Project Lead

Company Overview:

Kentaste is a Kenyan coconut processing company focused on value-added coconut products. As part of our zero-waste strategy, we are launching a new business unit to convert coconut husks (currently a waste stream) into high-quality cocopeat.

Our primary objective is to supply the Kenyan horticulture sector, where large-scale greenhouses currently rely on imported cocopeat. This initiative represents a strategic import-substitution opportunity with strong commercial and sustainability fundamentals.

General Job Information:

Department: Operations

Reporting to: Chief Operation Officer

Location: Kilifi County, Kenya

Employment Type: 12-month fixed-term, hands-on implementation contract

Job Purpose:

We are seeking a highly capable, hands-on Project Lead to design, implement, and operationalize a cocopeat production facility in Kilifi County.

This is not an advisory or strategy role.We are looking for someone who can build, commission, and stabilize operations within 12 months

Duties and Responsibilities:

·       
Facility & Operations Setup

  • Oversee equipment procurement, installation, and commissioning
  • Design production workflow and plant layout
  • Develop SOPs and quality assurance systems
  • Recruit and train initial operations team

·       
Product & Market Development

o  Define product specifications for Kenyan greenhouse operators

o  Conduct product trials with horticulture clients

o  Support early customer onboarding and commercial agreements

o  Develop cost structure and pricing model

o  Establish packaging and logistics processes

·       
Financial & Performance Management

o  Develop operating budgets and working capital model

o  Implement KPI tracking (yield, throughput, cost per m³, rejection rates)

o  Drive production economics to commercial viability

·       
Raw Material & Supply Chain Optimization

o  Design efficient husk collection and internal transport systems

o  Ensure consistent raw material quality

o  Optimize waste utilization

Qualifications:

· –10+ years' experience in agro-processing, light manufacturing, or horticultural input production

·       Demonstrated experience setting up, commissioning, or scaling a production facility

·       Strong operational execution capability

·       Commercial mindset with ability to engage sophisticated B2B customers

·       Willingness to be physically be present in Kilifi during implementation

Experience in cocopeat production or horticultural substrates is an advantage, but not mandatory.

We are open to candidates from:

·       Agro-processing plants

·       Horticulture input suppliers

·       Industrial start-ups

·       Manufacturing scale-ups

·       Former plant managers or operations directors

12-Month Deliverables:

By the end of the engagement:

·       Installed and commissioned production line

·       Stabilized plant operations with trained team

·       Successful product trials completed with Kenyan greenhouse clients

·       First commercial sales executed

·       Documented SOPs and QC framework

·       Clear roadmap for capacity expansion

How to Apply;

Email -

Subject of the Email - Cocopeat Project Lead

Deadline - 27th February 2026

Salary - KES. 250,000 to KES. 300,000

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