Operations Manager – Production & Digital Transformation

About the role

Essential is seeking an Operations Manager based in Kenya to lead production excellence and drive digital transformation across its fermentation plant. The role blends deep operational expertise with a forward‑looking focus on technology, data, and team leadership to scale biotech manufacturing.

Key responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day production operations, ensuring batches meet specifications, schedules, and budgets.
• Maintain on‑site presence to enforce operational discipline, process adherence, and rapid issue resolution.
• Oversee scheduling, production planning, and resource allocation to hit output and quality targets.
• Develop and enforce SOPs aligned with best practices in biotechnology manufacturing.
• Monitor KPIs for production, quality, and cost; drive continuous‑improvement programs.
• Prioritize and implement high‑impact digital solutions, including dashboards and real‑time monitoring systems.
• Partner with software teams to build automated reporting pipelines and evaluate AI‑powered tools such as process digital twins, automated scheduling, and computer‑vision QC.
• Define operational data standards, ensure data quality, and embed analytics into daily decisions.
• Lead AI literacy training and hands‑on tool adoption for the operations team.

Required profile

• Strategic and operational leader with experience in biotechnology or related manufacturing environments.
• Proven ability to manage production planning, resource allocation, and SOP enforcement.
• Strong focus on continuous improvement and performance‑driven metrics.
• Comfortable working closely with hardware, software, and bioscience R&D teams.
• Passion for applying digital and AI solutions to operational challenges.

Required skills

• AI integration and evaluation of AI‑powered tools.
• Digital dashboards and real‑time monitoring systems.
• Process digital twins.
• Computer‑vision applications for quality control.
• Data analytics and operational data standards.

What we offer

• Opportunity to impact global health challenges through innovative protein production.
• Fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment with a focus on technology and sustainability.
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary R&D teams.