Our client is a leading food processor based in Kilifi, sourcing from around 6,000 smallholder farmers and aims to expand its supplier base to 10,000 farmers by the end of 2024.

As an experienced professional you shall lead sourcing strategies, farmer engagement, and certification efforts, focusing on direct farmer sourcing and expanding to new areas through Extensions officers and Village Buying Agents in the region. 

Department: Production

Reports to: Managing Director

Direct Reports: 2 (1 Sourcing Manager, 1 Assistant Sourcing Manager)

Total Headcount: 15

Key Responsibilities

• Achieve sourcing targets for organic and conventional produce.
• Implement innovative, cost-effective international sourcing strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with farmers, Village Buying Agents, and brokers.
• Manage the sourcing process within budget and policies.
• Coordinate strategies between sourcing and certification.
• Support other departments in maintaining certifications, particularly Organic

Strategic Sourcing:

• Understand market dynamics, monitor competitive factors, and track trends
• Refine pricing models and develop comprehensive sourcing plans
• Implement inclusive sourcing initiatives
• Manage farmer engagement, including price negotiations and quality oversight

Farmer Engagement:

• Develop and manage farmer groups, coordinate collections, and handle sourcing concerns
• Optimize logistics and sourcing structure
• Assess feasibility of village buying agents

Budget Management:

• Monitor spend, derive insights for sourcing strategies, and oversee the sourcing budget

New Sourcing Initiatives:

• Plan and execute new sourcing and expansion initiatives
• Ensure quality, budget adherence, and effective stakeholder communication

Crisis Management:

• Ensure fast resolutions and continuity of supply during crises
• Network to leverage sourcing knowledge and opportunities.

Team Management:

• The Manager is expected to provide constant leadership, counseling, advice, and feedback to their peers.
• They must provide an environment of openness and trust, with constant feedback and performance coaching

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics
• Master's Degree / Professional qualification will be an added advantage
• 5 years of relevant work experience
• Excellent sourcing and procurement techniques
• Strong understanding of farming practices and equipment
• Analytical thinking, decision-making, and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Behavioural Competencies

• Team working
• Following procedures
• Upholding standards
• Meeting timescales
• Thinking positively
• Taking Action

Functional Skills

• Analysing information
• Adapting practical approaches
• Making decisions
• Articulate information
• Checking things
• Keen to details
• Excellent analytical skills

If you are interested in the position and have the skills and talents our client is looking for, we would like to hear from you. Please make your application to before the close of business on 19th June 2024 to www.dorbe-leit.co.ke.

Only qualified candidates will be contacted