Manager, Engineering Services at The Kenya BioVax Institute

Job Purpose:

The Manager, Engineering Services is responsible to spearheading all processing and engineering functions in the Institute to ensure efficient intake, processing, and dispatch of quality vaccines, biologicals, and other products to marketing through proper utilisation of machinery. Shall oversee implementation of engineering strategies on technical issues and acquisition of new technology at KBI including the maintenance and calibration of all equipment and for general site maintenance. The Manager shall also provide overall leadership, accountability and responsibility to set up, test, and adjust manufacturing machinery or equipment, using any combination of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or computer technologies. This is in order to ensure efficient production of products, including vaccines, other biologicals, pharmaceuticals and other health product technologies at the right quantity, quality, cost and timely manner.

Requirements:

• A minimum period of ten (10) years relevant work experience, three (3) years of which must be in Senior Management;
• Proven track record with leading safety and continuous improvement initiatives;
• Master’s degree in any of the following field: Engineering, Business Administration or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Bachelor Degree in any of the following fields: Mechanical, Mechatronic, Chemical & Processing, Electrical & Electronics, Biomedical Engineering or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Professional membership to the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) or Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK and
• Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.

Job Specification

Key Competencies and skills

• Leadership skills;
• Negotiation and influencing skills;
• Interpersonal skills;
• Managerial skills;
• Decision making and problem-solving;
• Budgeting and planning;
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations;
• Analytical and conceptual skills;
• Ability to form and maintain partnerships and collaborations;
• Excellent writing and communication skills;
• High emotional intelligence;
• Organizational skills including planning, monitoring and controlling;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Team building,
• Adaptability;
• Accountability;
• Conflict management;
• Supervisory, coaching and mentoring skills;
• Integrity; and
• Results-driven.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide advice on all Engineering and maintenance matters;
• Guide formulation and implementation of policies, strategies, standards, procedures, and guidelines for the engineering and technical work performed by the department;
• Oversee maintenance and repair the Institute’s facilities and equipment;
• Oversee the planning, control, and management of factory input materials, labour, and all other resources to ensure optimal utilization;
• Spearhead compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007 (OSHA) and Environmental management requirements;
• Steer the collaborate with Production, Marketing and Quality Assurance functions in the bio-production and packaging operations to ensure timely delivery of quality products;
• Spearhead process improvement projects and provide technical advice on Institute-wide engineering projects;
• Promote high standards of integrity and transparency in all operations and related management practices;
• Oversee and coordinate the timely preparation, dispatch and distribution of all divisional technical reports and board papers as required;
• Lead in the preparation of work plans, divisional budget and performance targets and oversee their full implementation;
• Guide in the planning and implementing timely and effective maintenance activities of all factory equipment /machinery;
• Provide the required professional leadership to the processing and engineering team to ensure an environment of the highest standards of discipline, teamwork, and professionalism.
• Manage, approve and maintain relevant documentation, records, SOPs, validation protocols report and respond to deviations jointly with Quality Assurance team;
• Spearhead the preparation of standard operating procedures, equipment master list, and equipment qualification plan in the division;
• Liaise with other functional areas and external agencies for maintenance, machine breakdown, modification and calibration;
• Guide in monitoring proper utilization, preventive maintenance and calibration of equipment and machinery according to schedule in liaison with relevant functional areas;
• Manage and maintain Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) by utilizing a focused risk-based approach to protect the critical areas and adhere to procedures and support good aseptic practices;
• Liaise with relevant functional areas to undertake training needs assessment of engineering personnel and provide on-job training;
• Supervise and developing staff to create a cohesive and highly skilled team through effective mentoring, coaching, performance management, and communication;
• Implement department’s strategies, decisions and policies as communicated by the General Manager Production;
• Review all reports for accuracy, relevance and presentation to the General Manager Production in good time;
• Identify needs and oversee the procurement and replenishment of processing and maintenance consumables for engineering, e.g., chemicals, packaging materials, and spare parts that meet specifications and quality standards;
• Monitor outputs and validate the performance of engineering processes;
• Provide regular, thorough and prompt communication to the General Manager Production on key technical, financial and administrative matters;
• Implement effective administrative structures, processes and systems as directed by the department;
• Lead and /or participate diligently in various committees as shall be appointed or tasked from time to time; and
• Contribute to the development of the division’s strategic plan, work plan, business plan and budgets and submit to the General Manager Production for review and approval.