Production Manager (Stationery items)

PRODUCTION MANAGER – STATIONERY

Location: Kenya

Industry: Manufacturing

Reports To: Operations Manager / General Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee manufacturing operations, ensuring efficient production, consistent quality, optimum machine utilization, cost control, and timely delivery of customer orders.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Operations

• Plan and monitor daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules.
  
• Coordinate manpower, shifts, raw materials, machines, and production requirements.
  
• Ensure customer orders are completed on time and as per specifications.
  
• Monitor machine availability, utilization, downtime, and production efficiency.
  
• Establish and maintain standardized work procedures for production cells.
  

Production Performance

• Review daily production and OEE reports.
  
• Monitor input vs. output, production variances, wastage, rejects, and rework.
  
• Identify production bottlenecks and implement corrective actions.
  
• Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, and cost.
  
• Ensure achievement of production targets and schedules.
  

Manpower Management

• Ensure skilled manpower is deployed effectively across production areas.
  
• Optimize manpower utilization and productivity.
  
• Identify skills gaps and coordinate training with HR.
  
• Conduct performance reviews and implement skills improvement plans.
  
• Manage and motivate production supervisors and operators.
  

Quality & Customer Complaints

• Ensure finished products meet quality standards and customer specifications.
  
• Work closely with QC to reduce rejects, rework, and customer complaints.
  
• Conduct Pareto analysis and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for recurring issues.
  
• Implement corrective and preventive actions.
  
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste while maintaining product quality.
  

Continuous Improvement

• Drive Kaizen, 5S, TPM, Lean Manufacturing, and Visual Management initiatives.
  
• Improve production processes, workflow, and workplace organization.
  
• Lead waste-reduction and cost-saving initiatives.
  
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement across the production team.
  

Reporting & Compliance

• Conduct daily production reviews with QC, supervisors, and relevant teams.
  
• Monitor and report OEE, production output, costs, material usage, downtime, and variances.
  
• Prepare regular production and performance reports.
  
• Report breakdowns, accidents, machine downtime, and under-performance.
  
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, quality, and operational standards.
  

Key Performance Indicators

• Production plan achievement: ≥95%
  
• Schedule adherence: ≥95%
  
• Machine availability: ≥95%
  
• OEE: Target 75%
  
• Machine utilization: ≥95%
  
• Production variance: within ±2%
  
• TPM compliance: ≥90%
  
• 5S audit score: ≥85%
  
• Reduction in waste, rejects, rework, and customer complaints
  
• 100% completion of RCA and corrective actions
  
• Zero workplace accidents
  

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Printing Engineering, Operations, Business Administration, Manufacturing, or related field.
  
• MBA/Master's degree is an added advantage.
  
• Minimum 5 years' experience in Production Management in Stationery items
  
• Experience managing production teams and shifts.
  
• Strong knowledge of production planning, quality control, machine utilization, and cost management.
  

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management.
  
• Excellent production planning and organizational skills.
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  
• Knowledge of OEE, TPM, 5S, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma.
  
• Strong understanding of production KPIs and cost control.
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
• Ability to work under pressure and drive team performance.