Manufacturing Specialist – Join SC Johnson & Son Kenya Limited

Job Category: Manufacturing | Job Level: Intermediate

---

Position Overview:

SC Johnson & Son Kenya Limited is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to fill the role of Manufacturing Specialist. As a key member of our manufacturing team, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless production of high-quality products. This position is suitable for someone with hands-on experience in plant maintenance, thermal dynamics, and compressed air systems. Join us in maintaining our commitment to excellence in manufacturing!

---

Key Responsibilities:

1. Dispensing of Raw Materials:
   • Accurately dispense various raw materials in required quantities based on manufacturing formulations.
2. Processing of Raw Materials:
   • Process raw materials to achieve high-quality products in accordance with manufacturing formulations and production targets.
3. Quality Control:
   • Diagnose and solve quality-related issues caused by the manufacturing process or changes in raw materials.
4. Production Line Management:
   • Ensure continuous supply of products to production lines for packing, maximizing productivity, and meeting production targets.
5. Process Monitoring:
   • Monitor the physical aspects of the manufacturing process, addressing any deviations from the required standards.
6. Record Keeping:
   • Record all necessary physical parameters in a batch control sheet for historical reference.
7. Equipment Maintenance:
   • Keep plant and equipment clean and in good working condition.
8. Wastage Reduction:
   • Assist in reconciling raw materials at the end of shifts or manufacturing schedules, minimizing wastage.
9. Process Improvement:
   • Propose improvements to the manufacturing process to increase productivity.
10. Safety and Hazard Reporting:
    • Identify and report potential hazards in the operational area, adhering to Health, Safety, and Environment policies.
11. Adaptability:
    • Perform other tasks within your capability as assigned by management.

---

Key Competencies:

• Hands-On Skills:
  • Demonstrated expertise in plant maintenance, thermal dynamics, and compressed air systems.
• Team Collaboration:
  • A team player who can work with minimum supervision.
• Proactive and Innovative:
  • Ability to initiate action and propose improvements.

---

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or related course.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 3 years in a Manufacturing Environment.
• Additional Skills:
  • Communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Advantageous: W.C.M environment TPM experience, computer literacy.

---

How To Apply:

Interested candidates meeting the criteria are invited to submit their applications, along with detailed CVs and daytime telephone contact, to:

The HR Manager, SC Johnson & Son Kenya Limited
P.O. Box 30457-00100 GPO, Nairobi
Email: keinfo@scj.com

Applications close on 15 January 2024. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

---

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant for Manufacturing Specialist:

1. Showcase Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate your hands-on skills in plant maintenance, thermal dynamics, and compressed air systems. Highlight specific achievements that showcase your technical prowess in a manufacturing environment.
2. Align with Safety Standards: Emphasize your commitment to safety by providing examples of how you’ve adhered to safety protocols in your previous roles. Mention any certifications or training related to safety, health, and environment.
3. Highlight Teamwork: Manufacturing is a collaborative process. Showcase instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with a team to achieve production goals. Provide concrete examples of successful teamwork.
4. Prove Proactiveness: Manufacturing Specialists need to be proactive and innovative. Share instances where you took the initiative to identify and implement process improvements, resulting in increased productivity.
5. Effective Communication: Strong communication skills are essential. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively within a team and provide examples of how you’ve conveyed complex technical information to different stakeholders.
6. Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills: Manufacturing processes can face challenges. Share specific examples of how you’ve diagnosed and resolved issues related to product quality or manufacturing processes.
7. Showcase Adaptability: Manufacturing environments can be dynamic. Illustrate instances where you adapted to changes in raw materials, manufacturing processes, or production targets.
8. Detail Record-Keeping: Attention to detail is crucial. Discuss your experience in maintaining accurate records, such as batch control sheets, and how it contributed to the overall efficiency of the manufacturing process.
9. Exhibit Continuous Learning: Manufacturing technology evolves. Highlight any ongoing education or training you’ve pursued to stay updated with the latest developments in manufacturing processes.
10. Express Interest in Company Values: Research and understand SC Johnson & Son Kenya Limited’s values. Tailor your application to align with the company’s commitment to excellence and safety.

---

SAMPLE COVER LETTER Manufacturing Specialist:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Manufacturing Specialist position at SC Johnson & Son Kenya Limited, as advertised. With a Diploma in Analytical Chemistry and over 3 years of experience in a Manufacturing Environment, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the success of your team.*

In my previous role, I successfully dispensed raw materials, maintained plant equipment, and consistently met production targets. I am particularly proud of my role in diagnosing and resolving quality issues, which resulted in a 20% reduction in product defects. My proactive approach and ability to initiate action align with your requirement for a hands-on and innovative team player.

My communication skills, coupled with a track record of effective teamwork, make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to SC Johnson & Son Kenya Limited’s commitment to excellence in manufacturing.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experience align with your team’s needs.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

---

Frequently Asked Questions – Manufacturing Specialist:

Q1: What specific hands-on skills are crucial for success in this role?

A1: The Manufacturing Specialist role requires expertise in plant maintenance, thermal dynamics, and compressed air systems. Demonstrated proficiency in these areas is crucial for ensuring smooth manufacturing operations.

Q2: How do you handle deviations from the required standards in the manufacturing process?

A2: Deviations are addressed promptly through continuous process monitoring. I utilize my problem-solving skills to diagnose the root cause and implement corrective actions, ensuring that the manufacturing process aligns with the required standards.

Q3: Can you provide an example of a situation where you proposed and implemented improvements in the manufacturing process?

A3: Certainly. In my previous role, I identified an inefficiency in the dispensing process, leading to delays in production. I proposed a revised workflow that reduced dispensing time by 15%, resulting in increased overall productivity.

Q4: How do you contribute to maintaining a clean and safe working environment in the manufacturing plant?

A4: I actively participate in plant and equipment maintenance, ensuring cleanliness and optimal working conditions. Additionally, I am vigilant in identifying and reporting potential hazards in line with Health, Safety, and Environment policies.

Q5: How do you minimize wastage of raw materials during the manufacturing process?

A5: I contribute to wastage reduction by assisting in reconciling raw materials at the end of each shift or manufacturing schedule. This involves careful monitoring and adjustment of material quantities to keep wastage to a minimum.

Q6: What measures do you take to stay updated with the latest developments in manufacturing technology?

A6: I prioritize continuous learning by attending relevant workshops, courses, and staying informed about industry trends. This proactive approach ensures that I stay abreast of the latest advancements in manufacturing technology.

Q7: How do you ensure effective communication within a manufacturing team?

A7: Clear and concise communication is essential. I actively engage with team members, ensuring that information is conveyed accurately and comprehensively. Regular team meetings and updates contribute to a well-informed and collaborative environment.

Q8: Can you provide an example of a successful teamwork experience in a manufacturing setting?

A8: Certainly. During a high-demand period, our team worked together seamlessly to meet tight production deadlines. Through effective communication and collaboration, we not only met targets but exceeded them by 10%, showcasing the power of teamwork.

Q9: How do you handle situations where there are changes in raw materials during the manufacturing process?

A9: Adapting to changes in raw materials is part of the job. I approach such situations with flexibility, adjusting processes and ensuring that the end product maintains the required quality standards.

Q10: What motivates you to pursue a career as a Manufacturing Specialist at SC Johnson & Son Kenya Limited?

A10: I am motivated by the company’s commitment to excellence and safety. SC Johnson & Son Kenya Limited’s values align with my professional goals, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of your manufacturing team.

---

Possible Manufacturing Specialist Interview Questions With Answers:

1. Q: Can you discuss your experience in plant maintenance and how it contributed to the overall efficiency of manufacturing operations? A: In my previous role, I played a key role in maintaining plant equipment, ensuring it was clean and in optimal working condition. This proactive approach significantly reduced downtime and contributed to a more efficient manufacturing process.
2. Q: How do you prioritize tasks to meet production targets in a dynamic manufacturing environment? A: I prioritize tasks based on their impact on production timelines. By carefully managing dispensing, processing, and quality control activities, I ensure that production targets are consistently met, even in dynamic situations.
3. Q: Can you provide an example of a challenging quality-related issue you faced and how you resolved it? A: I once encountered a deviation in product quality due to a change in raw materials. Through thorough analysis and collaboration with the quality control team, we identified the root cause and implemented adjustments, ensuring the final product met the required standards.
4. Q: How do you approach proposing improvements in the manufacturing process, and can you share a successful example? A: I approach process improvement by conducting a comprehensive analysis of existing workflows. In a previous role, I proposed and implemented a change in the batching process, resulting in a 15% reduction in production time.
5. Q: How do you handle situations where there are competing priorities in the manufacturing schedule? A: I assess the urgency and impact of each task on production targets. By communicating effectively with the team and utilizing time-management strategies, I ensure that all priorities are addressed without compromising overall production goals.
6. Q: Can you discuss your experience with Health, Safety, and Environment policies in a manufacturing setting? A: I am well-versed in adhering to Health, Safety, and Environment policies. I actively participate in identifying and reporting potential hazards, contributing to the creation of a safe working environment for all team members.
7. Q: How do you handle situations where there are changes in raw materials during a manufacturing process? A: I approach such situations with adaptability. By closely monitoring the effects of changes in raw materials on the manufacturing process, I adjust procedures to ensure that the final product maintains the required quality standards.
8. Q: Can you share an example of a successful collaboration within a manufacturing team that led to increased productivity? A: During a period of high demand, our team collaborated effectively to meet tight production deadlines. Through clear communication and coordinated efforts, we not only met targets but exceeded them, showcasing the power of teamwork.
9. Q: How do you stay informed about the latest developments in manufacturing technology? A: I prioritize continuous learning by attending relevant workshops, courses, and staying informed about industry trends. This proactive approach ensures that I stay abreast of the latest advancements in manufacturing technology.
10. Q: What attracts you to a career as a Manufacturing Specialist at SC Johnson & Son Kenya Limited? A: I am drawn to the company’s commitment to excellence and safety. SC Johnson & Son Kenya Limited’s values align with my professional goals, and I am eager to contribute to the continued success of the manufacturing team.

---

Best wishes to all applicants pursuing the Manufacturing Specialist position at SC Johnson & Son Kenya Limited. Our commitment to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds reflects our dedication to being a better development partner for everyone.