Supplier Relationship Lead (Athi River)

About Us

We are a vegetable oil processing company based in EPZ Athi River. We specialize in sustainable sourcing and have built strong, long-lasting relationships with suppliers in Kenya and the rest of East Africa. Our mission is to ensure that we source and supply raw materials required while maintaining a commitment to sustainability, quality, and ethical business practices throughout our supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

Supplier Management & Relationship Building:

1. Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers, including avocado, macadamia, and sesame suppliers in Kenya and the rest of East Africa.

2. Act as the primary point of contact between the company and its suppliers, ensuring open communication and proactive issue resolution.

3. Negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery terms with suppliers while ensuring alignment with the company’s budget and goals.

4. Regularly assess supplier performance through KPIs and SLAs, identifying areas for improvement and working collaboratively with suppliers to address challenges.

Supplier Performance & Risk Management:

1. Monitor and evaluate supplier performance to ensure adherence to agreed-upon quality standards, delivery schedules, and compliance with sustainability practices.

2. Proactively manage potential risks in the supply chain (e.g., price volatility, supply disruptions, geopolitical factors) and develop mitigation strategies.

3. Work with suppliers to ensure compliance with all regulatory, environmental, and ethical standards, including social and sustainability certifications.

Sourcing &  Procurement Support:

1. Collaborate with other supply chain team members to identify new suppliers, assess market trends, and ensure the availability of high-quality, cost-effective raw materials.

2. Provide insights on market trends, price forecasts, and global supply conditions for avocados, macadamias, and sesame.

3. Support the strategic sourcing process, including the evaluation of supplier capabilities and selection for key product categories.

Quality Assurance & Product Development:

1. Work closely with the quality team to ensure that products meet the company’s quality standards, including organic certifications or other relevant certifications.

2. Assist in developing new product offerings and innovations by coordinating with suppliers and internal teams to meet customer demands.

3. Address quality or delivery issues promptly and ensure corrective actions are taken.

Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing:

1. Advocate for and implement sustainability initiatives across the supplier network, ensuring suppliers are aligned with the company’s sustainability goals (e.g., reducing carbon footprint, waste reduction).

2. Ensure that ethical sourcing practices are followed, supporting initiatives like fraud prevention, child labour,safe working conditions, and responsible farming practices.

Reporting & Analytics:

1. Provide regular updates and reports on supplier performance, risk factors, cost trends, and any ongoing issues or opportunities.

2. Utilize data and analytics to monitor supplier trends, anticipate market shifts, and make data-driven decisions.

Qualifications & Skills:

•  Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Agriculture, or related field.
•  3+ years of experience in supplier relationship management, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably within the food, agriculture, or commodity sectors.
•  Strong knowledge of the global supply chains for avocados, macadamias, and sesame is highly desirable.
•  Experience in negotiating contracts, pricing, and managing supplier performance.
•  Strong understanding of sustainability and ethical sourcing practices within the agricultural supply chain.
•  Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships.
•  Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).
•  Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
•  Strong problem-solving abilities, with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.

Working Conditions:

•  Full-time position based in Athi River and Thika Warehouse with occasional travel to supplier farms, processing facilities, or industry events as required.
•  A dynamic, fast-paced work environment with an emphasis on sustainable practices and continuous improvement.

Why Join Us:

•  Competitive salary and benefits package.
•  Opportunity to work in a rapidly growing, innovative, and sustainable company.
•  Chance to make a direct impact on global supply chains, food security, and ethical sourcing practices.