Job Role: Head of Engineering (DAIRY PROCESSING PLANT)

Industry Sector: Dairy Manufacturing / FMCG

Remuneration: Competitive (Commensurate with experience)

Employment Nature: Full-time

Location: Kiambu County

Executive Summary

We are seeking a high-caliber Head of Engineering to spearhead the technical and operational integrity of our dairy processing facility. Your primary objective is to guarantee maximum uptime and efficiency across our high-speed Tetra Pak processing and aseptic filling lines. As a senior leader, you will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of the plant’s infrastructure—from day-to-day preventive maintenance and utility management (steam, power, refrigeration) to the strategic execution of multi-million shilling CAPEX projects. This role demands a balance of deep technical "hands-on" expertise and sophisticated leadership to drive a culture of reliability, food safety, and continuous improvement.

Critical Areas of Accountability

Plant Reliability & Technical Oversight

• Lead all maintenance activities for dairy processing, packaging, and cold chain operations, with a core focus on Tetra Pak aseptic technology.

• Optimize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and energy utilization across the plant.

• Oversee critical utilities, ensuring the seamless operation of boilers, chillers, water treatment, and high-pressure steam systems.

• Implement advanced preventive and predictive maintenance programs to eliminate unplanned downtime.

Strategic Projects & CAPEX

• Architect and execute engineering projects from conceptual design through to commissioning and handover.

• Manage plant expansions, equipment upgrades, and automation initiatives while maintaining strict budget and timeline control.

• Coordinate with global equipment vendors and local contractors to ensure new installations meet international food safety and engineering standards.

• Drive process optimization projects to enhance plant throughput and resource efficiency.

Governance, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure engineering practices align with global food safety standards, including HACCP, GMP, and FSSC 22000.

• Enforce rigorous Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) protocols and environmental regulations across the engineering department.

• Maintain comprehensive engineering documentation, including SOPs, equipment manuals, and CMMS maintenance records.

• Lead the department through internal and external audits, ensuring infrastructure remains in top-tier compliance.

Professional Qualifications

The Essentials

• Education: Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Process Engineering.

• Licensure: Mandatory registration with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).

• Direct Experience: Minimum of 7 years in dairy or FMCG manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership capacity.

• Technical Mastery: Proven, deep-seated experience with Tetra Pak processing and aseptic filling systems is a non-negotiable requirement.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Vision: Ability to align engineering goals with broader business and production objectives.

• Analytical Problem Solver: Expertise in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and troubleshooting complex industrial systems.

• Team Architect: Proven ability to mentor technical teams and build robust succession plans.

• Financial Acumen: Skilled in departmental budget management and CAPEX optimization.

The Value Proposition

• Sector Leadership: Lead technical operations for a high-impact player in the Kenyan dairy industry.

• Complex Infrastructure: Work with cutting-edge automation and processing technologies.

• Professional Standing: A role that recognizes and rewards high-level engineering and leadership expertise.

Qualified candidates who meet the mandatory EBK registration and Tetra Pak experience criteria are invited to submit their comprehensive CVs. Please highlight your specific experience in dairy plant utility management and CAPEX project execution.

Apply today by forwarding your profile to the recruitment team.