Job Summary
The Lead Engineer – Production & Quality is a high-impact strategic leadership role with Group oversight of Jibu’s production and quality operations. In this role, the Lead Engineer drives innovation and continuous improvement across all production and quality activities. They implement tech-enabled, scalable processes to maximize equipment uptime and product safety across multiple countries. The Lead Engineer spearheads the adoption of new technologies and engineering solutions to enhance efficiency and deliver strong return on investment (ROI) for technical initiatives. Key responsibilities include establishing and enforcing Group quality management systems and KPIs, proactively mitigating operational risks, and managing relationships with regulators and other stakeholders. As the head of the P&Q teams, the Lead Engineer fosters a culture of excellence, provides mentorship and capacity building, and ensures effective communication and collaboration across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Planning: Provide long-term strategic direction for Group production and quality operations. Align P&Q objectives and projects with the company’s vision and executive priorities, ensuring engineering initiatives contribute to Jibu’s growth and deliver strong return on investment (ROI). Collaborate with the COO and leadership team on capacity planning, budgeting, and prioritization of key projects.
- Group Quality Assurance & Compliance: Establish, enforce, and continuously improve Group quality standards, policies, and procedures. Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and water quality standards in all operating countries. Monitor quality performance metrics (e.g. lab test pass rates, safety audits) and drive initiatives to meet or exceed targets, thereby upholding Jibu’s brand and trust across operating markets.
- Production Efficiency & Uptime: Oversee the reliability and efficiency of Jibu’s production systems to maximize equipment uptime and optimize operational efficiency. Implement preventive maintenance programs, data-driven monitoring tools, and rapid-response protocols to minimize downtime across all franchise locations. Analyze production data to identify trends, reduce costs, and standardize best practices that improve output and reduce waste in every market.
- Technology & Innovation: Lead the adoption of tech-enabled solutions to enhance scalability and oversight of production and quality operations. Introduce and integrate new technologies that improve process control, data visibility, and cost-effectiveness. Drive research and development of new products, equipment, and processes, ensuring Jibu stays at the forefront of innovation and that investments in technology yield high ROI and operational impact.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal departments – including Finance, Commercial, and Supply Chain – to integrate P&Q plans with broader business objectives and resource planning. Provide technical insight to support budgeting and investment decisions, and guide supply chain requirements (e.g. spare parts forecasting) to support uninterrupted operations. Partner with IT on enterprise system integrations that enable Group monitoring and reporting. Ensure P&Q considerations are incorporated into company-wide initiatives and that there is clear communication of needs and impacts across functions.
- Stakeholder & Regulatory Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, franchisees and suppliers. Serve as Jibu’s technical representative in discussions with regulators and standards bodies to ensure compliance and influence positive regulatory outcomes. Communicate production/quality strategies, updates, and results to stakeholders in a clear and professional manner, reinforcing confidence in Jibu’s operations. This includes delivering briefings to the executive team, and providing guidance to franchisees on technical and quality matters.
- Team Leadership & Development: Provide leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to all Production & Quality teams across the organization. Manage and develop a high-performing P&Q team by setting clear goals, conducting regular performance reviews, and fostering professional growth. Oversee training and capacity-building programs (including operator certification initiatives) to ensure staff and franchise operators are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to maintain Jibu’s standards. Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and excellence within the team.
- Risk Management & Continuous Improvement: Proactively identify and mitigate risks in production and quality operations – from equipment failures and quality control issues to health & safety and supply chain disruptions. Develop contingency plans and maintenance of business continuity protocols for technical operations. Champion a culture of continuous improvement by leveraging data and feedback to refine processes, reduce operational costs, and improve product quality. Regularly evaluate emerging risks and industry trends, adjusting strategies to ensure Jibu’s production model remains resilient and effective.
Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field. (A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field combined with significant experience will also be considered.)
- Experience: At least 5–7 years of management-level experience in production/engineering or quality operations, with a proven track record of leading technical teams in a multi-site or multi-country context. Background in water engineering, food/beverage production, or product development/manufacturing is highly advantageous.
- Strategic & Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to align technical operations with business strategy and to drive data-driven decision-making. Experience defining and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) — such as uptime, quality compliance, and cost efficiency — and using metrics to improve ROI and operational performance.
- Quality & Compliance Expertise: In-depth knowledge of quality management systems and regulatory compliance. Experience managing regulatory inspections and building compliance programs across different countries. Familiarity with water quality standards and safety regulations (e.g. OSHA or local equivalents) is a plus. Proven ability to maintain effective working relationships with regulators and ensure adherence to both internal and external standards.
- Innovation & Technical Aptitude: A tech-savvy mindset with experience implementing new technologies or process improvements in an operations environment. Ability to research, evaluate, and deploy innovative solutions (for example, automation tools, IoT devices, or digital monitoring systems) to scale production and enhance quality control.
- Leadership & Collaboration: Exceptional leadership and people-management skills. Proven ability to mentor and develop teams, delegate effectively, and inspire high performance. Strong collaboration skills with experience working cross-functionally and influencing stakeholders at all levels of an organization.
- Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Able to convey complex technical information to non-technical audiences clearly and persuasively. Fluent in English (written and spoken); proficiency in French or Swahili is a plus.
- Adaptability & Drive: High level of adaptability and cultural sensitivity, with experience working in emerging markets
