Lisa M. Kihonge
Nairobi
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Food Scientist with over 12 years’ cross-functional leadership in macadamia processing, quality assurance, and plant operations. Proven success in delivering end-to-end production oversight, team development, cost savings, and international food safety certifications. Served as Production Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, and Food Safety Coordinator at top Kenyan macadamia exporters. Previously offered a Factory Manager role at Mac Eden Ltd (KZN, South Africa) and holds a SAQA-evaluated academic qualification. Ready to relocate and drive efficiency and compliance in South Africa’s agri-processing sector.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales & Marketing Support – Nutraceuticals
Oshwal Life Sciences Ltd
01.2023 - Current
- - Developed technical marketing strategies in pharma and nutraceutical markets.
- - Led product training and client engagement campaigns.
- - Supported cross-border market development and outreach.
Food Safety & Quality Consultant / Trainer
Sweetam/Mitons Consultancy
11.2019 - 12.2022
- Consulted for over 15 food companies on FSSC 22000, HACCP, BRC, and GMP compliance.
- Designed QA documentation, SOPs, risk assessments, and traceability systems.
- Led audits, staff training, and corrective action planning.
Head of Quality Assurance – Retail Compliance
Carrefour (Majid Al Futtaim)
05.2018 - 10.2018
- Oversaw food safety in fresh produce, dairy, meat, and bakery divisions.
- Strengthened supplier quality and emergency withdrawal protocols.
- Coordinated inspections and internal audit reporting.
Production Manager | QA Manager | Food Safety Coordinator
Privamnuts EPZ Ltd
08.2015 - 08.2017
- Managed production planning, staff supervision, and day-to-day factory operations.
- Spearheaded certification and audit readiness for FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, HACCP, BRC, HALAL, and KOSHER.
- Oversaw QA teams and ensured compliance in macadamia processing for international export.
- Implemented traceability systems and improved customer complaint response time by 50%.
- Coordinated raw material intake, sorting, roasting, and dispatch for high-volume export.
Production Manager | QA Manager | Food Safety Coordinator
Afrimac Nuts Co. Ltd
10.2012 - 01.2015
- Directed macadamia production flow, quality checks, and compliance documentation.
- Reduced production costs by 30% through lean processing and continuous improvement.
- Trained over 100 staff in GMP, HACCP, and BRC protocols.
- Introduced new product grading and export packaging systems.
- Managed QA systems and worked closely with maintenance to improve machine reliability.
Nutritionist / Research Assistant
Lampstands Nutrition Consultancy
01.2011 - 08.2012
- Conducted nutrition surveys and impact evaluations for humanitarian projects.
- Participated in food security and drought risk reduction fieldwork.
Education
MSc. - Food Science & Technology
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
12-2025
BSc. - Food Science & Technology
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
01.2011
Skills
- Macadamia & Nut Processing
- Production Line & Factory Oversight
- HACCP
- FSSC 22000
- ISO 22000
- BRC
- Export Compliance & Traceability
- KPI Development & Cost Reduction
- Staff Leadership & Shift Supervision
- Quality Audits & Supplier Management
- Cross-functional Communication
- Regulatory & Lab Compliance
- Time management
- Attention to detail
Additional Information
Offered Factory Manager position at Mac Eden Ltd, KwaZulu-Natal in 2015 – could not take it due to visa timing., Holds SAQA academic evaluation certificate (2015) ., Available to relocate to White River or Barberton, Mpumalanga., Languages: Fluent in English and Swahili. Referees (available on request).
Personal Information
Availability: Available to relocate to White River or Barberton, Mpumalanga.
driviving license
Class B & C
Languages
English
Upper intermediate (B2)
Timeline
Sales & Marketing Support – Nutraceuticals
Oshwal Life Sciences Ltd
01.2023 - Current
Food Safety & Quality Consultant / Trainer
Sweetam/Mitons Consultancy
11.2019 - 12.2022
Head of Quality Assurance – Retail Compliance
Carrefour (Majid Al Futtaim)
05.2018 - 10.2018
Production Manager | QA Manager | Food Safety Coordinator
Privamnuts EPZ Ltd
08.2015 - 08.2017
Production Manager | QA Manager | Food Safety Coordinator
Afrimac Nuts Co. Ltd
10.2012 - 01.2015
Nutritionist / Research Assistant
Lampstands Nutrition Consultancy
01.2011 - 08.2012
BSc. - Food Science & Technology
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
MSc. - Food Science & Technology
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
Similar Profiles
Shubhraman RoutShubhraman Rout
Senior Program Manager at Industry: Life Sciences, Crop Sciences & Consumer HealthSenior Program Manager at Industry: Life Sciences, Crop Sciences & Consumer Health
Sahil YadavSahil Yadav
Sales Officer at Icon Life SciencesSales Officer at Icon Life Sciences
Ravish BhimaniRavish Bhimani
AGM - Account & Finance at SPC Life Sciences LimitedAGM - Account & Finance at SPC Life Sciences Limited
Samuel IgutaSamuel Iguta
ACCOUNTANT at MEDPLUS HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS LIMITEDACCOUNTANT at MEDPLUS HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
GODFREY KAMAU NG’ANG’AGODFREY KAMAU NG’ANG’A
Attachment at OCTAGON BUILDERS AND GENERAL SUPPLIERS LIMITEDAttachment at OCTAGON BUILDERS AND GENERAL SUPPLIERS LIMITED