Manufacturing and Fabrication Manager

Proto Energy Limited, founded in 2015, operates in the Energy & Utilities sector in Nairobi, Kenya, focusing on providing energy solutions.

The Manufacturing and Fabrication Manager will be responsible for overseeing the entire manufacturing and fabrication processes for gas cylinders, ensuring high-quality production, operational efficiency, strict adherence to safety standards, and timely delivery. Key aspects of the role include leading and managing production teams, coordinating manufacturing schedules, optimizing machine utilization, and spearheading continuous improvement initiatives that align with the company's strategic goals and industry regulations.

1. Translate sales and operations planning outputs into detailed production plans for both own-brand and third-party cylinders, adjusting schedules based on demand fluctuations, capacity, and resource availability.
2. Collaborate closely with Demand Planning and Logistics departments to ensure production output aligns with dispatch schedules and to monitor performance against established plans.
3. Lead and manage Production Supervisors and team leaders, overseeing shift structures and manpower planning for welders, operators, and machine assistants.
4. Develop the capabilities of supervisors and staff through coaching and structured training programs, partnering with HR for resourcing, disciplinary actions, and succession planning.
5. Ensure all fabrication and welding activities consistently meet Kenya Standards (KS) and ISO standards.
6. Maintain compliance with ISO quality, health, safety, and environmental regulations.
7. Work in conjunction with Quality Control to investigate non-conformities and implement effective corrective actions.
8. Implement and maintain continuous improvement practices, utilizing production data and root cause analysis to reduce defects and minimize downtime.
9. Collaborate with the Maintenance department on preventive maintenance planning to minimize unplanned operational downtime.
10. Manage the departmental budget, control costs, and achieve established productivity targets.
11. Maintain optimal inventory levels in coordination with Procurement and Logistics, escalating any material or resourcing risks promptly.
12. Work closely with various cross-functional departments including Maintenance, Demand Planning, Logistics, Business Development, Finance, Procurement, Quality, Safety, and HR to ensure production plans are aligned with overall business priorities.
13. Provide essential manufacturing input for commercial and new-business discussions led by the Business Development team.
14. Perform other duties and assignments as directed by management from time to time.

1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
2. Possess 10 years of experience in a similar role within a manufacturing setup, with experience in metal fabrication or pressure vessel production being an added advantage.
3. Demonstrate a proven track record of successfully leading large manufacturing teams (200+ headcount), coupled with strong leadership capabilities.
4. Be familiar with AutoCAD for production design purposes.
5. Have working knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, with the ability to implement Integrated Management Systems (IMS) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across various processes and work instructions.
6. Be proficient in developing technical drawings and blueprints.
7. Possess working knowledge of manufacturing ERP systems (e.g., SAP).