Procurement Lead at Highlands Drinks Limited

Highlands is a Kenyan company manufacturing and marketing non-alcoholic beverages, with a history spanning 69 years. A Pioneer of the East African beverages industry, Highlands has been transformed from a small family factory to a category leader with an "own-brand" portfolio that spans the major beverage categories and consumer segments of the market.

 

Procurement Lead

  • Job TypeFull Time
  • QualificationBA/BSc/HND
  • Experience5 years
  • LocationNyeri
  • Job FieldProcurement / Store-keeping / Supply Chain 

Job description

Detailed responsibilities include:

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

  • Develop and execute a category-based procurement strategy for key materials (e.g., PET preforms, caps, labels, sugar, CO2, flavours, concentrates, cartons, and closures).
  • Establish long-term supplier partnerships to drive cost savings, quality, and innovation.
  • Conduct global and local supplier market analysis to identify the most competitive sourcing options.
  • Lead supplier negotiations ensuring cost competitiveness, favourable payment terms, and value-addition initiatives.

Cost Optimization & Financial Impact

  • Drive procurement cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality and supply security.
  • Monitor commodity price trends (e.g., sugar, PET, aluminium) and develop strategies for hedging and cost stability.
  • Work closely with Finance to optimize working capital, procurement budgets, and inventory turnover.

Risk Management & Compliance

  • Develop a supplier risk management framework, ensuring continuity plans for critical raw materials.
  • Ensure compliance with global food safety standards (HACCP, ISO 22000, FDA, and local regulatory requirements).
  • Drive ESG-compliant sourcing by prioritizing sustainable packaging, ethical sourcing, and supplier audits.

Supplier Innovation & Sustainability

  • Collaborate with suppliers to introduce innovative packaging solutions (e.g., lightweight PET, biodegradable closures, recycled materials).
  • Partner with R&D and production teams to source natural sweeteners, alternative carbonation methods, and cost-effective concentrates.
  • Ensure procurement aligns with the company's sustainability goals, including carbon footprint reduction and ethical supplier practices.

Digital Procurement & Process Efficiency

  • Implement AI-driven procurement tools for supplier selection, demand forecasting, and cost analysis.
  • Enhance procurement efficiency through e-procurement platforms.
  • Standardize contracting and procurement governance for all direct and indirect purchases.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

  • Procurement Cost Savings – % reduction in material costs year-over-year.
  • Supplier Performance – On-time delivery, rejection rates, contract adherence.
  • Procurement Cycle Time – Time taken from requisition to contract finalization.
  • Working Capital Optimization – Payment terms improvement, inventory turnover.
  • ESG & Compliance – % of suppliers meeting sustainability and regulatory standards.
  • Innovation Impact – % cost savings and revenue growth from supplier-led innovation.

Education and Experience Level

Qualifications & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
  • 5+ years in procurement, with at least 3 years in FMCG industry.
  • Proven experience in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and cost optimization.
  • Proven experience of global commodity markets
  • Expertise in food safety regulations, ESG procurement, and sustainability practices.
  • Experience with e-procurement platforms, AI-driven procurement tools, and supplier risk management.

Competencies & Skills

  • Negotiation & Contract Management – Ability to drive cost savings and long-term supplier partnerships.
  • Financial Acumen – Strong understanding of cost structures, budget management, and working capital.
  • Strategic Thinking – Capability to align procurement with business growth and sustainability goals.
  • Stakeholder Management – Strong collaboration with Finance, R&D, Production, and external partners.
  • Digital & Analytical Skills – Experience leveraging data analytics and digital procurement solutions.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified? Go to Highlands Drinks Limited on recruitment.highlandske.com to apply

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