Automation & Engineering Lead
Bridge Talent Management View all jobs
- Nairobi
- Permanent
- Full-time
We are seeking an experienced Automation & Engineering Lead (Expatriate) to provide strategic and hands-on leadership within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role will oversee engineering operations across multiple production lines, ensuring optimal equipment performance, reliability, and efficiency.The successful candidate will play a critical role in driving operational excellence, minimizing downtime, and implementing automation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance overall plant productivity.
Key Responsibilities1. Engineering Leadership & Plant Reliability
- Lead and manage the engineering function across multiple production lines.
- Ensure high equipment reliability and plant availability through effective maintenance strategies.
- Implement best practices in preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance.
- Provide advanced expertise in electrical, instrumentation, and automation systems.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation and equipment issues.
- Maintain automation backups and accurate technical documentation.
- Drive predictive and proactive maintenance strategies to maximize uptime.
- Improve key metrics such as MTTR and MTBF.
- Maintain detailed maintenance and performance records.
- Support production teams to achieve efficiency targets (85%+).
- Identify bottlenecks and implement engineering solutions to improve throughput.
- Ensure minimal process wastage and optimal resource utilization.
- Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for breakdowns and process failures.
- Implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives including Kaizen and process optimization.
- Oversee engineering spares inventory to ensure uninterrupted operations.
- Manage vendor relationships and support supplier evaluation and development.
- Lead engineering projects including upgrades, automation improvements, and new installations.
- Ensure timely delivery of projects within budget and technical specifications.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Electronic, Instrumentation, or Automation Engineering.
- 8–12 years’ experience in FMCG manufacturing or beverage bottling operations.
- Strong hands-on experience with automated production lines (bottling experience is an added advantage).
- Proven expertise in automation systems, instrumentation, and electrical troubleshooting.
- Experience in predictive maintenance and reliability engineering.