Supply Planner - Materials at Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL)

Job Purpose

This position is responsible for overseeing the portfolio of raw materials (ingredients and packaging materials) imported or sourced locally, ensuring that KWAL’s production and assembly activity is uninterrupted leading to product availability within the market.

Main Responsibilities

Business understanding

• Ensure that material supply planning activities are aligned with KWAL’s overall business strategy and objectives.
• Apply financial principles to understand the impact of material inventory supply decisions on the company’s financial performance.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as supply chain, and finance, to integrate material supply planning with business functions.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the logistics function.
• Evaluate potential risks in the supply chain and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of logistics activities.

Leverage on Information Systems & Software

• Utilise ERP systems to streamline logistics operations, ensuring data accuracy and real-time information availability.
• Apply data analysis tools to interpret complex data sets, identify trends, and make informed supply planning decisions.
• Use inventory management systems to track and control stock levels, ensuring optimal inventory and minimising carrying costs.
• Employ collaboration platforms to enhance communication and coordination with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and stakeholders.

Manage Material Goods Planning

• Carry out monthly reviews of material stock holding with focus on inventory projections in line with financial metrics (inventory turnover ratio, inventory days etc.)
• Ensure that inventory purchase plans are in line with portfolio changes requiring adjustments to BOM linked elements impacting material supply phasing. 
• Work closely with local and international suppliers to ensure timely and accurate delivery of goods with the right quality.
• Capture recurrent issues related to product quality and supply and use them to configure BOM and DDMRP calculators for accurate usage and delivery metrics.
• Ensure all import activities comply with local and international trade regulations.
• Monitor and manage inventory levels to prevent stockouts or overstock situations.
• Develop and implement logistics plans that optimize the flow of imported goods.
• Monitor and control costs associated with importing goods, including duties, taxes, and transportation fees.

TPM and Continuous Improvement 

• Support the TPM way of working. 
• Support the implementation of the improvement activities. 

Minimum Required Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Engineering, Purchasing & Supplies Management, Mathematics/Statistics or a related field

Professional Qualifications

• Professional Certification in production, inventory management,or logistics such as Certified Production and Inventory Manager (CPIM)

Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience in FMCG with primary distribution and import logistics.

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Carry out basic analytics using statistical tools such as statistical trending and ANOVA.
• Problem solving using Lean / Six Sigma tools such as the DMAIC framework. 
• Carry out advanced planning modelling and scenario planning using DDMRP methodologies. 
• Interpret the 3 financial statements and the roles impact to fixed costs and working capital.
• Manage inputs in an ERP system with understanding of the inter-relation between the five key elements (data efficacy, master data, forecast, requirements calculator, activity schedule). 

Behavioural Competencies

• Attention to detail regarding the development, maintenance and tracking of schedule performance
• Identification of and resolution of problems using problem solving teams in collaborative sessions
• Curiosity to learn and explore information and information systems to find improvement opportunities.
• Ability to effectively influence outcomes relating to execution by demonstrating value and risk. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively within the S&OE while being agile to change with prevailing conditions. 
• Demonstration of flexibility to adjust plans and schedules based on ongoing business requirements.