Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Food Production Technologist
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Onsite)
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• No. of Openings: 1 (immediate)
• Salary/Stipend: KES 20,000 per month; medical cover upon confirmation
• Category/Department: Manufacturing – Food Production / Quality & Processing
• Experience Required: Minimum 1 year in a similar role
• Reporting To: Production/Plant Supervisor (and dotted-line to Quality/Technical Lead)
• Application Review Window: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as received
• Application Deadline(s) Mentioned by Source: Post lists October 10, 2025; method of application notes October 20, 2025 as the last date for consideration — candidates should apply immediately to be safe

Introduction

If you have been searching for a food production technologist job in Kenya, here is a credible opening that combines hands-on plant work with quality systems exposure. This role is designed for early-career professionals who want to build technical confidence on a real manufacturing floor while contributing to safe, nutritious, and compliant products for Kenyan consumers. From raw-material intake to packaging, you’ll be embedded in day-to-day operations that demand precision, HACCP thinking, and the discipline required in modern food factories. For diploma-level graduates seeking practical growth in a reputable environment, this food production technologist job in Kenya offers a pathway to sharpen skills, document achievements, and step up toward supervisory responsibilities in the short to medium term.

About Career Options Africa Ltd

Career Options Africa Ltd is a specialist recruitment-consulting firm based in Nairobi that supports organizations across Africa and the Middle East to source, assess, and place the best talent. With deep coverage across diverse verticals — FMCG and Manufacturing included — the firm partners with employers to manage end-to-end hiring, from role scoping through interviews to onboarding. For candidates, this translates into well-defined roles, transparent process communication, and professional support throughout the hiring journey. The hiring client for this vacancy requires a practical, plant-ready technologist who understands KEBS requirements and HACCP principles and can plug into production with minimal hand-holding.

Key Responsibilities

You will work closely with Production, Quality/Technical, and Warehousing to ensure that products meet KEBS specifications and HACCP food safety standards. Core duties include:

• Raw-Material Handling & Pre-Processing – Receive, label, and stage raw materials; check supplier CoAs, dates, temperatures (where applicable), and storage conditions; escalate non-conformities.
• In-Process Quality Control (IPQC) – Conduct line checks at defined critical control points (CCPs); record results; initiate hold/quarantine when out-of-spec; support corrective actions and document retests.
• Finished Product Testing – Sample per plan; run routine physicochemical tests (e.g., moisture, pH, °Brix, salt, viscosity as relevant); verify coding/pack integrity; clear lots only when results meet release specs.
• HACCP & GMP Compliance – Follow personal hygiene, zoning, allergen controls, sanitation schedules, pest-control reporting, and traceability protocols; participate in internal audits and pre-audit preparations.
• Production Support – Assist with preparation of raw materials for processing, monitor feeders/mixers/retorts/ovens/fillers (as applicable), and help maintain steady throughput with minimal downtime.
• Packaging & Labelling – Verify pack sizes, artwork versions, barcodes, and date codes; ensure palletization and stacking standards are met to prevent transit damage.
• Documentation & Record-Keeping – Complete batch manufacturing records, line checklists, CCP logs, and deviation reports with accuracy and legibility; archive per SOPs for audit readiness.
• Continuous Improvement – Support new product development trials, line validations, and small-scale experiments; contribute observations that reduce waste, rework, and yields loss.
• Safety & Housekeeping – Comply with site EHS rules; use PPE correctly; report near-misses; keep work areas clean and free of cross-contamination risks.
• Team Communication – Brief incoming shifts; escalate equipment or quality issues early; coordinate with Warehouse on FEFO/lot rotation and with Maintenance on breakdowns affecting quality.

Qualifications and Skills

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma in Food Production / Food Technology (or closely related field).
• At least 1 year hands-on experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of KEBS product standards and HACCP/GMP principles.
• Strong observation, documentation, and escalation discipline on the line.
• Ability to stand for long periods and operate safely around processing equipment.
• Communication: Clear written/verbal English and Kiswahili for line coordination.

Desirable/Added Advantage

• Exposure to routine lab testing (e.g., moisture/pH/°Brix/viscosity) and sampling plans.
• Familiarity with SOPs, SSOPs, allergen management, and traceability drills.
• Confidence with MS Excel/Google Sheets for simple logs, trend graphs, and yield tracking.
• Participation in NPD pilot runs or change-control documentation.
• Awareness of market-appropriate nutrition and consumer trends in Kenya.

What You Will Learn (Role Value Proposition)

• Practical HACCP application — translating flow diagrams and CCP tables into real-time line decisions.
• Root-Cause Thinking — working with supervisors to isolate issues (raw-material variance, machine set-up, operator error) and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Speed + Accuracy — balancing throughput pressures with the discipline to record, verify, and release only compliant product.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration — partnering with Maintenance, Warehouse, and QA to keep quality and output stable.
• Career Mobility — a track to roles such as Line Technologist, Quality Controller, or NPD Assistant within FMCG.

Day-in-the-Life Snapshot

• Start-of-Shift: Hygiene check, PPE, scan open deviations, confirm production plan, verify raw-material staging against FEFO.
• During Run: Monitor CCPs and CPs; perform hourly checks; record results; respond to alarms or drifts; coordinate micro-stoppages with operators.
• Changeover: Line cleaning verification (visual + ATP if used), label/artwork switch, trial first-off packs for spec.
• End-of-Shift: Close batch records, reconcile rework, hand over pending actions to the next technologist.

Performance Indicators (What “Good” Looks Like)

• Zero missed CCP entries and timely escalation on any out-of-spec results.
• Right-first-time batches (RFT) and reduced rework or waste.
• Audit-ready documentation with legible, complete records.
• Safety compliance — no PPE breaches; proactive near-miss reporting.
• Collaboration — constructive interactions with operators, supervisors, and QA.

Compensation & Benefits

• KES 20,000 monthly (gross communicated as net in source; treat KES 20,000 as monthly pay baseline).
• Medical cover upon confirmation (employer-provided).
• Practical skills growth with a recognized recruitment partner and reputable client.

Company Culture and Values

The hiring environment values discipline, accuracy, and accountability. You’ll be expected to model good manufacturing practices, embrace feedback, and contribute to a culture where food safety is non-negotiable. Curiosity is encouraged: technicians who ask “why,” propose small fixes, and document learnings quickly become linchpins on the floor. Respect for colleagues — from operators to management — and clear, calm communication during pressure moments define success here.

How to Apply

Call to Action: Apply now for the Food Production Technologist position.

What to Send (CV only as instructed):

• CV only (include current/last/expected salary clearly in the CV).
• Use a clean file name (e.g., Firstname_Lastname_FoodProductionTechnologist_CV.pdf).

Subject Line (Mandatory):
FOOD PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIST

Email Address:
recruitment@careeroptionsafricagroup.com

When to Apply:

• Applications are reviewed as they are received and shortlisted candidates may be called immediately.
• A closing date of October 20, 2025 is stated for final consideration; another part of the notice mentions October 10, 2025. To avoid missing out, submit as soon as possible (preferably within 24–48 hours).

Shortlisting Note:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you don’t hear back by the stated date, consider your application unsuccessful.

Application Hygiene (Make Your CV Easier to Shortlist)

• Put Food Production Technologist at the top of your CV, followed by your location (Nairobi) and contact info.
• Bullet your plant tasks clearly (e.g., “Performed CCP pH checks each hour; recorded 100% entries for 6 months”).
• Quantify small wins (e.g., “Reduced line giveaway by 0.3% by tightening filler set-points”).
• List tests/equipment you’ve actually used (pH meter, moisture analyzer, refractometer, data loggers, flow wrappers, batch kettles).
• Keep to 1–2 pages; make it scannable and typo-free.

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TAGS

food production technologist job in Kenya, HACCP jobs Kenya, KEBS compliance jobs, manufacturing jobs Nairobi, jobs posted today in Kenya

—-END OF JOB DESCRIPTION—-

10 Admin Tips to Succeed in Food Production Technologist Applications in Kenya

1. Emphasize Food Safety Knowledge in Your CV

Employers in food manufacturing are not only hiring technologists to run processes — they are entrusting them with consumer safety. Therefore, the strongest applications explicitly highlight knowledge of HACCP, GMP, KEBS standards, and basic lab testing. Too many applicants list “Food Production Diploma” without breaking down the practical food safety exposure they’ve had.

In your CV, use bullet points to showcase tasks you’ve performed:

• “Conducted daily pH and moisture tests on finished products.”
• “Monitored CCPs in line with HACCP plan and reported deviations.”
• “Assisted in KEBS audit preparation with proper documentation.”

This kind of detail assures the recruiter that you can handle regulatory expectations from day one. Even if you’ve only done these tasks during attachment or internship, write them down. Recruiters know entry-level candidates may not have years of experience — but they want to see proof that you’ve been exposed to real plant environments.

2. Demonstrate Practical Plant Experience

Food factories operate under time and cost pressure. Employers prefer candidates who already understand the rhythm of production floors. Instead of a CV that just lists subjects studied, make sure you include any attachment, volunteer, or small-scale production experience.

For instance:

• “Participated in raw material reception and verification during 3-month internship.”
• “Worked in packaging section ensuring correct coding and sealing.”
• “Assisted in new product trial runs and reported on line yield results.”

If you’ve worked in a bakery, dairy plant, milling facility, or even a community food-processing group, include it. Hands-on exposure, even in a small setup, shows you can handle real-world challenges like machine downtime, hygiene checks, and line coordination. Candidates who demonstrate practical adaptability are usually shortlisted faster than those who only present academic credentials.

3. Craft a Results-Oriented Cover Letter

Most applicants submit generic letters that simply repeat CV information. To stand out, your cover letter should connect your skills to the employer’s needs. Since this job stresses HACCP and KEBS compliance, mention those keywords explicitly.

Example opening line:
“I am applying for the Food Production Technologist role where I can apply my diploma training and hands-on experience in HACCP and KEBS compliance to ensure safe and consistent product quality.”

In the body, share one or two achievements:

• “During my attachment, I helped reduce product rejections by tightening moisture checks.”
• “I assisted in preparing documentation that contributed to a successful KEBS audit.”

Close with a forward-looking statement:
“I look forward to bringing my skills in testing, process monitoring, and innovation to support your production goals.”

A tailored letter makes the recruiter immediately see alignment between your abilities and the role’s requirements.

4. Highlight Innovation and Continuous Learning

This vacancy emphasizes passion for innovation and sustainability. Many candidates overlook this soft skill, but employers see it as critical. Companies want technologists who are not only routine checkers but also problem-solvers who can spot opportunities for efficiency or product improvement.

Show examples:

• “Researched alternative local ingredients during attachment to reduce formulation cost by 10%.”
• “Suggested a packaging material change that improved shelf life.”

Even if you are a fresh graduate, you can showcase innovation through projects, academic research, or group assignments. Mention any exposure to product development, value addition, or nutrition awareness programs.

Also, emphasize continuous learning. If you’ve attended webinars, short courses (like Food Safety Awareness, Nutrition, or ISO 22000), include them. Employers value candidates who keep upgrading themselves. It signals you’ll adapt to new technologies and changing consumer trends.

5. Master Common Interview Questions

Food production interviews often test both technical competence and problem-solving ability. Expect questions like:

• “How would you handle an out-of-spec raw material delivery?”
• “What steps do you take to ensure HACCP compliance?”
• “Describe a time when you identified a production problem and how you solved it.”

Prepare clear, structured answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For example:
“During my internship, I noticed abnormal pH readings in a product batch. I stopped further processing, informed the supervisor, and helped retest the raw material. The deviation was corrected, preventing a potential KEBS non-compliance issue.”

Such answers show initiative, technical awareness, and accountability.

Also, be ready for soft-skill questions: “How do you manage stress in a fast-paced environment?” or “How do you work with operators who may not be technically trained?” Employers value emotional intelligence alongside technical skill.

6. Understand Local Consumer Trends

The job description mentions awareness of local consumer trends and nutritional needs. This is where many candidates lose marks — they focus on technicalities and forget the market context.

Be prepared to discuss:

• The growing Kenyan demand for affordable fortified foods (iron, vitamin A).
• Increased consumer preference for organic, low-sugar, or plant-based products.
• Rising concerns about food safety scandals and the importance of traceability.

When you show awareness of these trends, you demonstrate strategic thinking. Employers see you as someone who not only ensures compliance but also understands why consumers buy or reject products. This perspective makes you valuable for product development and marketing collaborations.

7. Showcase Strong Communication Skills

Food technologists don’t work in isolation — they must interact with operators, supervisors, auditors, and sometimes even customers. Clear communication can prevent production errors and build team cohesion.

On your CV, don’t just write “good communication skills.” Give examples:

• “Trained 10 operators on hygiene practices during internship.”
• “Prepared weekly quality reports for management review.”

In interviews, practice speaking confidently and concisely. Avoid jargon unless explaining to technical staff. If asked to describe a process, structure your answer logically (step 1, step 2, step 3). Employers often assess communication by how you explain technical concepts in simple terms.

Written communication also matters. Your application email should have a proper subject line, a professional greeting, and no spelling errors. Recruiters in food manufacturing expect technologists to be precise — sloppy emails may suggest you’ll make errors in production records.

8. Demonstrate Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

Food plants face daily challenges: machine breakdowns, raw material shortages, quality deviations. Employers need staff who don’t panic but instead analyze problems and propose solutions.

During interviews, use real or hypothetical examples:

• “If a batch fails a moisture test, I would isolate it, review the drying process, and retest before escalating.”
• “If packaging keeps tearing, I’d liaise with maintenance to adjust machine tension.”

Show that you are systematic, not reactive. Recruiters look for candidates who follow procedures but also think critically about root causes. If you can demonstrate problem-solving from your internship or coursework, it signals that you’ll add value beyond routine checks.

9. Align with Company Values of Safety and Integrity

Food manufacturing companies prioritize safety, integrity, and compliance. Show alignment by emphasizing these values in your application. For example:

• “Committed to upholding HACCP standards and ensuring consumer safety.”
• “Maintain integrity in documentation to support audit readiness.”

During interviews, reinforce these values. Employers want staff who won’t cut corners under pressure. Share experiences where you insisted on proper standards even if it slowed production. Integrity is particularly important in roles tied to KEBS compliance. Demonstrating this trait positions you as trustworthy, which is crucial in food safety.

10. Treat This as a Career Path, Not Just a Job

Finally, the best candidates present themselves as people building a career in food technology, not just seeking a paycheck. Employers invest time in training technologists and want assurance you’ll stay and grow.

In your CV or interview, mention medium-term goals:

• “I aim to specialize in quality assurance and eventually lead a QA team.”
• “I plan to pursue ISO 22000 certification to strengthen my food safety expertise.”

Showing ambition doesn’t mean being unrealistic — it means signaling that you see yourself in the industry for the long haul. Employers prefer candidates who demonstrate commitment, because it reduces turnover and builds organizational expertise. By framing the role as a career step, you reassure the recruiter that hiring you is a sustainable investment.