Manager, Production (Vaccines and Biologicals), KBI 3 at The Kenya BioVax Institute

Vacancy No.: KBI/04/01/2025

Job Purpose:

• The Manager, Production, Vaccines, and Biological Division is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring the production of high-quality vaccines through spearheading formulation development and fill and finish. The role will require a keen understanding of commercial production processes while providing leadership, accountability, and responsibility for production activities while instituting efficiencies and cost minimization strategies in the division.

Requirements:

• A minimum period of ten (10) years of relevant work experience, three (3) of which must have been in a Supervisory position in the Public Service or Private Sector;
• Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Pharmaceutical Sciences, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Bio/Chemical Engineering, or equivalent Life Sciences discipline from a recognized institution;
• Bachelor’s degree in the following disciplines: Pharmacy, Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Biotechnology, and Chemistry (Analytical, Industrial, Organic, Biochemistry, Materials Science) or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution;
• Membership to a professional body where applicable;
• Proficiency in computer applications; and
• Demonstrated merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.

Job Specification

Key Competencies and Skills:

• Understanding and working knowledge of commercial production of biologics (vaccines and others);
• Detailed knowledge of pharmaceutical industry standards and guidelines in cGMP, Quality, and Manufacturing;
• Environmental, Social Safeguards, Health and Safety Management;
• Operational costing, Inventory Management, Budgeting, and Planning;
• Analytical and conceptual skills;
• Ability to form and maintain partnerships and collaborations;
• Technical report writing;
• Managerial skills, supervisory, coaching, and mentoring skills;
• Negotiation and conflict management skills;
• Integrity; and
• Results-driven.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the development, review, and implementation of Strategies, Policies, and guidelines for Production;
• Fostering continuous improvement of production processes, focusing on reducing waste, enhancing efficiency, and improving product quality;
• Ensuring compliance with local and international regulatory requirements and standards for production;
• Overseeing the successful transfer of new technologies and products from R&D to full-scale production, overseeing scale-up processes and validation;
• Overseeing the availability and release of appropriate vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and technologies in collaboration with warehouse and quality control teams;
• Promoting innovations of new products, and scale-up or improvement of existing products and processes in collaboration with the Research and Development Department;
• Overseeing the development and implementation of risk management plans;
• Overseeing the integration of new products and technologies into the production process;
• Ensuring production data and records are compiled and maintained as per WHO Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines;
• Approving and managing budgets, procurement plans, and work plans;
• Ensuring timely resolution of customer complaints;
• Approving the technical specifications for production, and engineering equipment, machinery, and resources;
• Developing and overseeing the implementation of advanced contamination control strategies, including cleanroom management, aseptic processing, and environmental monitoring;
• Overseeing Installation, Operation, and Performance Qualification (IQ, OQ & PQ), commission and de-commission of Machines and equipment in compliance with WHO GMP guidelines;
• Contributing to current innovation, technical and operational knowledge on matters affecting the pharmaceutical industry through publications, editorials, among others;
• Ensuring compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007 (OSHA) and Environmental Management requirements;
• Fostering continuous process improvement and providing technical advice on engineering projects and emerging technologies;
• Networking and collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including pharmaceutical industries, regulators, MOH, and professional bodies;
• Implementing Board’s strategies, decisions, and policies as communicated by the CEO;
• Providing regular, thorough, and prompt communication to the CEO on key technical, financial, and administrative matters;
• Reviewing all Board papers for accuracy, relevance, and presentation to the CEO in good time; and
• Overseeing the development and implementation of staff development programs, performance appraisal systems, mentorship, and coaching.