We Go Places! How about you?
Location: Kiambu
Function: Supply Chain
Sub Function: Supply Chain - Production
Type of Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 07-05-2025
Join KWAL and be a part of something bigger, as we accelerate excellence as a proud member of the HEINEKEN global family. While we unlock new opportunities and shape the next chapter of our journey, KWAL is embedding a high-performing, agile business driven by innovation and purpose. If you're energized by transformation and inspired to make a meaningful difference, this is your moment to lead change and grow with a business that’s going places – fast!
Job Purpose
This position is responsible for execution and management of KWAL’s ISO standards certifications, legal and statutory compliance requirements for alcoholic beverage manufacturing plant, Heineken requirements per Heirules/ Heiquest as well as the internal KWAL’s standards and procedures.
The role ensures the delivery of the above through deployment, coordination of initiatives and capability development, ultimately ensuring KWAL’s’ products meet expected quality standards set internally and externally to the satisfaction of the customers in a world class compliant environment.
Main Responsibilities
Developing and Maintaining QMS standards
Oversee effective implementation of KWAL's Quality Management System across operations. Develop and update the QA/QC policies, procedures, protocols and checklists in line with the requirement of Food safety and QMS standards. Conduct regular planned Internal and 3rd party audits to assess compliance with the QMS requirements. Lead the end-to-end quality control and assurance of manufacturing processes, and manage process non-conformances/ outputs. Identify and train teams as Internal auditors and lead auditors for the QMS standard. Run regulator capability development initiatives across the organization to help improve awareness on QMS standard and compliance requirements. Review intrinsic and extrinsic inspection results, reports and logs, reworks and waste to identify trends and advise on remedial actions, corrections and preventive actions. Responsible for the management of the retention sample library. In collaboration with the QSHE manager, recommend areas in the production process that need improvements because they do not meet quality standards. Work in collaboration with customer service to ensure all customer complaints/ non-conformity product returns relating to quality are investigated and resolved in a timely manner.Management of Food safety – FSSC and PRPs
Ensure effective management of Pre-Requisite Programs (PRPs) including Pest Control, Waste Management on site, Drainage systems opening & cleaning routines, Equipment and Personal Hygiene, medical checks, Calibrations services for equipment and Supply of utilities. Develop and update the policies, procedures, protocols and checklists in line with the requirement of Food safety management systems. Maintain an up-to-date HACCP register, with clear Food safety risks, CCPs, verification and validation protocols for the identified controls. Conduct regular assessments, planned Internal and 3rd party audits to assess compliance with the FSSC and other food safety requirements. Run regulator capability development initiatives across the organization to help improve awareness on FSSC/ hygiene and food safety mandates per compliance requirement. Identify and train teams as Internal auditors and lead auditors on FSSC standard, HACCP and control protocols. Lead the end-to-end quality control, assurance and Food safety assessments of manufacturing processes for non-conformances/ outputs.Health Safety & Environment Compliance Management
Reviewing inspection results, reports and logs, reworks and waste to identify trends in order to advise on remedial actions. Develop and update the policies, procedures, protocols and checklists in line with the requirements of EMS/OHMS/ NEMA/ EMCA/DOSH/EPR management systems and laws. Maintain an up-to-date Risk assessment (HIRA) and environmental aspect registers with clear call out on controls & their implementation protocols. Conduct regular assessments, planned Internal and 3rd party audits to assess level of compliance with legal and statutory requirements as well as ISO standards mandates. Run regular capability development initiatives across the organization to help improve awareness on Environment, health & safety culture. Identify and train teams as Internal auditors and lead auditors on EMS/OHMS/ NEMA/ EMCA/DOSH/EPR requirements and control protocols on site.Laboratory Management- LSS
Manage QMS processes of the main and mini laboratories Plan and facilitate the service and calibration of all laboratory equipment. Implement and monitor compliance to the LSS requirements as given by Heineken to improve lab efficiencies. Assess and track legal and statutory compliance requirements for the labs within a manufacturing facility.Documentation and Reporting
Prepare analysis reports outlining any abnormalities such as quality deviations, recommend corrective actions and on approval by the QSHE Manager oversee the implementation of the corrective action. Maintain detailed documentation on all systems and standard requirements (on EMS/OHMS/ NEMA/ EMCA/DOSH/EPR/ QMS/ FSSC).Compliance Management
Conduct regular audits to ensure adherence to established standards and regulatory compliance on EMS/OHMS/ NEMA/ EMCA/DOSH/EPR/ QMS/ FSSC. Ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulations, such as Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and ISO standards. Act as the liaison person for public health, KEBs, NEMA. DOSH etc by co-ordinating the acquisition of the standardization marks and any other applicable legal requirement.Stakeholder Management
Liaison with external stakeholders like KEBs on product & Quality compliance, reporting on proficiency testing reports, NEMA on environmental compliance per EMCA/ EPR and DOSH on OHS compliance. Participate in cross-functional technical root cause and problem-solving sessions related to food safety and quality non-conformances. Participate in cross-functional technical sessions for OHS and Environment incident investigations. Manage supplier quality Management and conduct audits per QMS & FSSC requirements. Validate quality and food safety compliance management with service providers.TPM and Continuous Improvement
Support the TPM way of working. Support the implementation of the improvement activities.Minimum Required Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience
Academic Qualifications
Bachelor of Science in Food Science /Microbiology/ Chemistry/ Biotechnology/ Biochemistry/ or a related field.
Professional Qualifications
Professional qualification in at least one of the following:
Experience
At least 5 years’ experience in a food manufacturing environment in a similar role. Experience in the FMCG industry or manufacturing is an added advantage. Practical experience in the use of MS packages and ERP systems.
Competencies
Technical Competencies
In-depth understanding of quality standards, food safety/HACCP systems. Change management specialist. Digital Data management- analysis and reporting. Project Management. Understanding and knowledge in alcoholic beverage standards and training skills. Competencies on industrial Laboratory management. Documentation and reporting skills. Strong analytical ability and problem-solving capability (5why, WWBLA, FMEA, Fishbone, 6 sigma). Excellent presentation skills.
Behavioural Competencies
Excellent communication skills (oral, written and listening). Ability to work effectively with all levels of management and staff. Must be proactive and be able to anticipate issues rather than being reactive. Collaboration with the team members and other units within the department and function Strong understanding of business principles and practices and ability to assess business risks Ability to develop and implement long-term goals and initiatives that align with the company’s vision and objectives Demonstrate a deep commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs Ability to employ logical reasoning and critical analysis to evaluate information and make sound decisions Continuously seek new opportunities to enhance KWAL products and service, embracing new technologies and methodologies to drive growth and maintain a competitive edge Ability to support the professional growth of employees through guidance and feedback Demonstrate resilient, agility, ability to work under pressure with high integrity
Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) was incorporated in 1969 and over the years KWAL has become a leading East African beverage champion in the manufacturing, exporting and importation of a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. KWAL is a HEINEKEN OpCo.