Category Manager Logistics (East Africa)

About East African Breweries PLC (EABL)

EABL is a leading branded alcohol beverage company in East Africa, offering a diverse portfolio that includes beers, spirits, and adult non-alcoholic drinks. With extensive operations across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the company maintains breweries, distilleries, support industries, and a comprehensive distribution network. EABL is publicly listed in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania stock exchanges and operates within a multicultural and multi-currency regulatory environment.

Role Overview

The Category Manager Logistics leads procurement activities for one or more spend categories within the East African market, driving strategic procurement excellence by collaborating with global and market teams. This role involves defining and executing category strategies, managing supplier relationships, mitigating risks, and ensuring contract compliance to maximize procurement value for EABL.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the category management team, fostering development and cross-market collaboration.
• Own and enhance category procurement strategies aligning with global standards and market needs.
• Develop strong stakeholder and supplier partnerships to deepen insight and procurement value.
• Drive end-to-end category sourcing including negotiation, contracting, and contract management.
• Identify and mitigate strategic and sourcing risks using best practices and governance.
• Establish supplier performance standards, monitor KPIs, and facilitate supplier development initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with procurement processes and continuously improve category management capabilities.

Candidate Requirements

• A graduate with a professional qualification such as CIPS membership.
• Minimum five years' relevant experience in procurement, finance, FMCG commercial roles, or related fields with expertise in supply markets and spend categories.
• Proven leadership in project and team management, supplier negotiation, and category strategy development.
• Strong analytical skills with financial acumen related to budgets and value drivers.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders, budgets, and managing cross-border teams.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Demonstrated consistent track record in delivery and performance.
• Specific expertise in managing budgets (120 million £ MRO & Manufacturing Services and 100 million £ CapEX), stakeholder engagement for manufacturing services, and leading innovation projects.

Diversity and Inclusion

EABL commits to fostering an inclusive culture where all individuals are valued regardless of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or background. The company encourages applications from all candidates and supports reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.