Production Manager - KVM at CFAO Motors Kenya limited Formerly Toyota Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya

    CFAO Motors Kenya limited Formerly Toyota Kenya logo

    Production Manager - KVM

    Posted

    1 day ago

    Apply by

    15 Sept

    Full Time
    On Site
    Senior
    Automotive & Aviation
    Engineering & Technology

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    Job Description

    This role is responsible for managing overall production operations and is responsible for the effective and successful management of labor, productivity, quality control and safety measures as established and set for the Production Department and taking lead roles in workplace safety management/ANZEN. The role also enhances the operational procedure, systems and principles in the areas of information flow and management, business processes, enhanced management reporting and looks for opportunities to expand systems and maintain a safe work environment.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Overall responsibility for Production activities in the department
    • Ensure that production strategies and processes are aligned to the overall KVMs strategy to meet business objectives and operational needs in terms of price, quality and delivery targets and which enables the company to function and compete effectively in the market
    • Evaluate the challenges faced in the production areas and take action to mitigate risks and develop opportunities
    • Initiate and develop creative and innovative production processes
    • Lead, develop and implement variable cost productivity programs across all areas of responsibility
    • Coordinate team activities to optimize cost performance of the plant through capital investment programs, optimizing operating working capital usage and minimizing waste through the development of a continuous improvement culture encompassing lean principles and clear strategic development
    • Plan and execute maintenance activity to ensure plant is kept safe and compliant
    • Provide design for assembly input at early stages in the new model introduction process, coordinating with and supporting the project / process team to implement new and revised designs and developing effective processes to ensure assembly of new models while maintaining quality, safety and environmental standards and achieving cost targets
    • Ensure that Environmental, Health and Safety, manufacturing and quality standards and procedures are adhered to
    • Provide leadership to departments under control and coach ,mentor and develop direct reports and manage a high performing team that delivers continuous improvement, added value and cost reductions
    • Set department Balanced Scorecard objectives and monitor ongoing progress and performance
    • Ensure strong communication between teams under leadership to facilitate exchange of information and in order to implement change and improvements
    • Complete regular performance reviews, manage attendance, holidays, disciplinary issues and procedures as appropriate
    • Prepare the annual production budget and forecasts and all Capital Expenditure proposals as well as ensuring compliance with legal standards. Manage the budget from identification to completion of projects
    • Proactively work with product line management, engineering, process and other departments to incorporate best practices into the production environment
    • Report on production activities on a regular basis to the Senior Management team, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of the relevant Key Performance Indicators
    • Contribute to new business initiatives and projects and review and communicate the impact on production activities
    • Review the use of technological systems that support a more environmentally friendly approach
    • Support, comply and ensure complicity with Health & Safety regulations, the Company Handbook, Quality and Environmental standards, and all other Company policies and procedures
    • Inspire and motivate the team
    • And any other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor

    Required Qualifications

    • A minimum of bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field from a recognized institution.
    • Strong understanding of assembly processes, mechanical systems, and automotive manufacturing techniques.

    Job Details

    Job Function

    Engineering & Technology

    Minimum Experience

    7 years

    Education Level

    Bachelor’s Degree

    Area of Study

    Engineering

    Field of Study

    Mechanical Engineering

    Languages

    English

    Additional Information

    How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the CFAO Motors Kenya Limited (formerly Toyota Kenya) career portal at cfaomobility.co.ke. Visit the application link provided on this page to submit your application.

    Show Lean Leadership and Plant Floor Credibility

    This production manager role sits at the heart of vehicle assembly, so the hiring panel will be looking for someone who can talk about throughput, quality, and safety with equal fluency. Your CV and interview answers need to prove you have run real production lines, not just supervised from an office.

    1. Quantify your production wins: Use numbers to show impact—like reducing downtime by X%, cutting waste by Y%, or improving line efficiency by Z%. For example, if you led a lean initiative that saved KES 2M annually, put that on your CV. Production managers are judged on measurable outcomes, so vague statements won't hold up.

    2. Prepare for safety and ANZEN questions: Since the role explicitly mentions workplace safety management and ANZEN, expect questions about your safety record and how you've built a safety-first culture. Be ready to describe a time you investigated an incident, implemented a corrective action, or drove a safety campaign. Mention any certifications like NEBOSH if you have them.

    3. Show your lean toolkit in action: The posting stresses continuous improvement and lean principles, so be ready to discuss specific tools you've used—5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, or Kanban. Walk through a project where you applied one of these to solve a real problem. For instance, describe how you used VSM to cut a process step and reduce lead time.

    4. Demonstrate cross-functional collaboration: This role works with product line management, engineering, and process teams, so highlight times you partnered with other departments to launch a new model or improve a process. Give an example of how you communicated technical requirements to non-technical stakeholders or influenced a design change for easier assembly.

    5. Prepare for budget and cost questions: You'll own the production budget and capital expenditure proposals, so expect questions on how you've managed costs and justified investments. Have a story ready about preparing a budget, tracking variances, or pitching a capex project that paid off. Show you understand the balance between cost, quality, and delivery.

    6. Highlight your team leadership style: The role requires coaching, mentoring, and developing direct reports, so be ready to talk about how you've grown your team. Share an example of a team member you developed into a higher role, or how you handled a performance issue. Emphasize your ability to motivate and inspire—this is a key part of the job.

    7. Know the automotive assembly context: Even if you haven't worked in automotive, show you understand the specifics—like assembly line balancing, torque specifications, and just-in-time delivery. Research Toyota Production System (TPS) principles, since the company has a Toyota heritage. Mentioning TPS in your interview shows you've done your homework.

    8. Ask sharp questions about the plant: When you get the chance to ask questions, focus on the operational reality—like current production volumes, main quality challenges, or how ANZEN is practiced on the floor. This shows you're thinking like a production manager, not just a candidate. For example, ask about the biggest bottleneck in the current assembly process.

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    Tags

    production management
    lean manufacturing
    automotive assembly
    safety management
    continuous improvement