Managing Director, KTDA Management Services (MS) LTD at Kenya Tea Development Agency (MS) Ltd

Position scope

Reporting to the Board of Directors KTDA MS and functionally to the Group Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will be responsible for effective strategic leadership of the Company and KTDA managed factories.

Key Responsibilities 

• Providing strategic advice and leadership in the development and implementation of KTDA MS and the managed factories strategic & annual business plans.
• Establishing, directing and managing KTDA managed factory’s managerial, financial and operational systems, policies, procedures and controls.
• Developing and implementing effective advisory services to KTDA managed factories to ensure they run effectively, efficiently and profitably.
• Establishing opportunities for market growth as well as developing value added products for the managed factories.
• Promoting relationship management and networking with local, global business partners and stakeholders.
• Nurturing the organizations human resources by ensuring that appropriate management policies and structures are developed and implemented.
• Ensuring sound ethical conduct by staff in the company and managed factories.
• Ensuring the company’s strategy is communicated to direct reports and the rest of the company.
• Ensuring optimum employee levels in the factories with least amount of overhead and raw material costs to meet annual budgetary plan.
• Formulating and recommending manufacturing policies and programs that guide the organization in maintaining and improving its competitive position.
• Setting and implementing operating standards essential to manufacturing procedures across the factories
• Keeping abreast on information and technology affecting tea production to increase innovation and ensure compliance.
• Participating in dispute resolution by working with relevant functions, government agencies and other stakeholders to resolve Board and shareholder disputes at the factories
• Ensuring effective implementation of factory projects.
• Continuously monitor local and global market trends for the tea industry and advice the board accordingly.
• Ensuring development of maintenance, safety and process standards in all factory companies.
• Working together with HR to negotiate terms and handle grievances with the Union.
• Establishing clear quantitative and qualitative performance targets for all staff to improve operational performance, and to regularly monitor delivery of these targets while taking steps to address any inadequacy.
• Working closely with other departments to positively influence the production of quality teas in the factories.

Qualifications/Skills/Experience

The ideal candidate must possess the following qualifications and competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science & Technology, Engineering, Agriculture or related field.
• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Economics or business related field is an added advantage.
• Post graduate or professional diploma in Management from a recognized institution.
• Minimum fifteen (15) years’ experience, five (5) years of which should be at a senior management level.
• Experience in Food Processing in a large Corporation preferably in Tea Processing Enterprise.
• Must have demonstrated ability to handle divisional budgets, resources, processes, projects and relationships.
• Should have thorough knowledge of the relevant industry/sector as well as knowledge of regulatory requirements affecting the relevant sector.
• Must be capable of functioning effectively both as a team player and a team leader.
• Must have strategic leadership skills with ability to build strategic relationships.
• Should have experience in change management and the ability to drive change in a team.
• Must have high standards of integrity and ethical practice.
• Should have high level problem solving and decision making abilities.
• Should be an effective communicator with the ability to handle high level communication.
• Should be result oriented with ability to deliver desired outcome.
• Should demonstrate ability to identify and respond to risk areas within the division.
• Should have effective people management and conflict resolution skills.
• Must demonstrate ability to handle multiple and conflicting priorities, and work under strict deadlines.