Operations Manager - Pineapple Fibre Processing

About the role

Mananasi Fibre Limited is seeking an experienced, hands-on Operations Manager to take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of its pineapple leaf fibre processing business in Thika, Kenya. The role covers production, people, equipment, quality and operational performance, with a focus on improving reliability, efficiency and output as the business scales.

Key responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the fibre processing facility.
• Plan and manage production to meet agreed output, quality, efficiency and cost targets.
• Lead, organise and supervise the production, maintenance and operational teams.
• Monitor production performance and take corrective action when targets are missed.
• Ensure fibre meets customer quality specifications and oversee routine maintenance of decortication, drying, brushing and baling equipment.
• Coordinate preventative and corrective maintenance to minimise downtime, and work with technical and engineering support on troubleshooting and optimisation.
• Manage raw material availability and the flow of pineapple leaves and finished fibre through production.
• Maintain operating procedures, production records and maintenance systems, and report on KPIs such as volume, equipment availability, productivity, quality, waste and costs.
• Improve efficiency, reliability, safety and quality, and ensure health, safety and environmental standards are met.
• Manage staff performance, training, discipline and allocation of duties, and coordinate with suppliers, contractors and service providers.
• Support management with production planning, budgeting, procurement and capacity expansion.

Required profile

• Degree or diploma in Mechanical, Industrial, Production, Manufacturing or Agricultural Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Strong practical experience managing a manufacturing, processing or industrial operation and production teams.
• Experience implementing and monitoring production KPIs.
• Hands-on approach, good organisational and problem-solving skills, and comfort in a production environment.
• Advantageous: experience in agricultural processing, natural fibres, textiles, food processing or biomass processing.

Required skills

• Good understanding of mechanical equipment, preventative maintenance and production troubleshooting.
• Competent with Microsoft Excel and basic production reporting systems.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.