Principal Engineer- Plant Engineering - 2 Posts at The Kenya BioVax Institute

Job Purpose:

The Principal Engineer, Plant Engineering section shall coordinate all processing and engineering functions in the section to ensure efficient intake, processing, and dispatch of quality vaccines, biologicals, and other products through proper utilisation of machinery. Shall coordinate implementation of engineering strategies on technical issues and acquisition of new technology at KBI including the maintenance and calibration of all equipment and for general site maintenance. Shall also support the leadership, accountability and responsibility in the section to set up, test, and adjust manufacturing machinery or equipment, using any combination of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or computer technologies. This is in order to ensure efficient production of products, including vaccines, other biologicals, pharmaceuticals and other health product technologies at the right quantity, quality, cost and timely manner.

Requirements:

• A minimum period of four (4) years in relevant work experience; and
• Demonstrated merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results
• Bachelor Degree in any of the following fields: Mechanical, Mechatronic, Chemical & Processing, Electrical & Electronics, Biomedical Engineering or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Professional membership to the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) or Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK);
• Proven track record with leading safety and continuous improvement initiatives;

Job Specification

Key Competencies and skills

• Analytical and conceptual skills;
• Coach and mentor staff;
• Good verbal and written communication skills;
• Be a team player;
• Attention to detail;
• Persuasiveness;
• Negotiation;
• Influencing and leading;
• Conflict management;
• Adaptability;
• Results-driven.
• High emotional intelligence;
• Organizational skills including planning, monitoring and controlling;
• Interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Accountability; and
• Integrity;

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Guide and advice on plant engineering matters in the section;
• Coordinate implementation of policies, strategies, standards, procedures, and guidelines for the engineering and technical work performed by the section;
• Liaise with the maintenance engineering section for scheduled and timely maintenance and repair of the Institute’s facilities and equipment/machinery;
• Coordinate the planning, control, and management of the sections input materials, labour, and all other resources to ensure optimal utilization;
• Promote high standards of integrity and transparency in all operations and related management practices;
• Spearhead process improvement projects in the section and provide technical advice on Institute-wide engineering projects;
• Manage and coordinate the timely preparation, dispatch and distribution of all section technical reports and board papers as required;
• Prepare work plans, section budget and performance targets and oversee their full implementation;
• Provide the required professional leadership to the processing and engineering team to ensure an environment of the highest standards of discipline, teamwork, and professionalism;
• Manage, approve and maintain relevant documentation, records, SOPs, validation protocols report and respond to deviations jointly with Quality Assurance team;
• Implement compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007 (OSHA) and Environmental management requirements;
• Participate in the collaboration with Production, Marketing and Quality Assurance functions in the bio-production and packaging operations to ensure timely delivery of quality products;
• Implement division’s strategies, decisions and policies as communicated by the Manager Engineering Services;
• Identify needs and support the procurement and replenishment of processing and maintenance consumables for engineering, e.g., chemicals, packaging materials, and spare parts that meet specifications and quality standards;
• Review all reports for accuracy, relevance and presentation to the Manager Engineering Services in good time;
• Spearhead the preparation of standard operating procedures, equipment master list, and equipment qualification plan in the division;
• Coordinate with other functional areas and external agencies for maintenance, machine breakdown, modification and calibration;
• Monitor proper utilization, preventive maintenance and calibration of equipment and machinery according to schedule in liaison with relevant functional areas;
• Promote Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) by utilizing a focused risk-based approach to protect the critical areas and adhere to procedures and support good aseptic practices;
• Liaise with relevant functional areas to undertake training needs assessment of engineering personnel and provide on-job training; and
• Supervise and developing staff to create a cohesive and highly skilled team through effective mentoring, coaching, performance management, and communication.
• Monitor outputs and validate the performance of engineering processes;
• Record and report on personnel Key Performance Indicators;
• Provide regular, thorough and prompt communication to the Assistant Manager Plant Engineering Section on key technical, financial and administrative matters in the section; and
• Prepare the section’s strategic plan, business plan and budgets and submit to the Manager Engineering Services for review and approval;