Head of Quality & R&D at Capwell Industries Ltd

Role Purpose

This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Food Safety, Regulatory Compliance, and Research & Development across all Capwell operations. The successful candidate will be both strategic and hands-on, responsible for building world-class quality systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, driving export readiness, and leading product innovation from concept to commercialization.

Quality Assurance & Food Safety Leadership

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company’s Quality Management and Food Safety Systems across all Capwell sites.
• Ensure full compliance with Kenyan food safety and manufacturing regulations, including all applicable KEBS standards and requirements.
• Act as the primary liaison with KEBS and other regulatory authorities, leading all inspections, audits, certifications, and regulatory engagements.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve Capwell’s Quality & Environmental Management System (Q&EMS) and Food Safety Management System (FSMS) in line with KEBS, HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, ISO 17025, and export market standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in hygiene standards, process controls, traceability, allergen management, and product safety across all plants.

Multi-Site Quality Oversight

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance across all Capwell manufacturing and distribution sites.
• Standardize quality systems, procedures, and specifications across all locations while respecting local regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular site audits, risk assessments, and performance reviews to ensure consistent application of quality standards.
• Build, coach, and develop site-based QA/QC teams, creating a strong quality culture throughout the organization.

Export & International Standards Readiness

• Lead the development of quality systems suitable for the production of safe foods for export to Europe, the US, and other regulated markets.
• Ensure compliance with customer, retailer, and international regulatory requirements, including documentation, specifications, and product approvals.
• Support export product registrations, certifications, and customer audits.

Research & Development (R&D)

• Take full ownership of the R&D function, leading the development of new products from concept through to commercialization.
• Work closely with Commercial, Operations, and Marketing teams to develop market-ready, value-added food products.
• Ensure new products meet quality, food safety, regulatory, shelf-life, and cost requirements prior to launch.
• Oversee product trials, scale-up, sensory evaluation, shelf-life testing, and validation.

Continuous Improvement & Risk Management

• Analyze quality performance data, customer complaints, non-conformances, and recalls, driving root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Lead food safety risk assessments for new processes, equipment, and products.
• Champion a proactive food safety and quality culture across all levels of the organization.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related discipline. Post-graduate qualifications or certifications in Food Safety or Quality Management are an added advantage.
• 8–10+ years’ progressive experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Food Safety, and Regulatory Compliance within FMCG / food manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience operating at Head of Quality, Senior QA/QC Manager, or equivalent leadership level.
• Strong, hands-on experience dealing with KEBS, including audits, certifications, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong working knowledge and implementation experience in HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, ISO 17025, and food safety management systems.
• Experience managing multi-site manufacturing operations or regional quality portfolios.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading export readiness, including international certifications and compliance with regulated export markets.
• Solid exposure to R&D and new product development, including commercial product launches, process validation, and scale-up.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment capability.
• High levels of integrity, resilience, and leadership maturity, with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including engagement with regulators, auditors, suppliers, and senior leadership.