Job Title: Factory Manager – Cosmetics & Soap Manufacturing

Location: Kenya (Relocation required)

Industry: Manufacturing / FMCG / Personal Care

Career Level: Senior Management / Executive

Years of Experience: 12+ years (including 5+ years in senior management)

Salary: To be discussed

About the Opportunity

A leading cosmetics and soap manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Factory Manager to lead a new production facility in Kenya during its critical startup and commissioning phase.

This is a unique opportunity for a senior manufacturing professional to build and shape operations from the ground up, establish quality and operational excellence systems, and drive a new plant toward stable commercial production in a growing East African market.

We welcome applications from experienced candidates currently based in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and other countries who are willing to relocate to Kenya for this exciting leadership role.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Lead all plant operations including production, quality, maintenance, engineering, planning, supply chain, warehousing, and occupational health & safety.
• Develop and implement operational and strategic plans aligned with company growth objectives and expansion plans.
• Ensure continuous plant operation and achieve the highest levels of efficiency, productivity, and operational reliability.
• Monitor and analyze operational KPIs and implement corrective actions to improve performance.

Startup & Commissioning

• Lead the commissioning and startup phase of production lines, addressing current technical and integration challenges.
• Oversee equipment installation, testing, calibration, and handover to ensure full operational readiness.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), emergency plans, and safe startup/shutdown protocols from scratch.
• Build and unify efforts between engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to ensure smooth plant launch.

Production & Manufacturing

• Oversee production lines for solid and liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, creams, lotions, gels, petroleum jelly, sanitizers, and personal care products.
• Manage filling, packaging, cartoning, labeling, and plastic container manufacturing lines (automatic and semi-automatic).
• Improve production line efficiency, increase output, reduce breakdowns and unplanned downtime.
• Optimize product quality and manufacturing process stability.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure full implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), ISO quality standards, and HSE regulations.
• Oversee raw material and finished product quality control and ensure compliance with approved specifications.
• Lead internal and external audits and address technical and operational observations.
• Develop quality systems and continuous improvement programs to enhance operational performance.

Maintenance & Engineering

• Oversee preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance programs.
• Ensure technical readiness of all production lines and industrial equipment.
• Manage mechanical, electrical, and automation maintenance teams.
• Improve equipment reliability and reduce unexpected failures.
• Participate in expansion projects and installation of new production lines.

Planning, Costing & Performance Management

• Prepare and monitor operational and production plans and annual budgets.
• Control operating and production costs and work to improve operational efficiency and reduce expenses.
• Analyze performance indicators and prepare operational reports for senior management.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, TPM, and Operational Excellence concepts.

Supply Chain & Warehousing

• Oversee inventory management of raw materials, packaging materials, and finished goods.
• Ensure availability of materials required for production without interruption.
• Coordinate with procurement, supply chain, and planning departments.

Leadership & People Management

• Build and lead high-performing teams across production, quality, maintenance, and warehousing.
• Develop the organizational structure and manage performance appraisal, training, and technical development.
• Foster a culture of discipline, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement within the factory.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, or Production Engineering (or equivalent). Required
• Master's degree in Industrial Management or Operations Management is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 12 years of experience in cosmetics, soap, or personal care manufacturing plants. Required
• At least 5 years in a senior management role such as Factory Manager, Plant Manager, or Operations Manager. Required
• Proven experience in commissioning, startup, or greenfield manufacturing projects is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, ISO quality systems, and industrial operations management.
• Experience with ERP systems and operational reporting (Odoo experience is a plus).

Technical Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing operations, quality management, maintenance, and supply chain.
• Strong understanding of cosmetics production processes, filling, packaging, and plastic manufacturing.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, maintenance, suppliers) and resolve conflicts professionally.
• Analytical, decision-making, and crisis management skills.

Language:

• Fluent in Arabic (spoken and written). Required
• Fluent in English (spoken and written). Required

Personal Attributes:

• Hands-on, practical leader who works on the factory floor, not just from the office.
• Ability to build systems, enforce discipline, and lead confidently during a critical startup phase.
• Strong communication skills with senior management and ability to defend plant decisions professionally.
• Willingness to relocate and work full-time on-site in Kenya.

What We Offer

• Relocation support for the right candidate.
• Opportunity to lead a new manufacturing facility and build operations from the ground up.
• Professional growth in a dynamic and growing market.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV in English highlighting your relevant experience in cosmetics/soap manufacturing, startup/commissioning projects, and senior factory management roles.

Applications from candidates in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and East Africa are strongly encouraged.