Overview

Overview

We are recruiting!!

Our client is one of the largest and most established printing and packaging companies in East Africa, supplying the region with high-quality commercial printing (books, posters, flyers, labels, cartons), flexible packaging, garmenting, promotional items, and large-format advertising materials. The company is known for its strong manufacturing capacity and commitment to quality.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Production Manager to lead the Offset Printing Department. This includes sheetfed offset machines and various finishing machines such as perfect binding, saddle stitch, gang stitching, folder-gluer, and die-cutting. Key product lines include beer labels, books, posters, flyers, and carnets.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Printing Engineering or Applied Science from a reputable institution.
  • 7–10 years of hands-on experience as a Production Manager in a commercial printing press (books, posters, flyers, carnets, etc.).
  • Proven experience managing a team of at least 30 people (shift in charge, supervisors, operators, etc.).
  • Practical experience running at least 2 offset presses (minimum 4-colour).
  • Knowledge and hands-on experience with finishing machines such as gang stitching, saddle stitch, and perfect binding.
  • Proficiency in SAP or any other production application software.
  • Strong skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.).
  • Fluency in English (written and spoken).
  • Minimum age: 35 years.

Key Responsibilities

Production Efficiency & Output

  • Schedule jobs for printing and binding according to delivery schedules.
  • Approve material requisitions, goods receipt notes, and jobs before production.
  • Monitor machine efficiency and optimize utilization while minimizing downtime.
  • Ensure daily programs and delivery schedules are met.

Quality Assurance

  • Maintain high standards to ensure printed materials meet client specifications.
  • Implement and monitor quality control measures throughout production.
  • Collaborate with supervisors and shift leaders to address quality and machine issues.

Human Resource Management

  • Supervise and manage printing teams, including operators, helpers, and support staff.
  • Provide training, coaching, and performance evaluations.
  • Foster accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure compliance with company HR policies.
  • Recruit and onboard production staff when required.

Cost Control & Resource Management

  • Monitor production costs, overtime, contract labour, and material usage.
  • Highlight concerns around stock levels of paper, inks, spares, and consumables.
  • Work with procurement to source cost-effective supplies.

Maintenance

  • Plan preventative maintenance with the Maintenance Manager.
  • Ensure machines are maintained and operational at all times.

Health & Safety Compliance

  • Enforce workplace safety practices and compliance with ISO standards.
  • Ensure successful completion of third-party and supplier audits.
  • Maintain safety equipment and ensure a clean, hygienic production environment.

Raw Material Planning

  • Review monthly/quarterly raw material plans with the planning team.
  • Address quality concerns and forecast new requirements.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

  • Provide regular reports on production performance and efficiency.
  • Recommend improvements in processes, technology, and systems.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support lean manufacturing principles.

General Management

  • Support maintenance teams with both proactive and reactive services.
  • Conduct root cause analysis and resolve technical problems.
  • Maintain stakeholder relationships (suppliers, service providers, regulators).
  • Ensure production data management systems are accurate and up to date.

Application Process

  • Interested candidates are required to submit their CV to [email protected] with subject Line: “Production Manager”.