An established manufacturing organization with operations based at its Ruiru Headquarters is currently inviting applications from qualified and experienced professionals for a senior leadership role within its Operations function. The organization operates within a structured production environment and is focused on achieving high standards of efficiency, safety, quality, and cost control across its manufacturing processes. As part of its continued commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth, the organization seeks to strengthen its production leadership by recruiting a Production Manager to oversee and coordinate end-to-end production activities.
This role is positioned at a strategic level within the Operations Department and reports directly to the Head of Operations. The Production Manager will play a central role in ensuring that production activities are effectively planned, executed, monitored, and continuously improved in line with organizational objectives. The role involves managing people, processes, equipment, and resources to deliver consistent output while maintaining compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
This job advertisement is intended for publication on a third-party job board and is presented in a neutral, professional, and structured manner to provide potential applicants with a comprehensive understanding of the role, its purpose, and its responsibilities. All information provided reflects the requirements of the position as outlined by the employer.
Vacancy Overview
Job Title: Production Manager
Department: Operations
Reporting to: Head of Operations
Job Location: Ruiru HQ
Position Summary
The Production Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all production operations within the manufacturing facility. The role is designed to ensure that manufacturing activities are carried out efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively, while consistently meeting defined quality standards and delivery targets. The Production Manager will provide leadership to production teams, manage production budgets, optimize resource utilization, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.
This position requires a hands-on leader who can balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational oversight. The role involves close collaboration with other departments, including Finance, Procurement, Maintenance, and Logistics, to ensure seamless operations and alignment with broader organizational goals. The Production Manager is also expected to contribute to the development and implementation of new technologies, systems, and processes that enhance productivity and operational resilience.
Job Purpose
The primary purpose of the Production Manager role is to provide effective leadership and oversight of production operations to support the organization’s manufacturing objectives. This includes ensuring that production plans are aligned with demand forecasts, operational capacities, and budgetary constraints. The role is focused on achieving optimal production output while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and compliance.
The Production Manager is also responsible for creating an environment that promotes continuous improvement, accountability, and professional growth among production staff. Through the application of Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen principles, the role aims to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance overall plant performance. In addition, the Production Manager is accountable for ensuring that all production activities comply with applicable health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Production Planning and Operations Management
The Production Manager is responsible for managing the overall daily production operations of the manufacturing facility. This includes planning production schedules, allocating resources, and coordinating activities to ensure that output levels align with organizational goals, customer demand, and quality standards. The role requires continuous monitoring of production performance to identify variances and implement corrective actions where necessary.
The Production Manager ensures that production workflows are optimized to support efficient throughput while minimizing downtime and bottlenecks. This involves working closely with supervisors and team leaders to ensure that production targets are clearly communicated and understood at all levels of the operation. The role also requires ensuring that production processes are standardized, documented, and consistently followed across shifts and teams.
Budget Management and Cost Control
A key responsibility of the Production Manager is the management of production budgets. This includes controlling operational costs, monitoring expenditure, and identifying opportunities for cost optimization without compromising quality or safety. The Production Manager is expected to analyze cost drivers within the production environment and implement strategies to improve cost efficiency.
The role involves tracking key financial metrics related to production, such as cost per unit, labor efficiency, and material usage. The Production Manager works in collaboration with the Finance Department to prepare budgets, review financial performance, and support accurate forecasting and reporting. Effective budget management is essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the manufacturing operation.
Preventive Maintenance and Equipment Reliability
The Production Manager is responsible for developing and implementing robust preventive maintenance programs for all production machinery and equipment. This includes coordinating with the Maintenance Department to ensure that equipment is serviced regularly and that potential issues are identified and addressed before they result in breakdowns or production disruptions.
The role involves monitoring equipment performance, analyzing downtime data, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing equipment reliability and lifespan. The Production Manager ensures that maintenance activities are aligned with production schedules to minimize operational impact. By prioritizing preventive maintenance, the role contributes to improved safety, reduced repair costs, and increased production efficiency.
Inventory and Supply Chain Coordination
The Production Manager plays a critical role in monitoring raw material inventory levels and ensuring that production operations are supported by a steady and reliable supply chain. This involves coordinating closely with Procurement and Logistics teams to ensure timely sourcing and delivery of materials required for production.
The role requires maintaining appropriate inventory levels to support production continuity while avoiding excess stock and associated carrying costs. The Production Manager is responsible for identifying potential supply risks and working collaboratively with internal stakeholders to mitigate disruptions. Effective inventory management supports production planning, cost control, and customer delivery commitments.
People Management and Leadership
The Production Manager is responsible for managing and mentoring a diverse team of production staff, including supervisors, team leaders, and operators. The role involves fostering a culture of safety, accountability, productivity, and continuous improvement across the production workforce.
Key people management responsibilities include setting clear performance expectations, conducting regular performance reviews, and providing constructive feedback. The Production Manager identifies training needs and oversees the professional development of team members, with a focus on building a strong production leadership pipeline. By investing in people development, the role supports workforce capability, engagement, and retention.
The Production Manager is also responsible for promoting effective communication within the production team and across departments. This includes facilitating regular meetings, addressing operational issues, and ensuring that information is shared accurately and in a timely manner.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
The role requires close collaboration with other departments, including Finance, Procurement, Maintenance, Quality, and Logistics. The Production Manager facilitates high-level communication between production and these functions to ensure alignment on priorities, resources, and performance objectives.
Through effective cross-functional collaboration, the Production Manager supports integrated planning, problem-solving, and decision-making. This collaborative approach is essential to addressing complex operational challenges and achieving organizational goals.
Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing
The Production Manager is responsible for implementing and maintaining Lean Manufacturing principles and methodologies across the production environment. This includes identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, eliminate waste, and improve process efficiency.
The role involves applying Kaizen principles to drive incremental improvements and foster a culture of continuous improvement. The Production Manager encourages employee involvement in improvement initiatives and supports structured problem-solving approaches. Continuous improvement efforts are expected to deliver measurable gains in productivity, quality, and cost performance.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting
The Production Manager is responsible for preparing regular reports on production performance. This includes analyzing key metrics such as output, yield, efficiency, downtime, and defect rates. The role requires the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable improvement plans.
These reports are used to inform management decision-making and to track progress against operational targets. The Production Manager ensures that performance data is accurate, timely, and aligned with organizational reporting requirements.
Technology and Automation Support
As part of ongoing operational development, the Production Manager assists in the implementation of new technologies and automation solutions where necessary. This includes evaluating potential technology enhancements, supporting implementation projects, and ensuring that production teams are adequately trained on new systems.
The role requires an understanding of how technology can be leveraged to improve efficiency, quality, and safety. The Production Manager works with relevant stakeholders to ensure that technology initiatives are aligned with production needs and organizational strategy.
Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality Compliance
The Production Manager is accountable for ensuring total organizational compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the production environment. This includes implementing safety policies, conducting risk assessments, and promoting safe work practices at all times.
The role also involves overseeing the implementation and maintenance of robust quality management systems to minimize defects and ensure consistent product quality. The Production Manager ensures that quality standards are clearly defined, monitored, and continuously improved.
Any Other Duties
The Production Manager will perform any other duties as assigned by Management that are relevant to the role and aligned with organizational objectives. This may include participation in strategic initiatives, audits, or special projects as required.
Skills and Qualifications
This section reflects the qualifications, experience, and key skills specified for the role.
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field. The successful candidate must have a minimum of seven years of progressive experience in production management within a CKD or SKD manufacturing environment. The role requires proven experience in leading Lean Manufacturing methodologies and continuous improvement initiatives.
The Production Manager must demonstrate proficiency in production management software and ERP systems, along with strong analytical and data interpretation abilities to monitor and improve performance metrics. The role requires excellent leadership and managerial skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate large, diverse teams.
A solid understanding of production planning, scheduling, and inventory management principles is essential. The successful candidate must also possess strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on root cause analysis. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are required to interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
The role requires a comprehensive understanding of manufacturing safety protocols, quality management systems, and environmental regulations, with the ability to ensure compliance across all production activities.
Application Process
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications via email. Applications should be sent to [email protected] on or before 23rd January, 2026. Applicants are required to indicate the role title, Production Manager, in their application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The organization appreciates the interest of all applicants and thanks them for taking the time to apply.
