NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (NPD)PRODUCTION MANAGER

 

JOB TITLE

 

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (NPD)PRODUCTION MANAGER

NATURE OF JOB FULL TIME
INDUSTRY FMCG
SALARY KSHS.100,000
JOB LOCATION NAIROBI

JOB SUMMARY

To lead and manage the development, trial production, and successful commercialization of new products by coordinating cross-functional teams, optimizing production processes, and ensuring products meet quality, regulatory, and commercial requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

New Product Development

  • Lead the end-to-end NPD process, including concept evaluation, production trials, sampling, and commercial launch.
  • Coordinate pilot runs and scale-up activities to ensure successful transition from development to full production.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, manufacturability, and production efficiency.

Production Planning and Process Optimization

  • Develop production plans, manufacturing processes, and resource requirements for new product introductions.
  • Optimize production methods, equipment utilization, and workflow to improve efficiency and minimize production costs.
  • Monitor trial production performance and implement corrective actions before commercial rollout.

Cross-Functional Coordination

  • Collaborate with R&D, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Supply Chain, Sales, and Marketing to ensure seamless product commercialization.
  • Coordinate raw material sourcing, packaging readiness, and production scheduling for new products.
  • Provide technical guidance to production teams during product implementation and scale-up.

Quality and Regulatory Compliance

  • Ensure all new products comply with quality standards, food safety requirements, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
  • Develop and maintain product specifications, production procedures, and technical documentation.
  • Monitor adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, and company quality management systems.

Cost Management and Reporting

  • Support product costing, budget planning, and cost optimization initiatives to ensure commercial viability.
  • Track NPD project timelines, production milestones, and performance indicators, providing regular progress reports to management.
  • Identify operational risks and recommend solutions to ensure timely and successful product launches.

KEY REQUIREMENT SKILLS AND QUALIFICATION

  • Degree in Food Science, Production Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in production management, product development, or manufacturing operations.
  • Experience in FMCG manufacturing and new product commercialization is highly desirable.
  • Strong understanding of production processes, quality management systems, GMP, HACCP, and cost optimization techniques.
  • Strong project management and product commercialization skills.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement abilities.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Proficiency in production planning, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office applications.

 

HOW TO APPLY

  • If you meet the above qualifications, skills and experience share CV on recruitment@britesmanagement.com
  • Interviews will be carried out on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
  • Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.