General Manager

Industry: Manufacturing – Packaging Materials (Polythene & Polythread/Gunia Bags)

Reports To: Director

Job Purpose

The General Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership to drive revenue growth, operational excellence, and overall business performance. The role is responsible for overseeing production, commercial performance, process optimization, quality compliance, and team leadership across the company’s polythene and polythread manufacturing divisions. The ideal candidate will ensure efficient operations, strong customer satisfaction, sustainable profitability, and continuous improvement within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business & Revenue Growth

● Develop and execute strategies to drive revenue growth and expand market share within the packaging industry.

● Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, suppliers, and stakeholders.

● Identify new business opportunities, product lines, and market expansion initiatives.

● Monitor market trends and competitor activities within the Kenyan manufacturing sector.

2. Operational Management

● Oversee end-to-end manufacturing operations, including production, maintenance, warehousing, and logistics.

● Ensure smooth coordination between departments to achieve operational targets and timely order fulfillment.

● Supervise both polythene and polythread (gunia) production lines to maximize efficiency and output.

● Drive optimal utilization of machinery, manpower, and raw materials.

● Prepare and present weekly operational and performance reports to the Board.

3. Strategic Planning & Execution

● Develop and implement long-term business and operational strategies aligned with company objectives.

● Lead organizational planning initiatives aimed at growth, profitability, and sustainability.

● Support modernization and expansion initiatives within the manufacturing plant.

4. Financial Oversight

● Manage operational budgets and ensure cost efficiency across all departments.

● Monitor profitability, production costs, and resource allocation to improve margins.

● Drive cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining product quality and operational standards.

5. Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

● Champion continuous improvement initiatives through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and best manufacturing practices.

● Identify operational bottlenecks and implement process improvement strategies to enhance productivity and reduce waste.

● Improve production planning, workflow efficiency, and turnaround times.

6. Quality, Compliance & Safety

● Ensure adherence to ISO, GMP, safety, and environmental standards across all operations.

● Maintain high product quality standards to meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements.

● Promote a strong culture of workplace safety and compliance.

7. Leadership & People Management

● Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance management for departmental heads and teams.

● Oversee recruitment, workforce planning, and employee development initiatives.

● Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.

● Manage and lead a workforce of over 100 employees across multiple departments.

Qualifications & Experience

● Bachelor’s Degree in Polymer Technology, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.

● MBA or equivalent Master’s degree is an added advantage.

● Minimum of 5–10 years’ senior management experience within the packaging or manufacturing industry.

● Strong understanding of flexible packaging, extrusion, printing, and related manufacturing processes.

● Proven experience managing large-scale manufacturing operations and cross-functional teams.

● Hands-on experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or related platforms.

Skills & Competencies

● Strong business acumen with a proven ability to drive growth and profitability.

● Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to manage departments through Heads of Department (HoDs).

● Strong strategic thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.

● Results-oriented, proactive, and highly driven individual.

● High level of integrity and professionalism.

● Strong understanding of the Kenyan manufacturing and packaging market.

● Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.