Role purpose

This position will plan, execute, and manage activities related to the manufacturing of commercial Seed Maize at two sites in Kenya.
This will be related to seed processing planning, raw materials acquisition and storage, consumables acquisition, storage and distribution, tolling contracts administration and ensuring that all production processes are followed as per SOP and guidelines whilst instilling a continuous improvement culture.
The role works closely with the Planning Function, Quality Function and Field Units and reports into the East Africa Production Lead.

Key responsibilities and tasks

Accomplish manufacturing results by scheduling and communicating Production Plans to Tollers; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; and initiating, coordinating, and enforcing production systems policies, and procedures.
Work closely with In Season Production Planner to schedule the manufacturing of seed, to meet local and export orders, organize and monitors workflow while maintaining all regulatory standards such as KEPHIS, QA/QC, ISTA and QMS certifications.
Maintains workflow by monitoring and upgrading processes, setting processing variables, observing control points and equipment, implementing cost reductions, developing reporting procedures and systems, facilitating corrections to malfunctions within process control points.
Complete production plan by scheduling and assigning consumables, accomplishing work results, establishing priorities, monitoring progress, revising schedules, resolving problems, and reporting results of the processing flow on shift production summaries.
Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing production standards, receipt of goods and services from vendors, weekly mass balancing as well as participate in monthly stock counts.
Provide manufacturing information by compiling, initiating, sorting, and analyzing production performance records and data, and ensuring raw seed safety.
Create and revise systems and procedures by analyzing operating practices, record-keeping systems, forms of control and implementing change.
Research and negotiate with vendors and suppliers to improve efficiency of processes and reduce unnecessary costs.
Ensure Tollers maintain a safe and clean work environment and that they are fully compliant to all Environment, Health and Safety legal and Bayer EHS policies and procedures.
Key account relations management and thereby, maintain working relationship with Tollers and Suppliers by following and enforcing the terms of existing contracts as well as QMS (ISO 9001) systems.
Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to Bayer’s Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) standards.
Participate and prepare to lead Daily Direction Settings (DDS) meetings for the sites.
Understanding of onePSS implementation methodology, Lean content, Six Sigma, 5S and change management approach to successfully sustain implementation at manufacturing sites.
Act as an SME (Subject Matter Expert) in lean practices and facilitate the continuous improvement journey along the Seed Supply Chain.
 Resolve manufacturing defects by analyzing data, investigating issues, identifying solutions, and implementing and/or recommending action.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications

 Bachelor’s Degree in, Engineering (Industrial; Mechanical, Agriculture, Chemical).
At least 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
 Prior experience in agricultural or seed industry is an added advantage.
Seed production, handling, or processing of Seed is important but not a must.
SAP & MS Office packages
Have good relationship and networking skills.
Results orientated and demonstrated ability to build high performance culture.