Production Manager at Kiambaa Dairy Farmers Co-operative Society Limited

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the activities of the production facility relating to raw milk, pasteurized milk, yogurt, lala & other value-added products by making sure the Society produces good quality products. 
• Ensure that the milk received and sold by the plant satisfies the prescribed quality both by the Society and the Dairy Regulation Board. 
• Support the Quality Assurance role in the company to ensure that it supports the high-Quality Assurance standards and compliance and to assess potential food security risks. 
• Ensure food security preventive measures are being implemented and routinely audited regarding the handling, processing, and storage of all food ingredients as well as finished dairy products. 
• Ensure all factory Machines are in good condition and working well by checking the machine operator’s reports on a daily basis. 
• Ensure the staff in charge of milk collection and dispatch for both day and night shifts have been handed over well and all the documentation involved is done at the end of each shift and ensure no milk losses. 
• Assist to define new products with a specific emphasis on high-value products to improve the product offering in the market and have the best quality in the market. 
• Maintain proper staffing levels, employee performance evaluations, discipline, and employee recommendations for the production department. 
• Work with relevant teams in finding innovative solutions geared towards the improvement of quality and productivity of society dairy products. 
• Develop annual production expense budgets in accordance with forecasted sales volumes and planned inventory levels for high-value products. 
• Provide reliable and accurate daily, weekly and monthly reports to management to ensure that end-of-month closing schedules are met. 
• Organize production line activities to ensure conformance to established requirements regarding quality, safety, employee relations, productivity, and cost-scheduled volume outputs. 
• Ensure that appropriate standard operating procedures are developed and adhered to for all production processes. 
• Implement new & support the current plant safety programs and ensure compliance with good manufacturing practices (GMPS) and other regulatory requirements. 
• Implement and enforce food safety management systems (ISO 22000:2005) and HACCP. 
• Ensure that the appropriate tests and checks are undertaken- i.e. water, acidity levels, and any chemical reagents are carried out and recorded 
• Monitor the inventory of quality control apparatus and inputs, procurement of the same, and ensure that there is no downtime on milk quality checks 
• Develop and update SOPs, standards, safety, sanitary regulations, waste management, and water supply specifications. 
• Develop good hygiene practices and supervise the cleanliness of the laboratory, production floor, machinery, and equipment. 

Qualifications & Experience 

• Diploma or Degree in Food Science & Technology/Dairy Technology and Management or any relevant qualification. 
• Minimum 5 years experience in Dairy Production and at least 3 years in high-value product processing. 

Skills and Personal Attributes

• Good interpersonal and communication skills 
• Planning and organizing abilities 
• Strong leadership and teamwork abilities 
• Good analytical skills 
• Adaptable with the ability to pro-actively solve problems 
• Integrity, with a commitment to service 
• Ability to make strategic decisions and delegate