Manufacturing, operations, quality Jobs in Kenya

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Seniority (Manufacturing, operations, quality)

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Finlays Kenya

Agriculture + 2 more

Product Development Engineer

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Job details

Contract Type

Description
Job Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented Product Development Engineer to lead the development, optimization, and commercialization of tea and botanical extract products. Reporting to the General Manager – Finlays Tea Extracts Kenya, the role will connect R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Raw Material Sourcing, and Global Technical Teams to drive product innovation, process improvement, product consistency, and technical problem-solving.


Key Responsibilities

Research & Product Development
  • Lead development and optimization of tea and botanical extracts, including new products and improvements to existing products.

  • Lead product and process development from concept through commercialization.

  • Design and evaluate laboratory, pilot and manufacturing trials.

  • Optimize product performance, including solubility, sensory profile, stability and application fit.

  • Partner with global R&D teams to develop solutions and contribute to innovation programs.

  • Support technical feasibility assessments, scale-up and commercialization of new products.

  • Analyze product performance data and recommend formulation or process improvements.

Process Engineering & Operational Excellence
  • Lead technical troubleshooting and improvement of product consistency across the extract portfolio.

  • Identify root causes of variability related to raw materials, processing and storage and implement sustainable solutions.

  • Optimize extraction efficiency, yield, productivity, waste reduction and process performance.

  • Support scale-up from laboratory and pilot stages to commercial production.

  • Develop process controls that support First Time Right manufacturing.

  • Identify process bottlenecks and drive corrective and continuous improvement actions.

  • Apply statistical analysis, process capability studies and data-driven methods to improve manufacturing performance.

  • Provide technical support for commissioning, equipment upgrades and process modifications.

  • Support digitalization and ERP initiatives, including D365.

Quality & Raw Materials
  • Integrate quality requirements into product development and process improvement activities.

  • Support investigations into product deviations, process nonconformances and customer complaints using Root Cause Analysis.

  • Implement SPC, process capability monitoring and preventive actions to improve product consistency.

  • Support Quality Management Systems, Food Safety Programs, Management of Change and technical risk assessments.

  • Promote GLP, data integrity and world-class manufacturing standards.

  • Investigate the relationship between raw material characteristics, processing conditions and finished product performance.

  • Collaborate with sourcing, tea estates and agronomy teams to manage raw material variability and evaluate new raw materials and suppliers.

Data, Continuous Improvement & Capability Development
  • Analyze laboratory and production data to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities.

  • Lead improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, sustainability and customer satisfaction.

  • Establish KPIs and performance measures for technical performance and improvement projects.

  • Prepare technical reports and recommendations for management.

  • Mentor laboratory and operational teams on product knowledge, process understanding, quality systems and statistical tools.

  • Promote scientific thinking, innovation, problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Process Engineering – required.

  • Postgraduate qualification in Food Science and Technology is an added advantage.

  • Experience in R&D, Process Engineering and Food or Beverage Manufacturing.

Technical Competencies
  • Product development and process engineering.

  • Food/beverage manufacturing, food chemistry and microbiology.

  • Process specifications, benchmarking and analytical testing.

  • World Class Manufacturing (WCM).

  • Continuous Improvement and Six Sigma.

  • Statistical analysis, including DOE and SPC.

  • Experience with Minitab is an added advantage.

Behavioural Competencies
  • Innovation, curiosity and continuous improvement mindset.

  • Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

  • Cross-functional collaboration and team leadership.

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Ability to work under pressure and drive teams toward common goals.

Application Procedure

If you meet the requirements, submit your detailed CV, including postal, email, and telephone contact details, and the names and addresses of three referees. Clearly indicate the position applied for.


Application deadline: 18 September 2026.

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