Production Manager – Tissue Manufacturing

MSVL Group is seeking an accomplished and results-driven Production Manager to lead tissue manufacturing operations at one of its facilities in Kenya. This is a senior leadership role designed for a seasoned manufacturing professional who understands the demands of high-volume, automated production environments and can deliver consistently on quality, safety, and efficiency targets.

The successful candidate will oversee the full production cycle — from converting and packing to folder line operations — while driving a culture of continuous improvement, zero-waste thinking, and operational excellence. If you have deep experience in tissue, paper, or FMCG manufacturing and thrive in fast-paced industrial settings, this role offers a significant opportunity to shape production outcomes at scale.

• Manage end-to-end production operations including automated converting machines, packing systems, and folder lines to consistently meet quality, safety, and output targets.
• Lead, coach, and develop the production team — setting performance expectations, conducting reviews, and building technical competency across shifts.
• Drive equipment efficiency through proactive maintenance scheduling, downtime analysis, and root-cause problem solving.
• Design and implement preventive maintenance programmes to maximise machine uptime and minimise unplanned stoppages.
• Champion waste reduction initiatives and embed lean manufacturing principles across all production stages.
• Oversee adherence to Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards, ensuring the factory remains compliant with regulatory and internal policies.
• Maintain and improve quality control systems, conducting regular audits and ensuring finished goods meet specification consistently.
• Collaborate with procurement, logistics, and planning teams to ensure raw material availability and production scheduling accuracy.
• Generate and present production performance reports, KPIs, and improvement plans to senior management.
• Identify capital investment needs and support decision-making on new equipment, upgrades, or process changes.

• Holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Demonstrates 10–15 years of progressive manufacturing experience, with at least five years spent leading a production team in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Can operate, troubleshoot, and optimise automated converting machines, packing lines, and folder systems specific to tissue or paper manufacturing.
• Applies working knowledge of electrical systems and industrial automation to diagnose and resolve equipment issues efficiently.
• Has implemented or managed HSE programmes and can demonstrate measurable improvements in workplace safety metrics.
• Uses data-driven approaches to production planning, capacity management, and performance monitoring.
• Has delivered continuous improvement or lean manufacturing projects with quantifiable results in waste reduction, output, or cost savings.
• Communicates clearly across all levels — from shopfloor operators to executive management — in written and verbal formats.
• Experience in tissue, paper, FMCG, or similarly automated manufacturing environments is strongly preferred.

Based on market benchmarks for senior engineering and manufacturing leadership roles in Kenya, the estimated monthly gross salary for this position ranges from KES 250,000 to KES 400,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated track record. The actual offer will reflect the candidate's depth of expertise in tissue or paper manufacturing operations.

Ideal candidate: A senior mechanical engineer with hands-on tissue or paper manufacturing experience, proven people leadership skills, and a track record of driving efficiency and safety in automated production environments. You are process-oriented, data-savvy, and capable of making high-stakes operational decisions independently.

Do NOT apply if: You have fewer than five years in a production leadership role, have no exposure to automated manufacturing or converting equipment, or are unable to demonstrate direct HSE and quality management responsibilities in a previous role.

To apply for this position, follow the steps below:

• Prepare an updated CV (PDF preferred) highlighting your manufacturing experience, team leadership history, and measurable achievements in production management.
• Write a concise cover letter (no more than one page) outlining your experience in tissue, paper, or FMCG manufacturing and why you are the right fit for this role.
• Submit your application through the MSVL Group careers portal or via the job platform where this vacancy is listed.
• Ensure your application is submitted promptly — only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
• Due to the volume of applications, MSVL Group may not respond to every submission; if you do not hear back within three weeks of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful for this cycle.