Location: Kenya (factory-based with occasional field validation travel) Reports to: General Manager Contract: Renewable About Darandi Darandi is an agribusiness innovator pioneering a new approach to fertilizer production and soil regeneration. The company focuses on the local production of high-performance organic fertilizers using advanced technology, bringing globally validated innovation into local agricultural ecosystems. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Darandi has positioned Kenya as its continental launch pad and proof-of-concept market for Africa. The company is driven by the belief that Africa’s food security depends on healthy soils, local value addition, and farmer affordability. Darandi is reshaping how fertilizers are produced, distributed, and applied across Kenya and the region. Role Overview Darandi is seeking an experienced Head of R&D, Quality & Production Control to manage the scientific, laboratory, and production quality backbone supporting national scale-up. The role oversees batch formulation control, laboratory testing, microbial viability verification, production SOP compliance, traceability management, and continuous product improvement to ensure consistent, compliant, and reliable product performance. Key Responsibilities Batch Quality Assurance & Laboratory Control Define and implement batch testing protocols covering microbial viability, composition verification, and stabilityApprove production batch release based on laboratory verification against defined specificationsMaintain laboratory records, testing documentation, and full traceability systems Production SOP Governance & Process Control Define and maintain production Standard Operating Procedures for inoculation, blending, and batching workflowsMonitor factory compliance with approved production discipline and quality checkpointsInvestigate deviations in batch performance and lead corrective action processes Formulation Development & Product Optimization Support local adaptation of product formulation based on environmental and soil conditionsAnalyse laboratory and field performance data to refine production parameters and improve stabilityMaintain structured documentation of formulation updates and validation outcomes Regulatory Compliance & Certification Ensure production quality systems comply with KEBS, KEPHIS, and applicable regulatory requirementsMaintain technical dossiers, inspection readiness files, and laboratory documentationSupport product registration testing and certification processes Production Risk Management & Integrity Identify risks affecting microbial viability, contamination exposure, or formulation stabilityDevelop preventive controls to ensure consistent product reliabilityEstablish monitoring checkpoints and define procedures for handling failed batches Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement Maintain structured quality management systems covering laboratory, production, and batch traceabilityTrack quality KPIs including batch pass rates, production losses, and stability performanceIdentify process improvements and support implementation of digital production tracking systems Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Soil Science, Agronomy, Chemical Engineering or related field. Postgraduate is an added advantage.8–12+ years’ experience in biological products, fertilizers, laboratory quality control, or regulated production environmentsDemonstrated experience managing batch testing, production SOPs, and laboratory verification systemsExperience with microbial products, bio-inputs, fermentation systems, or fertilizer manufacturing preferredExperience operating within East African regulatory environments Success Measures Batch quality consistency and pass rateMicrobial viability and product stability performanceCompliance with laboratory and regulatory documentation standardsReduction in rejected batches and production lossesProduction traceability completeness and audit readiness Salary: Competitive, based on experience

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Head Of R&D, Quality & Production Control