Who We Are
We are Highlands, a vibrant, fast-growing beverage company in Kenya, committed to delighting our consumers and supporting our employees every day. Together, we are One, On, and Strong, always striving to become Kenya’s number one beverage company.
Our Purpose & Mission
We fuel and hydrate Kenyans to succeed in life, we refresh our consumers with great-tasting, high-quality and affordable beverages where and when they want
The Purpose of the role
The Procurement Lead will drive strategic sourcing, cost optimization, supplier relationship management, and risk mitigation for all direct and indirect materials essential to beverage production (water, carbonated drinks, cordial). This role ensures procurement supports business growth, sustainability, and product innovation while maintaining cost efficiency and supply security.
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.
