Our client, a well-established and rapidly growing paper packaging manufacturing company based in Kikatiti, Arusha, is seeking to recruit an experienced and innovative Head of Technical & Product Design to lead its Technical, Research & Development (R&D), Product Design, and Quality Assurance functions.

This strategic leadership role is responsible for driving product innovation, overseeing technical operations and plant maintenance, ensuring manufacturing excellence, and maintaining the highest quality standards across the business. The successful candidate will play a key role in improving operational efficiency, reducing downtime, supporting new product development, and ensuring customer satisfaction through world-class packaging solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Development (R&D) & Product Design

• Lead the Research & Development function, overseeing new product development, sample creation, and packaging design initiatives.
• Manage the complete sample development process from customer brief through to final approved sample, ensuring all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are followed.
• Review and approve all artwork prior to plate and die production, ensuring customer specifications are accurately interpreted and all required approvals are obtained before production.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Customer Service, and Production teams to develop practical, innovative, and cost-effective packaging solutions that meet customer requirements.
• Oversee the plate and die manufacturing process, ensuring quality, accuracy, cost efficiency, and timely delivery.
• Develop and maintain a centralised database of approved customer artworks, product specifications, samples, and technical drawings.
• Drive continuous improvement through packaging innovation, material optimisation, product enhancements, and value engineering initiatives.

Technical Operations & Maintenance

• Lead the Technical Department, assuming full responsibility for the maintenance and reliability of all production equipment, including corrugators, printing presses, die-cutting machines, slitter scorers, stitching and gluing machines, compressors, utilities, and forklifts.
• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programmes to maximise equipment reliability and minimise production downtime.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop the maintenance team, ensuring high technical competency and accountability.
• Establish effective spare parts inventory management systems with defined minimum stock levels for critical components.
• Coordinate with Procurement to ensure the timely availability of spare parts, maintenance materials, and technical consumables.
• Manage relationships with equipment manufacturers, service providers, and specialist contractors for major repairs and annual servicing.
• Monitor equipment performance, analyse recurring failures, conduct root cause analysis, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, equipment history files, downtime reports, and maintenance KPIs.

Quality Assurance & Production Audits

• Conduct regular quality and production audits to ensure manufacturing processes comply with established quality standards and customer specifications.
• Monitor quality throughout all production stages, including incoming raw materials, in-process production, and finished goods.
• Make informed technical decisions regarding alternative material usage during shortages while maintaining product quality and production schedules.
• Investigate customer complaints, product defects, and non-conformances, implementing effective Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to prevent recurrence.
• Ensure all finished products meet customer requirements before dispatch.
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality management systems, inspection procedures, audit reports, and quality documentation.
• Partner with Production to reduce waste, minimise product rejections, improve efficiencies, and promote a culture of continuous quality improvement.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams across Technical, Maintenance, R&D, Product Design, and Quality Assurance.
• Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Provide technical guidance and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, increase machine availability, and enhance product quality.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, health and safety standards, and industry best practices.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Packaging Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Production Engineering, Paper Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 8–10 years' experience within the corrugated carton box or paper packaging manufacturing industry.
• At least 3–5 years' experience in a senior technical, engineering, or management role.
• Proven expertise in product design, packaging development, sample creation, and technical support within the corrugated packaging sector.
• Strong knowledge of corrugated carton manufacturing processes, packaging materials, quality standards, and production machinery.
• Demonstrated experience in preventive maintenance planning, equipment reliability, breakdown analysis, and spare parts management.
• Experience working with ERP systems, maintenance management software, and technical reporting tools is an advantage.
• Previous experience working in East Africa or similar developing market environments will be considered an added advantage.

Deadline:

15th July 2026.