Trade Quality Specialist at Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL)

Job Purpose

This position is responsible for ensuring that finished goods/ products, locally produced and imported,  meet the set Food Safety & Quality standards, Statutory and Compliance requirements in distribution and trade. The jobholder is expected to handle all consumer/customer complaints in Kenya to safeguard KWAL’s market share and protect the company and brand image.

Main Responsibilities

Quality Monitoring

• Formulate an audit system to review the status of Distributors, Stockists and Customers outlets on a regular basis around the country from a Quality viewpoint. 
• Identify trade quality gaps in the distribution channels,  formulate coaching and training programmes to address the identified gaps.
• Identify and implement standards on product handling in trade by Distribution and Customer Outlets that may impact positively on quality.
• Procurement trade samples monthly (including competitors’ product) for testing, analysis and sensory evaluations as a basis for measuring & monitoring Quality demerit index.  
• Run In-Trade sensory evaluation and visits by technical Supply Chain teams in conjunction with salesforce.
• Quality surveillance in the trade to perform quality demerit assessment of the extrinsic and product displays in the outlets for informed feedback to operations on package attributes that may affect sales.
• Make regular reports and trends on prevailing quality challenges in trade for resolution and information to  commercial Teams.
• In conjunction with Crisis (incident) Management Team (MD’s office, Quality department, corporate affairs and Legal departments), manage widespread product quality related incidents that may appear in trade to avoid negative publicity on KWALs products in the market.
• Lead the implementation of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) related to trade quality. 

Policy Development and Implementation

• Prepare and implement quality assurance policies and procedures related to trade quality but aimed at customer satisfaction.
• Establish quality standards for trade partners.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for quality improvement initiatives for trade partners.

Stakeholder Management

• Participate in (cross-functional) technical root cause, problem solving sessions relevant to Food safety & Quality Non-conformances emanating from trade and process. 
• Collaborate with customer service to ensure all customer complaints/ nonconformity product returns relating to quality are investigated and resolved in a timely manner.
• Timely resolution of quality issues emanating from the Customer Service Desk thus protecting KWAL’s image from negative publicity.
• Liaise with external stakeholders like KEBs on Quality compliance requirements in trade.
• Participate in supplier quality audits, with a focus on improving trade quality challenges on extrinsic.
• Identify training needs for trade partners and coordinate training programs to enhance skills and knowledge transfer in quality management practices.
• Provide technical guidance to Trade teams and partners on quality and food safety concerns.

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 of Science in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical and Process Engineering, or a related field. 

Professional Qualifications
Professional qualification in at least one of the following:

• Qualified auditor- QMS and FSSC v.6 ISO standards .
• Lead auditor- QMS and FSSC v.6 Iso standards.
• Qualified/ or lead auditor – ISO 17025 standard.
• Digital Data management- analysis and reporting.

Experience 

• At least 5 years’ experience in a food manufacturing environment in a similar role.
• Experience in the FMCG industry or manufacturing is an added advantage.
• Practical experience in the use of MS packages and ERP systems

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge in Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Demonstrate understanding of Food Safety systems.
• Knowledge of the Food Manufacturing Process.
• Knowledge of Statutory compliance requirements and laws on Quality management in a food manufacturing environment.
• Detailed knowledge of quality in operations, specialized knowledge and skills in at least one of the technical disciplines in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage manufacture.
• Knowledge of KWAL supply chain.
• Knowledge of KWAL Marketing and Sales Strategy and processes.
• Documentation and reporting skills.
• Data Analysis & Reporting.
• Root Cause Analysis.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Tableau, Power BI, and other visualization tools.

Behavioural Competencies

• Excellent communication and Collaboration skills (oral, written and listening).
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of management and staff.
• Demonstrate a deep commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs. This includes actively seeking feedback, anticipating customer preferences, and tailoring services to enhance satisfaction and loyalty
• Make informed and timely decisions that align with the company’s strategic objectives. This includes balancing short-term needs with long-term goals and considering the impact on all stakeholders
• Methodical approach to troubleshooting, ensuring minimal disruption and optimal outcomes
• Encourage innovative ideas and approaches to improve products and processes. This involves fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation to stay ahead in the market.
• Continuously seeks new opportunities to enhance products and services. This includes embracing new technologies and methodologies to drive growth and maintain a competitive edge.