Supply Chain Manager
Unilever Kenya
Quick Take
You will oversee end-to-end supply chain operations — procurement, inventory, and distribution — across Kenya and East African export markets while leading a team of supply chain professionals.
At least 5 years of FMCG supply chain management experience, strong SAP or ERP proficiency, and solid analytical skills; a CIPS qualification is a strong advantage.
This role offers a highly competitive salary (up to KES 300,000/month), regional scope and impact, and the prestige and career development opportunities of working at one of the world's leading FMCG multinationals.
Job Description
Unilever Kenya is looking for a seasoned Supply Chain Manager to take ownership of end-to-end supply chain operations across its fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) portfolio in East Africa. Based in Nairobi, this is a senior leadership role that sits at the heart of the business, connecting procurement, logistics, manufacturing, and commercial functions to ensure products reach customers efficiently and cost-effectively.
The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing both the Kenyan domestic market and export operations, making this an exciting opportunity for a supply chain professional who thrives in a complex, multi-market environment and is eager to drive measurable impact within a globally recognised organisation.
- Oversee and coordinate procurement, inventory management, and product distribution activities across Kenya and designated export markets
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of supply chain professionals, fostering a high-performance culture
- Identify and implement initiatives aimed at reducing operational costs while maintaining or improving service delivery levels
- Collaborate closely with manufacturing, logistics, and commercial teams to align supply chain strategies with broader business objectives
- A minimum of five years of hands-on supply chain management experience within the FMCG sector
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions
- Proficiency in SAP or a comparable enterprise resource planning (ERP) system
- A CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) qualification is an added advantage
This role is ideally suited to a results-driven supply chain professional with a solid background in FMCG operations and a proven track record of leading teams and delivering cost and service improvements. You are comfortable working cross-functionally, managing competing priorities, and operating within a fast-paced, large-scale business environment. Candidates with experience managing both local and export market supply chains will have a distinct advantage, as will those who hold or are working towards a CIPS qualification.
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for the Supply Chain Manager position at Unilever Kenya through the official application channel. Ensure your application clearly highlights your relevant FMCG supply chain experience, ERP system proficiency, and any professional qualifications such as CIPS. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Requirements Breakdown
Must Have
- 5+ years of supply chain management experience in an FMCG environment
- Proficiency in SAP or an equivalent ERP system
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills
- Proven experience managing procurement, inventory, and distribution operations
- Leadership experience managing a supply chain team
Nice to Have
- CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) qualification
- Experience with East African or export market logistics
- Familiarity with Unilever's internal supply chain frameworks or similar multinational processes
- Experience driving cost reduction programmes in a large-scale FMCG operation
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Salary Context
Above market rate for Supply Chain Manager in Nairobi
Supply Chain Managers in Nairobi typically earn between KES 120,000 and KES 220,000 per month; Unilever's upper range of KES 300,000 reflects the regional scope and seniority of this role. Pay in this field is influenced by company size, ERP expertise, FMCG experience, and professional certifications like CIPS.
About Unilever Kenya
Unilever Kenya is a subsidiary of Unilever PLC, one of the world's largest consumer goods companies, marketing iconic brands such as Omo, Sunlight, Knorr, Royco, and Vaseline to millions of Kenyan and East African households. Operating at significant scale across the region, Unilever Kenya plays a central role in the company's Africa strategy, combining global best practices with deep local market understanding. For professionals, Unilever is widely regarded as a career-defining employer — known for structured development programmes, cross-functional exposure, and a genuine pathway to regional and global roles.
Likely Interview Questions
- 1
Walk us through a time you led a significant cost reduction initiative in a supply chain — what was your approach, and what results did you achieve?
- 2
How have you used SAP or a comparable ERP to manage inventory levels and prevent stockouts or overstock situations in an FMCG environment?
- 3
Describe your experience managing cross-border or export market logistics in East Africa — what were the key challenges and how did you navigate them?
- 4
How do you align supply chain operations with commercial and manufacturing teams when priorities conflict, especially during peak demand periods?
- 5
Tell us about a time a major supply chain disruption occurred under your watch — how did you respond and what did you put in place to prevent recurrence?
Application Tips
Quantify your impact on your CV — highlight specific metrics such as inventory turnover improvements, cost savings achieved (in KES or %), or service level percentages you delivered in previous FMCG roles.
Prominently feature your SAP or ERP experience, specifying the modules you have used (e.g. SAP MM, SAP SD, SAP WM), as this is a near-essential technical requirement for this role.
If you hold a CIPS qualification or are working towards one, place it prominently in your CV header or summary — it is listed as preferred and will immediately differentiate your application from candidates who do not mention it.
Career Path
Roles that lead here
Where this leads
Skills & Keywords
Honest Assessment
Green Flags
- Unilever is a globally respected employer with a strong track record of developing supply chain talent and offering structured career progression into regional and global roles.
- The salary range of KES 180,000–300,000 is transparently disclosed and sits above the Nairobi market average for this role, signalling a serious, well-funded position.
- The role carries genuine regional scope — covering Kenya and East African export markets — offering broad commercial exposure that is difficult to find at a single-country level.
- The combination of procurement, inventory, distribution, and team leadership responsibilities makes this a comprehensive, CV-building role with significant cross-functional visibility.
Watch Out
- The job description is relatively brief and does not mention specific benefits, bonus structures, or flexible working arrangements, which makes it harder to assess the full compensation package.
- There is no mention of team size or reporting structure, making it difficult to gauge the actual scope of people management expected at this level.
A Day in the Life
A typical week would begin with SAP dashboard reviews to monitor inventory levels, service rates, and distribution KPIs across Kenyan and export markets, followed by a Monday operations meeting with your logistics and manufacturing counterparts to resolve any fulfillment gaps. Mid-week, you might be deep in supplier negotiations or leading your team through a cost-reduction analysis, while also coordinating with the commercial team on demand forecasts for an upcoming promotional campaign. By Friday, you are likely reviewing weekly performance reports, escalating any cross-border customs or last-mile delivery issues, and preparing a supply chain health summary for senior leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to be a Supply Chain Manager at Unilever Kenya?
You need at least 5 years of supply chain management experience in FMCG, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in SAP or an equivalent ERP system. A CIPS qualification is preferred but not strictly mandatory.
Is the Supply Chain Manager role at Unilever Kenya a remote or hybrid position?
The posting lists Nairobi as the location with no mention of remote or hybrid working, so this role is most likely fully office or site-based — candidates should be based in or willing to relocate to Nairobi.
How much does a Supply Chain Manager earn at Unilever Kenya?
The posted salary range is KES 180,000 to KES 300,000 per month, which is above the Nairobi market average for this role — actual placement within the range will depend on experience, qualifications, and negotiation.
What are the career growth opportunities after a Supply Chain Manager role at Unilever Kenya?
Unilever's scale in Africa creates a natural pathway to Head of Supply Chain or Regional Supply Chain Director roles covering Sub-Saharan Africa, and the company's global footprint also opens doors to international assignments for high performers.
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