Job Vacancies at Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL)

Job Purpose

This position is responsible for the timely receiving and dispatch of goods while keeping proper safe custody of the finished goods as per the laid down policies and procedures in alignment with KWAL and Heineken overall organisational goals and objectives.

Main Responsibilities

Inventory management

• Receive all in-bound stock items from other finished goods warehouses into the store after due inspection in line with the laid down policies and procedures.
• Continuously monitor and verify that the goods are intact and report any defects or nonconformity observed.
• Promptly issue items held in stock to the relevant recipients in correct quantities and in accordance with the approved policies and procedures.
• Ensure proper stock rotation is always practised in the warehouse and that First-Expiry-First-Out (FEFO) rule is strictly observed and adhered to eliminate expiries on shelf-life products as per stock policy and procedures
• Ensure correct dispatch of stock transfer orders to other finished goods warehouses/depots using STO quantities.

Quality control

• Confirm that the received stock items against approved STOs conform to the set quality standards requirements and are correctly and promptly posted into the system.

Documentation

• Perform customer invoices verification through the system to determine the authenticity of the delivery documents before dispatching the goods.
• Prepare and complete all necessary paperwork or data entry for production, quality, and safety records relating to the store.
• Maintain files/registers pertaining to dispatches, receipts, market returns, credit notes, stocks requisitions, stock transfers, etc.

Customer Service

• Coordinate with customer service and QSHE departments in inspecting the market returns to facilitate the issuance of credit notes.

Dispatch Accuracy

• Ensure correct dispatch of invoiced orders to the customers using invoice/dispatch note quantities.

Housekeeping 

• Coordinate for proper housekeeping, and a safe environment of the materials stores including the recommended temperature controls.

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

• Diploma in Supply Chain Management or related field.

Professional Qualifications

• N/A

Experience 

• At least 2-year experience in a similar role
• Practical experience in use of MS packages and ERP systems

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percent).
• Proficient in using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to manage supply chain processes, enhance data accuracy, and improve overall efficiency.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of managing financial records and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial information.
• Demonstrate an understanding of managing inventory levels, ensuring accurate tracking, and optimising inventory turnover to support operational efficiency.

Behavioural Competencies

• Demonstrate a commitment to enhancing processes and performance.
• Continuously seeks new opportunities to enhance products and services. 
• Demonstrate a deep commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs. 
• Employ logical reasoning and critical analysis to evaluate information and make sound decisions. 
• Encourage innovative ideas and approaches to improve products and processes

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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.

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Job Purpose

This position is responsible for the operation of equipment attached to Cider and RTD processes while complying with Food Safety, OHS, legal, and regulatory requirements cascaded to this position. This role works closely with a unit blender to deliver first-time right quality brands processed in the Cider and RTD line. He/she manages Operational Prerequisite Programmes and Critical Control Points to ensure defined controls and/or limits are maintained during the primary manufacturing of ciders and RTDs in alignment with KWAL and Heineken's overall organisational goals and objectives.

Main Responsibilities

Liquid Manufacturing 

• Carry out sensory analysis of tetra raw materials and capture raw material data in blending job tickets as defined in standard operating procedures.
• Carry out lab chemical analysis of wines and juices and quality at source for blended juices and wines.
• Follow safe operating procedures during operation of equipment within the Cider blending process unit to deliver expected outcomes as specified in product recipes. The equipment includes pumps, plate and frame filtration equipment, flash pasteurizer, and water processing equipment.
• Maintain product traceability and identity by retaining necessary labels and documentation as defined in internal standard work methods.
• Identify and troubleshoot issues that affect process efficiency or product quality and provide feedback to the Unit Blender for conclusive root cause analysis and implementing corrective/preventive actions as needed.
• Blending records.
• Machine operation, OPRP, CCP logs.
• Perform basic, routine blending tasks which include cleaning and sanitizing blending process fittings, pasteurizer, flexible hose pipes, fixed process lines, tanks, pumps, filtration equipment, and water processing equipment.
• Carry out equipment basic maintenance and autonomous maintenance.
• Raise equipment malfunction tags for all notable faults and provide feedback on the status of equipment repairs to the Unit Blender.
• Participate in continuous improvement programs for primary manufacturing, quality, sustainability, namely, water conservation, energy efficiency, and recycling, which are critical for effective/efficient operations.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvements through regular participation in problem-solving sessions.
• Generate and maintain cleaning logs.

Compliance and Safety

• Keep confidentiality on product-related formulations and information.
• Support safety programs and policies to safeguard product and personal safety, company property, environmental, and team member’s safety.
• Identify, report workplace hazards and follow up for permanent removal.
• Follow site safety rules.
• Report incidents, accidents, near misses, and unsafe behaviours in the workplace.
• Uphold Heineken Safety Commitments.

TPM and Continuous Improvement

• Support the TPM way of working.
• Support the implementation of the improvement activities.

Collaboration

• Participate in continuous learning and professional development activities to stay updated with industry trends and best practices.

Minimum Required Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science and Technology, Industrial Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology or related Field 

Experience 

• At least 3 years’ experience in a similar role

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of processes related to wine and juice primary manufacturing and operation of Tetra equipment.
• Strong numerical aptitude and analytical abilities.
• Technical know-how of Tetra equipment operation, routine maintenance, and autonomous maintenance.
• Knowledge of GMP, QMS, FSSC standards, and their application in the cellar.
• In-depth knowledge of cellar hygiene.
• Technical know-how of sensory analysis of raw materials and manufactured liquid.
• Computer literate with skills in basic Microsoft Office packages (e.g., Excel, Word, etc.)

Behavioural Competencies

• Employ logical reasoning and critical analysis to evaluate information and make sound decisions. This includes considering various perspectives and potential impacts before acting.
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and understanding. This includes using appropriate channels and styles to convey messages and actively listening to feedback.
• Demonstrate a commitment to enhancing processes and performance. This involves regularly evaluating current practices, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing changes to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
• Good organisation skills
• Utilise analytical skills to identify issues and develop effective solutions. This involves a methodical approach to troubleshooting, ensuring minimal disruption and optimal outcomes.