Job Title: Planning & Customer Operations Manager
Application Deadline: 30th November 2024
About Natural Extracts Industries Ltd (NEI)
Natural Extracts Industries Ltd (NEI) is revolutionizing the natural flavor manufacturing industry in East Africa, with a focus on sustainability and global market expansion. Starting with vanilla, cocoa, and other flavor extracts, NEI operates across the entire value chain, from cultivation and post-harvest processing to value-added manufacturing and international distribution.
The company collaborates with over 10,000 smallholder vanilla farmers in Tanzania and Uganda, providing a sustainable livelihood model that aims to double annual incomes for these households. Additionally, NEI sources cocoa from farmer groups in Tanga and Mbeya. As part of its growth strategy, NEI is entering the European and US markets, building partnerships, and establishing advanced manufacturing facilities to increase supply volumes and product quality.
Position Overview
The Planning & Customer Operations Manager will lead and manage NEI's procurement, supply chain planning, logistics, and customer operations functions. This role will ensure seamless coordination between sourcing, production, logistics, and customer satisfaction, supporting the company’s mission of delivering high-quality products to global markets.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Sourcing
- Design and implement procurement policies and processes aligned with the company’s objectives and compliant with FSSC 22000 standards.
- Identify and evaluate potential suppliers based on capability, quality, pricing, sustainability, and delivery performance.
- Monitor market trends to secure reliable and cost-effective sources for raw materials and services.
- Collaborate with production, engineering, and quality assurance teams to align procurement activities with business needs.
- Ensure all procurement is conducted ethically, sustainably, and in compliance with legal regulations.
- Develop and manage a supply chain model that guarantees timely, complete, and budget-compliant purchases.
Planning & Logistics
- Set and communicate clear objectives for customer orders, aligning with business goals and rallying teams to execute efficiently.
- Lead and optimize Planning & Order to Cash (O2C) processes using data-driven models to enhance performance.
- Manage logistics operations, including inventory, warehousing, harvest coordination, customs clearance, and import/export compliance across all entities.
- Build strong relationships with customs brokers and regulatory bodies to ensure adherence to import/export regulations.
- Oversee and manage the logistics budget, ensuring cost-effective operations.
- Regularly report operational activities and performance metrics to the VP of Operations.
Customer & Partner Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact for customer communications, ensuring a smooth and satisfying order-to-delivery experience.
- Manage relationships with partners, contractors, and service providers to ensure adequate inventory availability in terms of quantity, specifications, and budget.
Qualifications & Competencies
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Procurement & Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Economics, or related disciplines.
Professional Skills
- Logical thinking with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Exceptional communication skills in both English and Kiswahili, with the ability to articulate ideas effectively.
- Comprehensive knowledge of logistics regulations, particularly for the EU and US markets (preferred).
- Familiarity with food safety management systems such as GFSI and FSSC 22000.
- Strong negotiation skills and proven ability to manage supplier and logistics provider relationships.
- Proficiency in ICT systems, including ERP, CRM, and productivity tools like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
Experience
- Minimum of 3 years in supply chain planning and logistics management, ideally within the food or agriculture industries.
Attributes
- Passion for working in social impact enterprises and supporting sustainable development.
- Excellent project management, coaching, and facilitation skills.
- Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and a commitment to operational excellence.
Why Join NEI?
By joining NEI, you become part of an innovative team driving sustainability and socioeconomic transformation across East Africa. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the global natural flavor industry while making a lasting impact on smallholder communities.
Application Process
If you’re interested in this exciting role, and submit your application before 30th November 2024.
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