NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (NPD)PRODUCTION MANAGER

JOB TITLE : NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (NPD)PRODUCTION MANAGER

NATURE OF JOB : FULL TIME

INDUSTRY : FMCG

SALARY : KSHS.100,000

JOB LOCATION : NAIROBI

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

New Product Development

• Lead the end-to-end NPD process, including concept evaluation, production trials, sampling, and commercial launch.
• Coordinate pilot runs and scale-up activities to ensure successful transition from development to full production.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, manufacturability, and production efficiency.

Production Planning and Process Optimization

• Develop production plans, manufacturing processes, and resource requirements for new product introductions.
• Optimize production methods, equipment utilization, and workflow to improve efficiency and minimize production costs.
• Monitor trial production performance and implement corrective actions before commercial rollout.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with R&D, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Supply Chain, Sales, and Marketing to ensure seamless product commercialization.
• Coordinate raw material sourcing, packaging readiness, and production scheduling for new products.
• Provide technical guidance to production teams during product implementation and scale-up.

Quality and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure all new products comply with quality standards, food safety requirements, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Develop and maintain product specifications, production procedures, and technical documentation.
• Monitor adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, and company quality management systems.

Cost Management and Reporting

• Support product costing, budget planning, and cost optimization initiatives to ensure commercial viability.
• Track NPD project timelines, production milestones, and performance indicators, providing regular progress reports to management.
• Identify operational risks and recommend solutions to ensure timely and successful product launches.

KEY REQUIREMENT SKILLS AND QUALIFICATION

• Degree in Food Science, Production Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in production management, product development, or manufacturing operations.
• Experience in FMCG manufacturing and new product commercialization is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of production processes, quality management systems, GMP, HACCP, and cost optimization techniques.
• Strong project management and product commercialization skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement abilities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in production planning, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office applications.

HOW TO APPLY

If you meet the above qualifications, skills and experience share CV on recruitment@britesmanagement.com Interviews will be carried out on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.