Elisha Abok
Food Safety And Processing Operations
Nairobi
Summary
Operations leader with track record in driving efficiency and productivity. Known for strategic planning, process optimization, and effective resource management. Strong focus on team collaboration, adaptability, and achieving measurable results. Skilled in logistics, project management, and continuous improvement. Trusted to deliver high-quality outcomes in dynamic environments.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Head of Operations Factory (Factory Manager)
Grow Fairly Limited
07.2022 - Current
- Overseeing the Processing, Maintenance, Quality Assurance and Research and Development Departments
- In addition to the delegated human resource management and coordination of about 500 staff on day to day activities of the factory and the value chain
- Coordinating suppliers and service providers along the value chain as well as Customer engagement on orders timelines and specifications
- Installed 8,000 Metric tons Nut in shell Macadamia and 3500 MT Cashew Processing Factory at grow fairly limited
- Developed a working process flow from basic principles to the actual operational status
- Coordinated the sourcing of equipment, installations and commissioning
- Coordinated staff recruitment, training and deployment
- Currently working on process optimization and strategies for Energy, water, waste and general operational cost management
- Coordinating a robust RnD team for capacity optimization with clear targets on the set objectives
- Set the processing systems for the factory and realized the designed operational capacity and costs
- Designed, installed and commissioned a food laboratory at Grow Fairly LTD
Process Consultant
TSA Cashew Limited
01.2022 - 07.2022
- Oversaw the Installation of 3500 tons Cashew Processing Plant
- Developed a process flow and Layout of Equipment
- Supervised a diverse team of Maintenance and Contractors and Process supervisors that resulted to the completion of the TSA Cashew Factory for Operations
Production Manager
Ten Senses Africa (EPZ) LTD
01.2020 - 07.2022
- Overseeing the Processing, Maintenance, Quality Assurance and Research and Development Departments
- Supervises the Processing of, Macadamia Kernels, Oil Production, and Fruit drying
- Coordinates a team of 10 Senior Supervisory Staff to manage over 500 General staffs in various process sections
- Set up an optimized process layout for Macadamia, Oil press and Dried Fruit Processing
- Reduced the Cost of Production by 30%
- Reduced Utility Cost by 25%, and reduced the inventory days to 14 days within a period of 6 months
- Developed and effective and efficient process control in line with the company Objectives
- Built a robust team of production staff to effectively coordinate the daily production processes and activities at optimal levels
Ag. Production Manager
Ten Senses Africa (EPZ) LTD
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Overseeing the Processing, Maintenance, Quality Assurance and Research and Development Departments
- Supervises the Processing of, Macadamia Kernels, Oil Production and Fruit drying
- Coordinates a team of 10 Senior Supervisory Staff to manage over 450 General staffs in various process sections
- Set up an optimized process layout for Macadamia, Oil press and Dried Fruit Processing
- Built 3- Biomass fruit drier 2.1 tones dried fruit output in 2 days
- Reduced the Cost of Production by 30%
- Successfully supervised a team of 10 interns within the period and built capacity by incorporating 3 within the Supervisory team
Quality Assurance and Safety Coordinator
Ten Senses Africa (EPZ) LTD
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Implementation of FSSC 22000, ISO 22000:2018, organic certification, ISO 14000:2015, OHS 2007, General Compliance to regulatory Authorities and Customer Requirements
- Product Quality control and assurance
- Built Food Chemistry and Microbiology Laboratory from scratch to operational status and Initiated the Certification to ISO 17025
- Maintained the Major customer complaints at zero
- Set up SOPs for Macadamia process, Oil processing, Fruit Drying and Cashew Processing
Quality Assurance and Safety Supervisor
Ten Senses Africa LTD
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Quality control models, FSSC 22000 implementation, Raw materials analysis, Supplier Audits, Laboratory Operations Management, Occupational Health and safety trainings and system implementation, New product development, Research and Development, Farmer trainings, Food safety trainings, continuous quality improvement
Research Assistant
University of Nairobi
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
- Monitored project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high-quality output.
Food engineering and Analytical Techniques tutorial fellow
PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities while managing multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
Graduate Assistant
University of Nairobi
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Analytical Techniques and Food Chemistry-Student Laboratory experiments Guide
Laboratory Technologist
Excel' Laboratories
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures to verify quality control.
- Reduced error rates in test results by maintaining equipment calibration and conducting rigorous quality control checks.
- Recorded and interpreted laboratory results to present to senior colleagues.
- Streamlined sample processing for timely results by optimizing workflow and prioritizing tasks effectively.
- Implemented Lean Six Sigma principles to optimize workflows, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency within the laboratory environment.
- Demonstrated expertise in various analytical techniques, contributing to a diverse range of testing capabilities for the laboratory.
- Trained new Laboratory Technologists on best practices and standard operating procedures, ensuring consistent team performance.
Quality Assurance and Safety Intern
Muhoroni Sugar Company (MUSCO)
06.2013 - 09.2013
- Conducted thorough inspections of facilities, equipment, and safety measures to mitigate risks.
- Prepared and documented health and safety incident reports for management review.
Production Operations intern
Chemelil Sugar Company
06.2012 - 09.2012
- Studied with senior staff to develop deep understanding of team processes and full operational activities.
- Assisted with coordination of technical and business system process improvements.
- Managed data entry tasks and administrative responsibilities for the staff.
Education
Master of Science - Food Science and Technology
University of Nairobi
CAVS-Nairobi 04.2014 - 01.2018
Bachelor of Science - Food Science and Technology
University of Nairobi
CAVS- Nairobi 04.2010 - 01.2014
Skills
Operational excellence
Workforce planning
Safety management
Team leadership
Performance evaluation and monitoring
Decision-making
Customer relations
Cost analysis and savings
Purchasing and planning
Effective leader
Data analysis
Quality assurance
Affiliations
- Executive member Food Science and Technology Platform of Kenya- FOSTEP-K.
- KASEA Kenya
Training
- Food Safety System Certification Implementers Training (FSSC22000), 2018, SGS Kenya
- FSSC 22000: 2018 internal audit training, Absolute Integrated Management System
- EU and Biosuiss Organic ICS certification training
- ISO 14001:2015 Environmental management system certification
Keycareermilestones
- Management of resources and delivery of quality goods and services at desirable cost.
- Setting up 3500MT Automated cashew processing factory.
- Setting up of 800MT Macadamia Nut in Shell processing Factory in Kilifi.
- Setting up of 600MT Macadamia Nut in Shell Processing Factory in Athi- River Kenya.
- Setting up of Dried Pineapple Supply Chain and processing in Homabay.
- Setting up of ISO 17025 Certified Food Chemistry and Microbiology Laboratory in Nairobi and Mombasa.
Timeline
Head of Operations Factory (Factory Manager)
Grow Fairly Limited
07.2022 - Current
Process Consultant
TSA Cashew Limited
01.2022 - 07.2022
Production Manager
Ten Senses Africa (EPZ) LTD
01.2020 - 07.2022
Ag. Production Manager
Ten Senses Africa (EPZ) LTD
01.2019 - 01.2020
Quality Assurance and Safety Coordinator
Ten Senses Africa (EPZ) LTD
01.2018 - 01.2019
Quality Assurance and Safety Supervisor
Ten Senses Africa LTD
01.2016 - 01.2018
Food engineering and Analytical Techniques tutorial fellow
PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute
01.2016 - 12.2016
Master of Science - Food Science and Technology
University of Nairobi
04.2014 - 01.2018
Research Assistant
University of Nairobi
01.2014 - 01.2017
Graduate Assistant
University of Nairobi
01.2014 - 01.2015
Laboratory Technologist
Excel' Laboratories
01.2014 - 12.2014
Quality Assurance and Safety Intern
Muhoroni Sugar Company (MUSCO)
06.2013 - 09.2013
Production Operations intern
Chemelil Sugar Company
06.2012 - 09.2012
Bachelor of Science - Food Science and Technology
University of Nairobi
04.2010 - 01.2014
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