Chief Manager, Quality Assurance

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Chief Manager, Quality Assurance to provide executive leadership within the Quality Assurance and Inspection Directorate. This senior role offers a unique opportunity for professionals pursuing quality assurance leadership careers at KEBS and those seeking executive public sector jobs in Kenya that directly impact trade facilitation, consumer protection, and national development.

Key Job Information

• Position: Chief Manager, Quality Assurance
• Job Reference: KEBS/HR/EXT/DEC-25/03
• Grade: KS 3
• Organization: Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
• Directorate: Quality Assurance and Inspection
• Department: Quality Assurance
• Location: KEBS Head Office, Popo Road off Mombasa Road, Nairobi
• Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
• Experience Level: Senior Executive / Top Management

About the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is the national standards body mandated to develop standards, promote metrology, and implement conformity assessment systems to ensure quality, safety, and fairness in trade. KEBS plays a central role in facilitating local, regional, and international trade while safeguarding consumer health, safety, and environmental protection in line with the Constitution of Kenya and the Standards Act (Cap 496).

As a key public institution supporting Kenya Vision 2030, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), KEBS is recognized for its leadership in standardization, metrology, and conformity assessment (SMCA). Careers at KEBS offer professionals the opportunity to influence national quality infrastructure and represent Kenya in regional and international quality assurance forums.

Job Description

The Chief Manager, Quality Assurance provides strategic and operational leadership in the design, implementation, and oversight of conformity assessment systems for inspection and certification of both imported and locally manufactured products. The role oversees a certification business portfolio valued at approximately KES 2.5 trillion, ensuring that products meet approved specifications while supporting ease of doing business and access to global markets.

This executive position is ideal for candidates seeking Chief Manager Quality Assurance jobs in Kenya, senior conformity assessment leadership roles, and public sector executive careers at KEBS. The role also articulates Kenya’s position in standardization and conformity assessment and represents the country in regional and international negotiations to enhance market access for Kenyan products.

Key Responsibilities

Managerial and Supervisory Responsibilities

• Providing strategic leadership in the development and implementation of policies, strategies, and programs for conformity assessment systems aligned with KEBS mandate and vision.
• Leading the implementation of product certification schemes to facilitate manufacturing, trade, environmental protection, and consumer health and safety.
• Directing and being accountable for certification of imported and locally manufactured products.
• Overseeing risk profiling and analysis of locally manufactured products and advising on risk mitigation strategies.
• Formulating departmental objectives and strategies aligned with KEBS performance contracts and strategic plans.
• Leading collaborations with industry stakeholders, regional bodies, and international organizations involved in quality advancement.
• Establishing and implementing departmental risk management frameworks to support achievement of strategic objectives.
• Overseeing resource mobilization strategies to enhance revenue growth and financial sustainability.
• Providing leadership in the implementation and continuous improvement of management systems to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.
• Overseeing departmental budgets, procurement plans, work plans, and medium-term expenditure frameworks.
• Driving performance management, productivity improvement, and effective internal and external communication.

Operational Responsibilities

• Leading the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of product certification schemes.
• Directing the maintenance of certification databases to support decision-making and market surveillance.
• Coordinating departmental performance monitoring, evaluation, and reporting to the Director, Quality Assurance & Inspection.
• Overseeing preparation of board and management papers related to quality assurance.
• Ensuring implementation of NSC Board resolutions related to quality assurance functions.
• Advising the Director on technical matters relating to certification and conformity assessment.
• Approving departmental expenditure within delegated authority.
• Leading staff capacity development through training, mentorship, coaching, and on-the-job learning.

Job Dimensions

Financial Responsibility

• Revenue generation of approximately KES 200 million per annum.
• Approval of expenditures of approximately KES 35 million per annum.
• Oversight of departmental resource utilization and cost minimization strategies.

Decision-Making Authority

• Strategic, operational, and financial decision-making for the Quality Assurance Department.

Working Conditions

• Predominantly office-based with local and international travel.
• Occasional exposure to hostile environments and hazardous materials during field and factory inspections.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).
• Relevant Master’s Degree.
• Supervisory course of at least two (2) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Management course of at least four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Leadership course of at least four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Registration with a relevant professional body such as Engineers Board of Kenya, Chemical Society of Kenya, Kenya Institute of Management, National Quality Institute, or equivalent.
• At least ten (10) years’ experience in conformity assessment, with a minimum of five (5) years in a managerial role.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Quality inspection and systems auditing skills.
• Statistical quality control and analytical skills.
• Negotiation, prosecution, and project management skills.
• Strong financial, leadership, and management capabilities.
• Excellent ICT, presentation, and report writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Benefits and Compensation

The Chief Manager, Quality Assurance role offers a competitive executive compensation package aligned with public sector standards. Benefits include leadership influence at national and international levels, career stability, and the opportunity to shape Kenya’s quality infrastructure. For professionals seeking senior quality assurance jobs at KEBS and executive public sector careers in Kenya, this role offers exceptional scope and impact.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates interested in this Chief Manager, Quality Assurance vacancy at the Kenya Bureau of Standards are encouraged to submit their applications. Interested candidates should apply using the Apply Now button below.

This opportunity is ideal for professionals searching for Kenya Bureau of Standards careers, Chief Manager Quality Assurance jobs in Kenya, and senior conformity assessment leadership roles in the public sector.