Procurement Specialist
Puratos
Quick Take
Source, negotiate, and manage procurement of raw materials locally and internationally while overseeing import/export documentation, customs compliance, and supplier performance to ensure uninterrupted supply for Puratos' manufacturing operations.
2–3 years of procurement experience in FMCG/manufacturing, proficiency with import/export documentation and Kenyan customs regulations, and demonstrated ability to manage full procurement cycles independently.
Competitive salary (KES 100–180K/mo), global company exposure with clear supply chain impact, and meaningful growth potential within a respected multinational food ingredients leader.
Job Description
Puratos Kenya is looking for a results-driven Procurement Specialist to join its operations team. In this role, you will be at the heart of the company's supply chain, ensuring that raw materials and goods are sourced efficiently, compliantly, and in alignment with Puratos' global procurement standards. You will play a critical part in maintaining the quality and continuity of supply that underpins Puratos' product excellence across the region.
This is a hands-on role that combines strategic supplier management with day-to-day procurement operations, import/export coordination, and cross-functional collaboration. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and are passionate about supply chain optimization, this opportunity offers meaningful impact within a globally respected food ingredients company.
- Align all procurement activities with Puratos' global strategy, policies, and standard operating procedures
- Source raw materials both locally and internationally, ensuring cost-efficiency and quality compliance
- Create, manage, and track purchase orders to guarantee timely and accurate delivery
- Oversee end-to-end import and export processes, including preparation and management of trade documentation
- Coordinate effectively with freight forwarders, customs clearing agents, and relevant government authorities
- Maintain and regularly update the supplier database in accordance with vendor management standards
- Support supplier performance evaluations, audits, and continuous improvement programs
- Ensure all procurement activities adhere to food safety, quality, and sustainability standards
- Monitor inventory levels and liaise with planning teams to proactively prevent stock disruptions
- Prepare detailed procurement reports and deliver actionable insights to support management decision-making
- Ability to manage full procurement cycles independently, from requisition through to goods receipt and reconciliation
- Demonstrated experience sourcing raw materials from both local and international markets, negotiating favourable terms
- Proven track record handling import/export documentation, including Letters of Credit, Bills of Lading, and customs declarations
- Practical knowledge of Kenyan customs procedures, KRA regulations, and international trade compliance frameworks
- Ability to evaluate and audit supplier performance using structured frameworks and key performance indicators
- Competency in using ERP or procurement management systems for purchase order tracking and reporting
- Strong analytical skills to interpret procurement data and translate findings into cost-saving recommendations
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to coordinate across internal departments and external partners
- Holds a Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related discipline
- 2–3 years of professional procurement and supply chain experience, preferably within a manufacturing or FMCG environment
- Professional certification such as CIPS, CPSP-K, or active KISM membership is a distinct advantage
Puratos offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience. Based on Kenyan market benchmarks for mid-level procurement roles in the FMCG and food manufacturing sector, the estimated monthly salary range is KES 100,000 – 180,000. The role also comes with benefits typical of a multinational employer operating in Kenya, which may include medical cover, performance incentives, and professional development support.
Ideal candidate: You are a detail-oriented procurement professional with solid hands-on experience in both local sourcing and international trade. You understand the nuances of Kenyan customs regulations, can manage supplier relationships diplomatically, and are comfortable working within a globally aligned compliance framework. You bring energy, initiative, and a continuous improvement mindset to everything you do.
Who should NOT apply: Candidates with fewer than 2 years of procurement experience, those with no exposure to import/export operations, or applicants who have only worked in purchasing or administrative roles without strategic sourcing responsibility should not apply at this time.
- Prepare an up-to-date CV highlighting your procurement experience, certifications, and measurable achievements in supply chain roles
- Write a concise cover letter explaining why you are a strong fit for this role at Puratos Kenya
- Submit your application through the official Puratos careers portal or the job platform where this posting was listed
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial screening interview, followed by technical and panel interviews
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted — if you do not hear back within three weeks of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful
Requirements Breakdown
Must Have
- Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or related discipline
- 2–3 years of professional procurement and supply chain experience, ideally in FMCG or manufacturing
- Proven experience managing import/export documentation (Letters of Credit, Bills of Lading, customs declarations)
- Working knowledge of Kenyan customs procedures, KRA regulations, and international trade compliance
- Proficiency with ERP or procurement management systems for PO tracking and reporting
Nice to Have
- Experience working with freight forwarders and customs clearing agents
- Structured supplier audit and KPI evaluation framework experience
- Advanced Excel or data analytics skills for procurement reporting
- Exposure to food safety, quality, or sustainability compliance standards
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Salary Context
Competitive mid-range salary for experienced Procurement Specialist in Nairobi, reflective of FMCG sector standards.
The KES 100–180K range is appropriate for a 2–3 year experienced procurement professional in Kenya's FMCG and manufacturing sectors. Salary within this band will depend on specific import/export expertise, ERP proficiency, and prior experience at multinational firms; candidates with regional supply chain exposure or customs certification typically command the upper end.
About Puratos
Puratos is a global leader in food ingredients and solutions, supplying bakery, confectionery, and chocolate manufacturers across Africa and beyond. With a significant manufacturing and distribution presence in Kenya, they are committed to supply chain excellence and food safety standards that reflect their multinational heritage. Working at Puratos offers exposure to complex regional supply chain management, global procurement standards, and the opportunity to impact a company serving thousands of food businesses across the continent.
Likely Interview Questions
- 1
Walk us through your experience managing a full procurement cycle—from requisition to goods receipt—and describe a time when you had to resolve a delivery delay or quality issue.
- 2
Tell us about your hands-on experience with import/export documentation. How have you navigated Kenyan customs procedures or KRA regulations in a previous role?
- 3
Describe your approach to supplier evaluation and negotiation. Can you give an example of how you identified cost savings or improved supplier performance?
- 4
How have you used ERP or procurement management systems to track orders, manage inventory, or generate insights for management? What tools are you most comfortable with?
- 5
Puratos operates to strict global quality and sustainability standards. How would you ensure all your procurement activities align with these standards while sourcing both locally and internationally?
Application Tips
Highlight specific examples of import/export transactions you've managed—mention document types (LC, BOL, customs declarations) and any cost or efficiency gains you achieved.
Emphasize your understanding of Kenyan customs and KRA processes; if you've worked with freight forwarders or clearing agents, detail those partnerships and outcomes.
Quantify your procurement impact: include metrics such as cost reductions negotiated, supplier performance improvements, or inventory optimization—this sets you apart from generic applications.
Career Path
Roles that lead here
Where this leads
Skills & Keywords
Honest Assessment
Green Flags
- Clear, detailed job description with specific responsibilities and a comprehensive skills framework—demonstrates that the hiring team knows what they need.
- Reputable multinational employer (Puratos) with global standards and local operations—offers both stability and exposure to best practices.
- Competitive salary range (KES 100–180K) and transparent about the seniority level and experience expected, reducing ambiguity.
- Emphasis on continuous improvement and supplier development indicates a role with growth potential beyond transactional procurement.
Watch Out
- Job description is truncated at the end (cuts off mid-sentence in Required Skills section), leaving some role clarity or benefit details unclear.
- No mention of remote work flexibility, travel expectations, or work schedule—given import/export coordination, clarify upfront whether site presence in Nairobi is full-time required.
A Day in the Life
Monday through Friday, you're juggling multiple priorities: reviewing purchase requisitions and raising POs in the ERP system, tracking shipments with freight forwarders and coordinating with customs clearing agents on three concurrent imports, attending a supplier performance review meeting with the quality team, and preparing a weekly procurement report showing cost variance and delivery performance for management. One afternoon might be spent negotiating terms with a new local raw material supplier, while the next day finds you updating the vendor database and liaising with the planning team to ensure inventory levels support production schedules—all while ensuring every transaction aligns with Puratos' global compliance standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to be a Procurement Specialist at Puratos?
You'll need a Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related field, plus 2–3 years of professional procurement experience, ideally in FMCG or manufacturing. Hands-on experience with import/export documentation and Kenyan customs procedures is essential.
Is the Procurement Specialist role at Puratos remote?
The job posting does not specify remote work arrangements. Given the hands-on nature of the role—coordinating with freight forwarders, customs agents, and internal teams—it is likely to be on-site in Nairobi, but clarify this during your interview.
How much does a Procurement Specialist earn at Puratos?
The posted salary range is KES 100,000–180,000 per month, depending on your experience, expertise with import/export processes, and proficiency with ERP systems. The upper end typically reflects candidates with regional supply chain experience or customs knowledge.
What are the career growth opportunities for this role?
This is a foundation role within Puratos' supply chain function; progression typically leads to Senior Procurement Specialist, Procurement Manager, or Supply Chain Manager positions, particularly if you build expertise in regional sourcing or vendor management.
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