Feed Mill Operations Manager - Kenya

Our client is seeking an experienced and hands-on Feed Mill Operations Manager to provide operational leadership across its feed manufacturing and processing facilities. The role will sit between the ownership team and the existing Feed Mill Manager, taking responsibility for the day-to-day performance, efficiency, maintenance, quality, and operational management of the business's manufacturing operations. This is a senior operational leadership position requiring a practical, results-driven individual capable of overseeing production, maintenance, warehousing, logistics, and quality functions while driving operational excellence, plant reliability, and continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the existing feed mill operation while supporting the integration and optimisation of a new feed mill currently under development.
Key Responsibilities
Operations Management

• Lead and manage all day-to-day feed manufacturing operations.
• Ensure production targets, quality standards, and operational KPIs are consistently achieved.
• Drive operational efficiency, productivity, and cost optimisation across all facilities.
• Monitor plant performance and implement corrective actions where required.
• Develop and implement operational best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.

Production & Manufacturing

• Oversee production planning and scheduling to meet customer demand and business requirements.
• Ensure optimal utilisation of plant, equipment, and resources.
• Maintain high standards of product quality, consistency, and traceability.
• Collaborate closely with quality teams to ensure compliance with feed industry standards and regulations.

Maintenance & Engineering Oversight

• Lead maintenance teams responsible for preventative and corrective maintenance activities.
• Ensure high levels of equipment reliability, plant uptime, and operational availability.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programmes.
• Monitor maintenance costs, spare parts management, and equipment lifecycle planning.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of technical and operational issues.

Warehouse & Logistics Management

• Oversee grain handling, storage, inventory management, and finished goods warehousing.
• Ensure efficient movement of raw materials and finished products.
• Monitor stock control systems and inventory accuracy.
• Coordinate with procurement and logistics teams to ensure uninterrupted production.

People Leadership

• Lead and develop production, maintenance, warehouse, quality, and operational teams.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Manage workforce planning, training, succession planning, and performance management.
• Promote teamwork and effective communication across departments.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Support budgeting and operational cost control initiatives.
• Monitor operational expenditure and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Deliver regular operational reports and performance updates to senior leadership.
• Contribute to strategic planning and business growth initiatives.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Promote a strong safety culture across all operational areas.
• Ensure facilities operate in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Required profile for job ad : Feed Mill Operations Manager - Kenya

Requirements
Experience

• Minimum 10 years' experience within feed manufacturing, agri-processing, grain processing, or related manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience managing large-scale feed mill operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience across production, maintenance, warehousing, and logistics functions.
• Experience overseeing multi-facility operations will be advantageous.
• Experience within both family-owned businesses and larger corporate organisations will be considered.

Technical Competencies

• Strong feed manufacturing and production management expertise.
• Sound mechanical and maintenance knowledge.
• Experience managing maintenance teams and preventative maintenance programmes.
• Understanding of grain handling, storage, and inventory management systems.
• Strong operational planning and process improvement capability.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and food/feed safety standards.

Leadership Competencies

• Strong people management and team development skills.
• Hands-on leadership style with a practical approach to problem solving.