Supply Chain Lead (Upstream Oil & Gas Waste Management) – Kenya at WTS Energy

Job Description

• We are seeking to hire a Supply Chain Lead who will provide strategic and operational leadership for the end-to-end supply chain supporting an upstream drilling and hazardous waste management project based in Lokichar, Turkana County.
• The role will oversee procurement, contracting, logistics, warehousing, inventory management, transportation, supplier performance, and supply chain compliance to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective project delivery.
• The successful candidate will establish and optimize supply chain systems, develop local supplier capability, manage third-party contractors, and ensure compliance with Kenyan regulatory requirements and international oil & gas industry standards.
• The ideal candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field, with professional supply chain certification preferred, and a minimum of 8–12 years’ experience in supply chain, procurement, or logistics, including at least 5 years supporting upstream oil & gas, drilling operations, hazardous waste management, mining, or other heavy industrial projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with Project Managers and operational leadership teams to develop and implement supply chain strategies that support project objectives, operational continuity, and cost optimization.
• Establish and manage end-to-end procurement processes including sourcing, tendering, supplier evaluation, contract negotiations, purchase order management, supplier onboarding, and contract administration.
• Lead procurement activities for equipment, materials, consumables, specialized services, hazardous waste handling, transportation, treatment, and disposal services.
• Develop and implement procurement policies, standard operating procedures, governance frameworks, and performance indicators aligned with company standards and industry best practices.
• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and manage local and international suppliers while supporting local content initiatives and supplier development programs.
• Negotiate framework agreements, service contracts, and supplier agreements to optimize cost, quality, delivery performance, and long-term value.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound logistics for hazardous and non-hazardous materials, equipment, and consumables across remote project locations.
• Manage transportation planning, specialized haulage, route optimization, permit coordination, customs clearance where applicable, and contractor logistics performance.
• Ensure transportation activities comply with applicable dangerous goods regulations, hazardous waste transport requirements, and Kenyan environmental legislation.
• Establish and oversee warehousing operations including hazardous materials storage, quarantine areas, consumables management, inventory control, stock reconciliation, cycle counting, and material forecasting.
• Implement inventory management systems to ensure material availability while minimizing excess stock and operational downtime.
• Manage asset tracking systems for critical equipment, fleet, tools, and operational assets, including maintenance planning and spare parts coordination.
• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs, audits, service reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure contractual compliance and operational excellence.
• Conduct supplier prequalification, capability assessments, HSE evaluations, insurance verification, and commercial due diligence.
• Ensure full compliance with Kenyan procurement regulations, environmental legislation, hazardous waste regulations, company policies, and project-specific HSE requirements.
• Integrate HSE considerations into procurement, logistics, warehousing, and contractor management processes, including risk assessments, safe work practices, and emergency response planning.
• Maintain procurement, logistics, inventory, and contractor documentation to support internal audits, regulatory inspections, and client compliance requirements.
• Develop supply chain budgets, monitor expenditure, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure effective cost control without compromising safety, quality, or operational performance.
• Implement and optimize ERP, procurement, inventory, and supply chain management systems while driving digitalization and process improvement initiatives.
• Prepare periodic management reports covering procurement performance, supplier KPIs, logistics efficiency, inventory levels, cost savings, compliance, and project supply chain performance.
• Collaborate with community relations, finance, HSE, engineering, operations, and project teams to ensure integrated planning and successful project execution.
• Build, mentor, and develop high-performing procurement, logistics, warehouse, and supply chain teams while promoting a culture of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement, and HSE excellence.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Professional certification such as CIPS, CPSP, CPP, or an equivalent procurement or supply chain qualification is preferred.
• Formal training or certification in hazardous materials handling, dangerous goods transportation, hazardous waste management, or related disciplines is highly desirable.
• Minimum 8–12 years’ progressive experience in supply chain, procurement, logistics, or contract management, including at least 5 years supporting upstream oil & gas, drilling operations, hazardous waste management, mining, construction, or heavy industrial projects.
• Demonstrated experience establishing or leading supply chain functions within remote or project-based operations.
• Proven experience managing procurement, supplier development, tendering, contract administration, logistics coordination, warehousing, and inventory management.
• Strong knowledge of hazardous waste handling, transportation regulations, environmental compliance, and dangerous goods requirements.
• Experience managing third-party contractors, logistics providers, waste treatment contractors, and specialist service providers.
• Practical experience with ERP systems, procurement platforms, inventory management systems, and supply chain reporting tools.
• Strong understanding of Kenyan procurement regulations, local content requirements, and supply chain governance.
• Excellent commercial acumen, supplier negotiation, stakeholder management, leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively within remote, fast-paced, and operationally demanding project environments while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.