Production Engineer

POSITION OVERVIEW
We seek a Production Engineer to lead end-to-end production efficiency, technical workforce management, and operational excellence. This strategic role oversees production targets, equipment reliability, and team performance while ensuring full compliance with safety and labour regulations. The ideal candidate brings proven experience scaling operations, digitizing workflows, and managing diverse technical teams in high-volume environments.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Production & Operational Leadership

• Own daily, weekly, and monthly production targets across all technical operations
• Develop and execute production schedules optimizing resource allocation (labor, equipment, materials)
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce downtime and increase throughput
• Lead root-cause analysis for production failures and implement preventive solutions
• Technical & Equipment Management
• Oversee maintenance strategy (preventive, predictive, corrective) for all production assets
• Ensure machinery operates at optimal efficiency; approve major repair/replacement decisions
• Collaborate with engineering on equipment upgrades, automation, and process optimization
• Maintain technical documentation, SOPs, and equipment lifecycle records
• Team Leadership & Workforce Management
• Lead, mentor, and develop technical supervisors and team leads (600+ employee experience preferred)
• Manage full workforce lifecycle: recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning
• Oversee shift structures, overtime allocation, and casual/contract labor integration
• Build high-performance culture through KPIs, incentives, and structured feedback
• Compliance, Safety & Quality
• Ensure strict adherence to DOSH, NITA, and industry-specific regulatory standards
• Chair safety committee; investigate incidents and enforce corrective actions
• Maintain ISO/quality certifications and audit readiness
• Oversee environmental compliance and waste management protocols (where applicable)
• Cost Control & Efficiency
• Manage operational budgets, cost-per-unit metrics, and capital expenditure proposals
• Optimize labour costs through productivity gains and strategic workforce planning
• Negotiate with vendors and service providers for maintenance contracts and spare parts
• Digital Transformation & Reporting
• Champion  production management system implementations
• Analyze production data to inform strategic decisions, report to executive leadership
• Standardize reporting frameworks for visibility across shifts and departments

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field. KCSE and KCPE Grade B in KCSE and KCPE is a must
• 3–5 years’ experience in industrial operations, plant operations, or machine operations.
• Experience supervising or coordinating technical teams is an added advantage.

Core Competencies

• Operational Excellence: Deep expertise in production planning, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), and lean methodologies
• Strategic Workforce Leadership: Proven ability to restructure teams, digitize HR processes, and manage industrial relations
• Technical Acumen: Hands-on understanding of mechanical/electrical systems and automation trends
• Compliance & Risk Management: Mastery of Kenyan labour laws, safety regulations, and audit protocols
• Financial Literacy: Budget ownership, cost optimization, and ROI analysis for capital projects
• Change Management: Experience driving organizational transformation and technology adoption
• Stakeholder Management: Effective engagement with unions, regulatory bodies, and executive leadership