Production Manager – Snack Foods

PRODUCTION MANAGER – SNACK FOODS Location: Nairobi, Kenya Salary: Competitive package (details to be discussed during recruitment) About the Role Sokify is recruiting an experienced Production Manager to lead snack food manufacturing operations for a dynamic food production facility. This is a hands-on leadership position where you'll oversee the complete production cycle—from raw materials through to finished goods—managing multiple product lines and teams to deliver consistent quality output at scale. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in snack food manufacturing, particularly in potato crisps, ethnic snacks (chevda, peanuts, and similar products), extruded snacks (puffs and similar items), and preferably breakfast cereals. You'll drive operational excellence, maintain rigorous food safety standards, and build a high-performing production culture across processing, frying, seasoning, packing, and maintenance functions. What You'll Do Lead daily factory operations across all snack production lines, ensuring safe, efficient, and uninterrupted production. Manage shift supervisors, line operators, quality teams, and support staff, providing clear direction and mentorship. Implement production plans, monitor daily output against KPIs, and deliver consistent results that meet business targets. Champion food safety and regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to HACCP, ISO, FSSC, and GMP standards. Investigate production breakdowns and quality deviations, conducting root-cause analysis and implementing corrective actions. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield optimization, waste reduction, downtime minimization, and line efficiency gains. Partner with R&D teams on new product trials and line commissioning. Coordinate maintenance schedules and equipment reliability with engineering teams. Maintain exceptional standards of hygiene, housekeeping, and workplace safety. Ensure accurate documentation, batch records, stock controls, and regulatory reporting. Train and develop production teams, building technical capability, ownership, and operational discipline. What You Bring A diploma or degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. Minimum 8 years of hands-on experience in snack food production, with proven expertise in potato crisps as your primary focus area. Strong technical knowledge of production equipment including extruders, fryers, tumble drums, seasoning systems, and packing machinery. Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams in high-volume FMCG manufacturing environments. Excellent analytical and organizational skills, with meticulous attention to detail and documentation. Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal. A track record of driving process improvements and solving complex production challenges. Who You Are You demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and genuine responsibility in everything you do. You bring enthusiasm and proactive energy to your work, maintaining high standards even under pressure. You're organized and disciplined, following through on commitments and maintaining comprehensive documentation. You collaborate effectively with colleagues, communicate with respect, and foster a positive team environment. You think analytically, stay solutions-focused, and embrace continuous improvement as a mindset. You show initiative and adaptability, adjusting quickly to changing production demands while maintaining quality and safety standards. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit their CV and a brief cover letter outlining their snack food production experience to Sokify's recruitment team. Please include details of your experience with specific snack categories and any certifications in food safety or production management.