Deputy Head of Manufacturing
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Job Summary
Job Title: Deputy Head of Manufacturing
Department: Manufacturing / Operations
Reports To: Head of Operations
Location: Thika
Industry: Refinery / Soap & Detergent / FMCG / Chemical Manufacturing
Position Summary
The Deputy Head of Manufacturing supports the Head of Operations in overseeing full-scale plant operations across refinery soap and detergent production units. The role ensures seamless production execution operational discipline quality compliance maintenance coordination and resource optimization. This position is responsible for production planning monitoring KPIs minimizing stock variances and driving efficiency improvements and cost-saving initiatives across the manufacturing processes. The role requires strong technical knowledge leadership capability and experience in multi-product manufacturing environments.
Key Responsibilities
1. Production & Operations Leadership
Supervise and coordinate daily operations across refinery soap and detergent production lines.
Ensure production targets are achieved while maintaining quality safety and cost efficiency.
Monitor and optimize process parameters to maintain consistent product quality and operational stability.
Support capacity planning production scheduling and raw material utilization.
Oversee shift operations manpower planning and workforce productivity.
2. Stock Variance & Material Accountability
Lead stock monitoring processes for raw materials work-in-progress (WIP) and finished goods.
Review and validate daily weekly and monthly stock variance reports.
Conduct root-cause analysis for deviations and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Strengthen internal controls to improve material balance accuracy from input to output.
Coordinate with supply chain warehouse and finance teams for accurate reporting and reconciliation.
3. Efficiency Performance Improvement & Optimization
Monitor key operational KPIs: yield recovery OEE energy usage batch cycle time and productivity.
Identify gaps in processes and drive continuous improvement projects (Lean Six Sigma TPM).
Reduce manufacturing losses improve throughput and enhance overall plant performance.
Implement digital monitoring systems and support automation initiatives.
4. Maintenance Coordination
Collaborate with maintenance teams to ensure preventive predictive and breakdown maintenance is executed on time.
Minimize unplanned downtime and ensure equipment reliability and availability.
Participate in shutdown planning execution and post-analysis.
Ensure all equipment and utilities comply with operational and safety standards.
5. Quality Safety & Compliance
Ensure all products meet internal quality specifications and industry regulatory standards.
Support the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Conduct regular audits on process quality hygiene safety and housekeeping.
Promote a strong culture of safety discipline and compliance across the plant.
6. Reporting & Documentation
Prepare and review daily weekly and monthly production performance reports.
Present variance analysis efficiency metrics downtime reports and improvement updates to management.
Ensure timely and accurate documentation of process records deviations and compliance reports.
Analyze trends and recommend data-driven solutions for process improvement.
7. Cost Reduction & Continuous Improvement
Identify cost-saving opportunities across raw materials utilities manpower and process optimization.
Lead cross-functional cost reduction and waste minimization projects.
Implement process automation and productivity enhancement initiatives.
Benchmark processes with industry standards to ensure competitive manufacturing costs.
8. Leadership & Team Development
Mentor production managers supervisors and operators to build technical competency.
Drive training programs focused on safety quality process improvement and equipment handling.
Promote a culture of teamwork accountability and continuous improvement.
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering Industrial Engineering Mechanical Engineering or related field (Masters preferred).
810 years of experience in manufacturing operations preferably in Refinery Soap Detergent or Process Chemical industries.
Strong technical understanding of refining operations saponification detergent processing filling & packaging lines.
Proven expertise in production planning process control stock variance management and efficiency improvement.
Familiarity with Lean TPM Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience working with CMMS ERP and manufacturing analytics systems.
Company Industry
IT Services and IT Consulting
Key Skills
- Energy Management
- Insurance Management
- HR Marketing
- Catia
- Administration And Secretarial
