Octavia Carbon is a pioneering company based in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology for carbon dioxide removal. Founded in June 2022

Role Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Manufacturing Lead to oversee and optimize our in-house production processes for Direct Air Capture (DAC) components and modules. The Manufacturing Lead is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing and optimizing all in-house manufacturing operations. This position ensures the efficient, safe, and high-quality production of our Direct Air Capture (DAC) systems and their components. The Manufacturing Lead will champion continuous improvement, manage production teams, and collaborate with cross-functional departments to achieve operational excellence and contribute directly to the company’s carbon removal targets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership and Development: Manage the manufacturing team, appraising performance, resolving problems, and ensuring competency in all roles.
• Operational Management: Oversee daily production activities, formulating and ensuring adherence to schedules and targets, planning and supervising production teams, monitoring output, and adjusting based on inventory levels.
• Production Planning and Scheduling: Develop and execute effective production plans and schedules that align with company objectives and market demands.
• Resource Management: Oversee the effective allocation and efficient utilization of all manufacturing resources, including materials, equipment, and personnel.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to all relevant safety and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Process Optimization and Improvement: Continuously seek and implement strategies for efficiency gains and cost reduction, analyze production data, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Quality Assurance and Control: Implement and maintain rigorous quality standards throughout the manufacturing process, review production setups, conduct inspections, and ensure products meet specifications.
• Equipment Maintenance and Reliability: Implement and manage preventive maintenance programs to minimize equipment downtime and ensure continuous production.
• Collaboration and Communication: Effectively collaborate and communicate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Product, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance) and external stakeholders.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Track Objectives and key Results (OKRs) and provide regular reports on overall manufacturing performance to senior management.
• Strategic Contribution: Adapt manufacturing processes to seamlessly integrate ongoing R&D advancements and modular designs for DAC units.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing or Industrial Engineering.
• More than 2 years’ experience in Production or design implementation roles
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, quality standards, and safety regulations.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities with experience in motivating and developing teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to analyze data and implement effective solutions.
• Knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., ISO standards, GMP).
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with production planning, scheduling, and inventory management systems.
• Comprehensive understanding of safety and environmental regulations relevant to manufacturing operations.
• Project management skills with the ability to manage and implement improvement projects.
• Proven experience in a manufacturing leadership role, preferably within the chemical processing, materials science, or clean technology sectors.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and practices.

• Team Leadership and Development: Manage the manufacturing team, appraising performance, resolving problems, and ensuring competency in all roles.
• Operational Management: Oversee daily production activities, formulating and ensuring adherence to schedules and targets, planning and supervising production teams, monitoring output, and adjusting based on inventory levels.
• Production Planning and Scheduling: Develop and execute effective production plans and schedules that align with company objectives and market demands.
• Resource Management: Oversee the effective allocation and efficient utilization of all manufacturing resources, including materials, equipment, and personnel.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to all relevant safety and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Process Optimization and Improvement: Continuously seek and implement strategies for efficiency gains and cost reduction, analyze production data, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Quality Assurance and Control: Implement and maintain rigorous quality standards throughout the manufacturing process, review production setups, conduct inspections, and ensure products meet specifications.
• Equipment Maintenance and Reliability: Implement and manage preventive maintenance programs to minimize equipment downtime and ensure continuous production.
• Collaboration and Communication: Effectively collaborate and communicate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Product, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance) and external stakeholders.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Track Objectives and key Results (OKRs) and provide regular reports on overall manufacturing performance to senior management.
• Strategic Contribution: Adapt manufacturing processes to seamlessly integrate ongoing R&D advancements and modular designs for DAC units.

• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, quality standards, and safety regulations.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities with experience in motivating and developing teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to analyze data and implement effective solutions.
• Knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., ISO standards, GMP).
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with production planning, scheduling, and inventory management systems.
• Comprehensive understanding of safety and environmental regulations relevant to manufacturing operations.
• Project management skills with the ability to manage and implement improvement projects.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and practices.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing or Industrial Engineering.
• More than 2 years’ experience in Production or design implementation roles
• Proven experience in a manufacturing leadership role, preferably within the chemical processing, materials science, or clean technology sectors.