Kevin Ogola
Plant Maintenance Manager
Nairobi,Kenya
Summary
Results-driven Senior Engineering Manager with extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams in the Central Processing Plant sector at Almarai Company Ltd. Proven ability to manage complex projects and enhance operational efficiency through strategic planning and effective resource allocation. Recognized for implementing process improvements that foster collaboration and innovation while consistently exceeding objectives in high-pressure environments. Committed to delivering exceptional results and driving organizational success through decisive leadership and a focus on continuous improvement.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
10
10
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Senior Engineering Manager - CPP1
Almarai Company
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
05.2018 - Current
- Reporting to Factory Engineering Manager
- Core responsibilities
- Ensure production targets are met and that the assets meet the optimum performance requirements
- Also, to oversee provision of skills, labor, training and guidance in line with the emerging business needs.
- Ensure the assets are maintained well enough to meet business demands at all times.
- Identify asset improvement requirements and initiate upgradation and replacements were necessary.
- Control a SAR 37.5M repair and maintenance Budget
- Identify staff developmental needs and plan in the requirements accordingly.
- Prepare the annual repair and maintenance and also overhead budget estimates.
- Lead the PM pillar implementation planS
- Prepare the 5year R&M and Overhead budget plans
- Led cross-functional teams in the design and implementation of engineering solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and product quality.
- Spearheaded strategic initiatives to optimize manufacturing processes, resulting in reduced waste and improved resource utilization.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with stakeholders, ensuring alignment on project goals and timely delivery of engineering solutions.
- Instituted performance metrics and continuous improvement strategies, driving significant advancements in team productivity and project outcomes.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement innovative engineering solutions, streamlining processes and enhancing product quality.
- Developed and executed strategic engineering initiatives, resulting in significant improvements in operational efficiency and cost savings.
- Analyzed complex engineering challenges, devising effective solutions that reduced downtime and improved overall system reliability.
- Spearheaded process optimization projects, achieving reductions in waste and increases in production throughput across engineering teams.
- Established engineering best practices and standards, promoting consistency and quality across all engineering deliverables.
- Oversaw 76 -strong team of engineering personnel.
- Launched new product lines successfully by overseeing the entire development lifecycle from concept through production release.
- Increased customer satisfaction, addressing technical issues promptly and effectively through close communication with clients.
- Established performance metrics for monitoring team progress towards key objectives, driving accountability and transparency among team members.
- Developed a culture of continuous improvement within the engineering team, encouraging innovation and creative problem solving.
- Promoted a safe work environment by enforcing strict adherence to safety guidelines and regulations throughout the engineering department.
- Trained and developed team of qualified and motivated employees and managed resources.
Engineering Manager
Almarai company Ltd
10.2013 - 05.2018
- Reporting to Senior Engineering Manager
- Key duties & responsibilities
- Coordinate maintenance service delivery to the production departments in CPP1 to ensure that the business demands and standards in quality, output, costs and lean management objectives are met at all times.
- Assume full responsibility for the engineering manufacturing group in the absence of Divisional Engineering Manager.
- Assist in the planning and execution of CPP1 projects to meet the stipulated specifications and time lines.
- Ensure compliance to stipulated good manufacturing and quality practices within the production maintenance fraternity.
- Identify skill requirements and develop adequate skill base for succession purposes and for the improvement of skill level among the individual members of the team.
- Ensure that the maintenance expenditure is controlled and remains within the annual budget ceiling.
- Create PM schedules for new equipment and carry out periodic review of the existing programs as part of continuous improvement of maintenance services and also for implementation of sustainable cost saving initiatives.
- Initiate periodic work place safety risk assessments and issue out action points to senior team managers and team managers for execution.
- Assist recruitment department in the recruitment of maintenance staff for CPP1 locally and overseas.
- Assist central engineering stores and central procurement department in sourcing for plant equipment spareparts.
- Represent production maintenance department in all interdepartmental engagements in CPP1 and beyond.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement innovative engineering solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and product quality.
- Championed process improvements through data analysis, resulting in streamlined workflows and reduced project turnaround times.
- Developed and executed strategic initiatives that aligned engineering objectives with overall business goals, driving organizational success.
- Mentored junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the engineering department.
Team Manager
Almarai Company Ltd
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
09.2007 - 10.2013
- Reporting to Engineering Manager
- Managing a complement of production maintenance staff and other resources for the provision of maintenance to achieve sustainable utilization of the plant in accordance with engineering, safety and quality standard in Milk & Laban filling department.
- Ensure production maintenance operation is managed during my shift to meet the internal customer requirement and to follow defined safety and quality standards.
- Coordinate execution of planned preventive maintenance tasks.
- Review equipment deficiencies and take corrective action.
- Ensure R&M operation cost is within the budget.
- Ensure the identification and achievement of maintenance technician training and development with aim to have required skills inventory is in place.
- Make weekly reports.
- Mentored and trained staff on best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Analyzed performance data to identify trends, enabling informed decision-making and enhanced resource allocation.
Workshops Manager - Central Maintenance Workshops
Kenya Cooperative Creameries Ltd
06.2003 - 08.2007
- Reporting to Company Head of Engineering
- Key responsibilities
- 1. Coordinate major plant maintenance activities for manufacturing and utility equipment and also in-house technical projects across the business. These includes the following.
- 10 Dairy food manufacturing factories
- 11 Raw milk collection Plants
- 23 Sales Depots
- Oversee the running of central maintenance workshops. The workshops complex provide specialized technical support services to the factories, raw milk collection plants and sales depots. These include the following.
- Electronic equipment repairs
- Motor rewinding repairs
- Mechanical machining works
- Welding and fabrication works
- Expert mobile teams for major maintenance and project jobs
- Oversee the management of central spare parts store.
- Assist the National head of engineering in making annual budget estimates, board papers & compilation of technical data for processing procurement of technical assets.
- Assist HR department in the recruitment of engineering staff.
- Oversee the preparation of Steam boilers and liquid NH3 receivers in all factories and milk collection plants for statutory inspection and safety certification processes.
- Prepare & submit monthly reports to the national head of engineering.
- Led the development and implementation of maintenance schedules, enhancing workshop efficiency and minimizing downtime.
- Streamlined operational workflows by introducing best practices, resulting in improved resource allocation and team productivity.
- Mentored junior staff on safety protocols and maintenance techniques, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the team.
- Coordinated cross-departmental projects, ensuring alignment between maintenance objectives and overall organizational goals.
Factory Engineer - Dandora Factory
Kenya Cooperative Creameries Ltd
03.1997 - 06.2006
- Reporting to Factory Manager
- 1. Coordinate breakdown, PM & PdM maintenance tasks of plant machinery and equipment including the following
- O Utility plants – Refrigeration, Compressed air, Water supply, Steam generation and effluent waste.
- O Dairy food manufacturing and Packaging equipment.
- O Factory plant civil works.
- 2. Oversee preparation of factory lifting equipment and pressure vessels for statutory inspection & safety certification.
- 3. Carry out periodic energy & water usage efficiency audits and oversee the action on saving opportunities noted thereof.
- 4. Manage the procurement processes of spare part requirements from central spare parts store and from external vendors.
- 5. Give technical & logistical assistance to central maintenance workshop teams and external contractors.
- 6. Prepare & submit monthly reports to the Factory manager, National head of engineering and Manager, central maintenance workshops.
Maintenance Supervisor - Dandora, Sotik
Kenya Cooperative Creameries Ltd
10.1991 - 03.1997
- Reporting to Factory Engineer
- Key responsibilities
- Oversee the maintenance, repair and operation of the following plants.
- Utility Plants - Steam generation, Refrigeration, compressed air , water supply and effluent waste.
- Maintain and repair the following plant equipment and machinery
- Dairy food manufacturing and packaging plants
- Oversaw daily maintenance operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards and minimizing equipment downtime through effective scheduling.
- Led a team of maintenance technicians, providing training and mentoring to enhance skillsets and improve overall team performance.
- Implemented preventive maintenance programs, resulting in increased equipment reliability and reduced repair costs over time.
- Conducted regular inspections of machinery and facilities, identifying potential issues and facilitating timely repairs to maintain operational efficiency.
Education
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
The Kenya Polytechnic
Nairobi, Kenya 04.2001 -
KNEC Diploma - Mechanical Engineering
The Kenya Polytechnic
Nairobi, Kenya12.1989
Kenya Certificate of Education - Other
Kisumu Technical High School
Kisumu, Kenya12.1986
Skills
Certification
2023 Managing Safely Institution of Occupational Safety and health (IOSH), Saudi Arabia
Timeline
Senior Engineering Manager - CPP1
Almarai Company
05.2018 - Current
Engineering Manager
Almarai company Ltd
10.2013 - 05.2018
Team Manager
Almarai Company Ltd
09.2007 - 10.2013
Workshops Manager - Central Maintenance Workshops
Kenya Cooperative Creameries Ltd
06.2003 - 08.2007
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
The Kenya Polytechnic
04.2001 -
Factory Engineer - Dandora Factory
Kenya Cooperative Creameries Ltd
03.1997 - 06.2006
Maintenance Supervisor - Dandora, Sotik
Kenya Cooperative Creameries Ltd
10.1991 - 03.1997
KNEC Diploma - Mechanical Engineering
The Kenya Polytechnic
Kenya Certificate of Education - Other
Kisumu Technical High School