Vacancies at Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL)

Job Purpose

This position is responsible for conducting microbiology tests of all finished products, line samples, process- swabs, special samples, water as a main process input, and raw materials, as per established sampling plans and providing analytical reports and trends for decision making.  The role holder will lead and maintain the highest standards of hygiene and sanitation in the production facilities through implementation of GMP/ hygiene protocols and as directed by Heineken Beverage (HB) standards for manufacturing and FSSC v6 requirements facilities. 

Main Responsibilities

Microbiological Testing

• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance Laboratory Team Lead to define and update the specific quality procedures, instructions and tools that are directly related to microbiological testing and microbial lab.
• Execute sampling plan and conduct microbial tests on raw materials, process water , in-process materials, and finished products to detect and identify micro-organisms.
• Participate in the laboratory proficiency testing such as ILEC analysis -microbiology testing.

Hygiene Planning and Strategy

• Develop hygiene plans, policies, standards, and procedures to consistently produce and distribute products in accordance with HBI benchmarked guidelines and FSSC standards.  
• Ensure a clean and safe working environment both in the manufacturing plant as a whole and the site canteen/kitchens.
• Spearhead the implementation of hygiene strategies and plans across KWAL's processing and production plant to improve on the quality and reduce the cost of poor quality related to food safety & hygiene protocol failures.
• Develop and implement hygiene practices and standards that improve manufacturing plant efficiencies.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders within the manufacturing processes to identify and mitigate systemic issues related to hygiene practices. 
• Lead hygiene audits to ensure compliance with internal and HBI protocols on hygiene practices.
• Routinely validate and lead improvements in Clean-In-Place (CIP) processes in line with hygiene standards, CIP- protocols and sustainable development goals on water and energy management.

Quality Assurance

• Routine Sampling and microbial analysis   of samples from the manufacturing environment and brewing/winery processes, process-water, intrinsic materials, to ensure compliance to the food safety and legal specifications. 
• Analyse, track and trend the microbiological quality of finished products to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards as a release criterion 
• Routinely identify potential sources of cross-contamination in the manufacturing processes end-to end and implement corrective actions to prevent product degradation proactively.

Laboratory Management

• Maintain an up to date catalogue of laboratory equipment within the microlab and, ensuring proper servicing, calibration and maintenance per the compliance requirement
• Develop and document acceptable methods of analysis for microbiological lab in liaison with KWALs’ and HB standards.
• Develop and implement compliant protocols for management of microbial waste post laboratory analysis.
• Manage stock control and initiate purchase requisitions for consumables in the microbiology lab.
• Ensure the integrity of micro laboratories for measurement and monitoring process steps, WIP and Finished product compliance through the development of standards. 
• Management of micro-lab to comply with the requirements of the LSS systems as given by Heineken.

Reporting 

• Prepare and track analytical reports and trends outlining any abnormalities and quality deviations, recommend corrective actions and on approval by the Manager, Quality Assurance, oversee the implementation of the corrective action.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and detailed records of all microbio-laboratory activities, including test results, findings, microbial procedures, and equipment maintenance/servicing

Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies related to microbiological testing and laboratory operations.
• Ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulations, such as Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and ISO standards.

Research and Development

• Participate in research projects to develop new testing methods and improve existing protocols.
• Participate in HACCP studies to provide microbiology and food safety assistance.

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 /Microbiology/ Chemistry/ Biotechnology/ Biochemistry/ or a related field.

Professional Qualifications

• 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.

Experience 

• At least 4 years’ experience as a microbiologist in a manufacturing laboratory set up or in product development in a manufacturing or quality control environment with exposure in microbiological testing and analysis.
• 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

• In-depth understanding and implementation of quality standards, food safety/HACCP systems. 
• Understanding and knowledge in alcoholic beverage standards.
• Competencies on industrial Laboratory management.
• Experience in Alcoholic beverages processing/ manufacturing.
• Documentation and reporting skills.
• Laboratory techniques and skills.
• Report writing skills.
• Problem solving methodologies.

Behavioural Competencies

• Excellent communication skills (oral, written and listening).
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of management and staff.
• Must be proactive and able to anticipate issues rather than being reactive.
• High level of integrity.
• Logical reasoning and critical analysis to evaluate information and make sound decisions.
• Decisive and able to look at the big picture while manning processes.
• Analytical skills to identify issues and develop effective solutions.
• Demonstrated commitment to enhance manufacturing and quality processes and performance. 
• Continuously seeks new opportunities to enhance productivity and efficiency.

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Job Purpose

This position is responsible for supporting the development and execution of brand strategies for KWAL's brands. This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the effective implementation of marketing plans that drive brand growth and achieve business objectives.

Main Responsibilities

Support in Formulation and Execution of Brand Strategies 

• Conduct market research to understand the market landscape, including consumer trends, competitive analysis, and emerging opportunities.
• Support the development of clear and differentiated brand positioning strategies that resonate with target consumers and align with KWAL's overall portfolio vision.
• Help segment the market to identify target consumer groups and tailor marketing strategies accordingly.

Market Analysis and Consumer Insights

• Analyse market trends to identify patterns, opportunities, and threats within the alcohol market.
• Study consumer behaviour and preferences to understand the factors influencing purchase decisions.
• Assist in designing and conducting consumer research studies to gather data on preferences, attitudes, and behaviours related to alcoholic drinks consumption.
• Analyse consumer data to generate insights that support brand strategy and product development.
• Help identify distinct consumer segments and develop detailed profiles to understand their specific needs and preferences.
• Monitor industry trends and consumer behaviour shifts to anticipate changes in the market.

Brand performance tracking and improvement

• Track brand performance across different KPIs (numeric distribution, ROS, market share) and consumer drivers
• Translate brand performance insights into actionable activities, provide recommendations to the different business stakeholders and identify areas of improvement
• Present brand performance metrics and insights at different business levels

Minimum Required Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Marketing or a business-related field.

Professional Qualifications

• Membership to a relevant professional body will be an added advantage.

Experience 

• At least 3 years’ experience in FMCG 
• Experience in Project management

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Proficient in managing and building brands, with a deep understanding of brand positioning, equity, and architecture.
• Skilled in designing and conducting market research studies, analysing data, and deriving actionable insights.
• Knowledgeable in the product development process, from ideation to launch, ensuring products meet consumer needs and quality standards.
• Experienced in digital marketing strategies and tools, including social media, SEO/SEM, email marketing, and content creation.
• Ability to translate consumer insights into strategic recommendations that drive brand growth and innovation.
• Proficient in analysing complex data sets to identify trends, patterns, and insights that inform business decisions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively, developing unique solutions to business challenges.
• Understanding of sales and distribution channels, with the ability to develop strategies that maximise market penetration.
• Strong Microsoft office skills, with PowerBI a plus

Behavioural Competencies

• Exhibits a creative mindset, constantly seeking new ways to improve products, processes, and consumer experiences.
• Shows a strong understanding of the business environment, with the ability to make decisions that drive commercial success.
• Possesses excellent communication skills, capable of conveying ideas and information clearly and persuasively..
• Puts the consumer at the heart of decision-making, ensuring that their needs and preferences are always considered.
• Thinks strategically, considering the long-term implications of decisions and actions.

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Job Purpose

This position is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to enhance the visibility, availability, and sales performance of the Company's brands in specific trade channels. The role involves aligning with sales and marketing teams to execute trade campaigns effectively while maintaining strong relationships with warehousing and procurement.

Main Responsibilities

Trade Marketing Management

• Design and implement trade promotions and marketing activities
• Monitor the effectiveness of trade campaigns and provide insights for improvement
• Collaborate with sales teams to develop tailored solutions for distributors and retailers
• Manage relationships with key trade partners to ensure product availability and compliance.
• Ensure updated PiCOS and channel segmentation are available, understood and cascaded
• Assists in Building Winning Channels strategy

Channel Strategy Execution

• Design and implement trade promotions and marketing activities
• Monitor the effectiveness of trade campaigns and provide insights for improvement
• Collaborate with sales teams to develop tailored solutions for distributors and retailers
• Manage relationships with key trade partners to ensure product availability and compliance.
• Ensure updated PiCOS and channel segmentation are available, understood and cascaded
• Assists in Building Winning Channels strategy

Channel Strategy Execution

• Develop, drive, and evaluate channel-specific strategies
• Plan and execute trade activities in line with sales cycles and objectives
• Ensure the availability of strategic merchandising materials
• Optimise product visibility in trade outlets
• Builds planograms for fridges in different channels, as well as planograms for Modern Trade

Promotion and Campaign planning and Execution

• Ensure effective merchandising and point-of-sale materials are deployed.
• Develop strategies for maximising shelf space and product presentation.
• Provide training and insights to the sales team for better execution
• Builds and maintains annual trade marketing and activity calendar, together with marketing operations
• Owns the peak planning process and inputs

Market Analysis 

• Use shopper insights and market data to identify growth opportunities.
• Regularly visit trade locations to assess performance and gather 
• Analyse market trends, sales data, and competitor activities to identify opportunities. feedback
• Use data insights to refine trade marketing plans and identify growth opportunities
• Monitor product performance and customer feedback within various channels

Performance Tracking

• Monitor sales volume and execution KPIs
• Manage budgets for trade activities and report on their effectiveness
• Track ROI for trade initiatives and prepare performance reports
• Provide recommendations based on performance data

Minimum Required Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Marketing or business related field

OR

• Diploma in relevant field with 4 years of experience

Professional Qualifications

• Professional qualification in Marketing such as Certified Sales and Marketing Professional (CSMP) or equivalent 
• Professional membership with a professional body such as Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) or equivalent is an added advantage
• Must possess a clean and valid driving license.

Experience 

• At least 3 years’ experience in a similar role 
• Experience in trade or customer marketing or sales, preferably in FMCG industry or manufacturing is an added advantage
• Practical experience in the use of MS packages and ERP systems

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Ability to plan and execute channel-specific marketing strategies
• Ability to manage multiple campaigns, deadlines, and budgets effectively
• Ability to plan and execute channel-specific marketing strategies
• Ability to manage multiple campaigns, deadlines, and budgets effectively
• Proficient in interpreting sales data, market trends, and customer insights
• Skilled in managing and nurturing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and addressing concerns to foster long-term partnerships
• Proficient in building and maintaining strong relationships with customers and partners, understanding their needs, and providing solutions that enhance satisfaction and loyalty
• Skilled in planning, developing, and executing product strategies
• Skilled in understanding and meeting customer needs through effective communication, problem-solving, and service delivery, building customer loyalty and driving repeat business

Behavioural Competencies

• Demonstrate a commitment to enhancing processes and performance. Exhibit strong ability to develop detailed and effective plans
• Maintains a high level of organisation in managing tasks and resources.
• Proficient in analysing complex data and information to make informed decisions.
• Strong understanding of business principles and practices, including financial management, marketing, and operations
• Ability to negotiate terms, agreements, and contracts with clients, partners, and vendors.
• Demonstrate a deep commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs.
• Exhibit strong self-awareness and empathy, effectively managing personal emotions and understanding those of others
• Utilise analytical skills to identify issues and develop effective solutions

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Job Purpose

This position is responsible for maintaining and managing commercial assets (coolers, draught machines, phones, SFA, vehicles) and the related opex budgets. The sales operations executive monitors, analyses and reports on Sales Execution KPIs across all consumer drivers, across all channels (GT, HORECA, MT).

Main Responsibilities

KPI tracking and monitoring

• Ensures accurate tracking and monitoring of different sales execution KPIs through various tools
• Analyses and provides insights into the execution KPIs, reports back to commercial leadership team to drive continuous improvement cycle
• Tracks, through digital tools, business objectives
• Monthly, quarterly and annual calculation of sales incentives

Dashboard & management reporting

• Understands, and builds commercial dashboards to drive business insights
• Maintains accurate Master Data for all commercial data (brand, area, channel, SKU)
• Prepares management reporting on market trends, numeric distribution insights, brand value and volume share both on weekly, monthly (BPR), quarterly as annual basis
• Provides insights to the wider commercial team

Asset management

• Responsible for acquisition & maintenance of commercial assets (coolers, draught machines) in liaison with third party suppliers
• Tracking of commercial assets, builds plan for optimal allocation of assets, assist in deployment
• Manages opex for commercial assets
• Supports in vehicle usage and maintenance
• Drives Road Safety culture

Distributor incentives

• Understand and provides insights into Distributor Trade Terms
• Monthly calculation of distributor incentive pay-out, in liaison with finance and customer service

Distributor Data Automation

• Project coordinator for distributor automation journey
• Analyses distributor data to provide actionable insights to KWAL internal teams as well as distributors
• Drives automation journey in the commercial space

Minimum Required Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Marketing, Sales, Data Management or business related field

OR

• Diploma in relevant field with 4 years of experience
• Must possess a clean and valid driving license.

Experience 

• At least 3 years’ experience in a similar role 
• Experience in trade marketing, sales of data management, preferably in FMCG industry or manufacturing is an added advantage
• Practical experience in the use of MS packages and ERP systems
• Proven skills in PowerBI reporting, Excel Macros
• Coding skills as an added advantage

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Good understanding of sales concepts
• Previous sales experience with successful track record would be advantageous 
• Ability to manage budgets and optimize spend
• Proficient in building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders
• Skilled in understanding data and reporting needs, translating business requirements into dashboards and management reports
• Ability to driving own development plan and contribute to the team’s objectives
• Coding or PowerBI development skills
• Advanced Excel skills (macros) and able to process and analyse large datasets

Behavioural Competencies

• Proficient in analysing data and information to make informed decisions
• Ability to negotiate terms, agreements, and contracts with clients, partners, and vendors.
• Understand and meet internal and external customer needs.
• Self-awareness and empathy, effectively managing personal emotions and understanding those of others.
• Utilise analytical skills to identify issues and develop effective solutions.
• Employ logical reasoning and critical thinking to evaluate information and make sound decisions. 
• Ability to come up with innovative ideas and approaches to improve products and processes. 
• Seek new opportunities to enhance products and services
• Make informed and timely decisions that align with the company’s strategic objectives
• Ensure all tasks are completed timeously 
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and understanding.