/agricultural industry experience, lead with that—it shows you understand the operating environment and regulatory sensitivity. Mention any involvement in 5S, continuous improvement, or lean projects to signal alignment with Bayer's ONEMES framework.
Include examples of cross-functional collaboration (e.g. working between planning and shopfloor teams) and any experience mentoring or training colleagues on systems.
Career Path
Roles that lead here
Where this leads
Skills & Keywords
Honest Assessment
Green Flags
- Employed by Bayer AG, a global Fortune 500 company with strong reputation for talent development, compliance, and career progression.
- Clear, detailed role description showing structured responsibilities and direct impact on operational efficiency and compliance—indicates mature management and expectation clarity.
- Explicit mention of colleague development, continuous improvement (Kaizen, 5S), and problem-solving participation; signals a learning culture and growth mindset valued by the employer.
- Competitive salary range (KES 120–200k) reflects the technical and operational criticality of the role, particularly for a production support function in a regulated agricultural setting.
Watch Out
- The job description is incomplete (cuts off mid-sentence under 'Required Skills & Experience')—applicants should request the full posting from Bayer to ensure they understand all expectations.
- Role involves multi-country responsibility (Kenya and Ethiopia) but location is listed only as Nakuru; clarify whether travel or relocation is required and how frequently.
- Heavy emphasis on SAP competency and process compliance without explicit mention of salary increment or learning/certification budget—candidates should ask about professional development investment.
A Day in the Life
Your week typically begins with a Monday planning sync reviewing Maestro forecasts with the plant planner, followed by converting approved planned orders into SAP production orders across multiple seed categories (DS-Bulk, CS-Bulk, etc.). Mid-week, you're on the shopfloor coordinating with operators on batch setup, verifying goods movements in real time, and troubleshooting any SAP master data gaps with the ERD team. By Friday, you're running weekly order confirmation checks—validating mass balance calculations and setting open orders to closed status. Throughout the week, you're archiving documentation, monitoring the red/blue tag system for continuous improvement opportunities, and fielding questions from colleagues on SAP PP processes. Monthly stock counts and participation in TIER 2 meetings round out the operational cadence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to be a Production Coordinator at Bayer East Africa?
A diploma or degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or Engineering is typically expected, though the job posting emphasizes hands-on SAP PP proficiency and production planning experience over formal qualification. Certified SAP training or prior ERP system experience is a strong advantage.
Is the Production Coordinator role at Bayer East Africa remote or office-based?
This is a fully office and shopfloor-based role in Nakuru, requiring on-site presence to manage production orders, coordinate with operators, and participate in physical stock counts and 5S activities. Remote work is not mentioned and is unlikely given the operational nature.
How much does a Production Coordinator earn at Bayer East Africa?
The salary range is KES 120,000–200,000 per month, which is competitive for a systems-focused production coordination role in Nakuru. Actual pay depends on your SAP expertise level, manufacturing experience, and scope of multi-country responsibility.
What are the career growth opportunities from this Production Coordinator role?
This role is a springboard to Production Manager, Supply Chain Planner, or SAP Business Analyst positions within Bayer. The emphasis on colleague training, continuous improvement, and systems mastery prepares you for supervisory or specialist roles. Bayer's global scale also creates opportunities for regional or continental career moves.
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