Deputy Head Inventory Management

Career Directions Limited (CDL)

Job Location:

Kiambu - Kenya

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Experience Required: 5-7years

Posted on: Yesterday

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Job Title: Deputy Head Inventory Management

Department: IMM

Reports to: DRT HEAD

Location: Kiambu County

Job Objective

To support the DRT Head in leading and optimising Inventory and Materials Management operations across multiple product categories and sites ensuring uninterrupted material availability optimal working capital utilisation strong governance and continuous improvement in inventory accuracy controls and process efficiency.

Key Responsibilities.

1. Inventory Governance & Control

Oversee inventory planning parameters including minimummaximum levels safety stock and reorder points in collaboration with Production Planning and Procurement.

Ensure optimal inventory levels for raw materials packaging materials and engineering spares to prevent stock-outs overstocking and working capital lock-up.

Own inventory accuracy and variance control ensuring timely investigation and closure of discrepancies.

Act as the first escalation point for critical inventory risks including shortages excess stock slow-moving and obsolete items.

2. Inventory Operations & Systems Management

Oversee daily material receipts issues transfers and returns in line with approved SOPs.

Ensure accurate and timely recording of all material movements within SAP or other ERP systems.

Review daily tracking reports weekly reconciliations and monthly physical stock take outcomes.

Ensure materials are stored in compliance with quality hygiene safety and labelling standards.

3. Production Support & Cross-Functional Coordination

Work closely with Production Quality Assurance Planning Procurement and Finance teams to ensure seamless material flow.

Proactively flag material risks related to expiry long lead imports supplier delays or demand fluctuations.

Represent the IMM function in operational forums such as MRM production planning and S&OP meetings as required.

4. Procurement & Vendor Interface

Support Procurement by tracking purchase requisitions deliveries and GRN accuracy.

Coordinate resolution of quality rejections shortages and delivery variances with suppliers.

Participate in vendor performance reviews inbound audits and evaluation of new vendors in line with company standards.

Liaise with Finance and Procurement to ensure timely invoice processing and closure of inventory-related issues.

5. Waste Loss Control & Continuous Improvement

Monitor and control process wastage scrap and write-offs ensuring compliance with company policy.

Drive Lean Kaizen and process improvement initiatives within IMM to reduce losses and improve efficiency.

Track and report cost savings achieved through inventory optimisation and waste reduction initiatives.

6. Leadership People Management & Acting-Head Responsibility

Lead coach and develop IMM supervisors store in-charges and inventory control teams.

Drive discipline compliance and performance culture within the IMM function.

Act as the DRT Heads delegate during meetings reviews and operational engagements when required.

Support succession planning and capability development within the inventory and materials management team.

7. Reporting Compliance & Audit

Prepare and review weekly and monthly inventory reports including stock status ageing variances and materials in transit.

Ensure compliance with internal controls audit requirements SOPs and documentation standards.

Support internal and external audits and ensure timely closure of audit findings related to inventory.

Requirements

Qualifications and experience

1. Bachelors Degree (mandatory) in Supply Chain Management Procurement Logistics Materials Management Operations Management Industrial Engineering or a related manufacturing-focused discipline.

2. APICS / ASCM certifications (CPIM CSCP) or equivalent inventory and supply chain certifications.

3. CIPS (Level 3 or above) or equivalent procurement certification.

4. Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma (Green Belt or above).

5. ERP certification or formal training in SAP MM / WM modules

6. 57 years experience in Inventory and Materials Management within a manufacturing environment

7. Global experience is preferred

8. Minimum 23 years in a supervisory or lead role managing stores inbound materials or inventory control.

9. Hands-on experience handling raw materials packaging materials and engineering spares.

10. Experience working in FMCG Food & Beverage or large-scale manufacturing environments preferred.

11. Strong working knowledge of ERP systems (SAP or equivalent).

12. The position is open to suitably qualified local and expatriate candidates.

Skills and Competencies:

Strong inventory planning control and analytical skills.

Excellent coordination and stakeholder management abilities.

Sound understanding of manufacturing workflows and material requirements.

High attention to detail accuracy and compliance.

Ability to lead teams manage pressure and make operational decisions.

Problem-solving mindset with a continuous improvement orientation.

Key Attributes:

Detail-oriented and accountable for inventory integrity

Proactive in risk identification and resolution

Strong ownership mindset with readiness to act as second-in-command

Committed to safety quality and operational excellence.

Job Title: Deputy Head Inventory ManagementDepartment: IMMReports to: DRT HEADLocation: Kiambu CountyJob ObjectiveTo support the DRT Head in leading and optimising Inventory and Materials Management operations across multiple product categories and sites ensuring uninterrupted material availability ...