Category Manager Logistics

Role Overview

This role leads procurement strategy and execution for significant spend categories within the East African market, directly shaping how the business sources manufacturing services, MRO, and capital expenditure. Day-to-day you will partner with internal stakeholders and global category managers to define market-specific strategies, negotiate supplier agreements, and drive cross-market collaboration that delivers cost savings, innovation, and supply resilience. Your work ensures that procurement is a strategic engine for the company’s operational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute market-level category strategies for assigned spend areas (including MRO, manufacturing services, and CapEx), ensuring alignment with global frameworks and local business needs.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing and contracting for both above-market and market-specific categories, applying structured negotiation techniques and best-practice procurement tools.
• Act as the primary procurement point of contact for key internal stakeholders, building relationships that uncover deeper business needs and unlock new value from supplier partnerships.
• Coordinate cross-market procurement professionals within your categories, fostering a community that shares best practices, aligns on strategic priorities, and escalates issues effectively.
• Manage supplier performance and risk across the market by setting KPIs, conducting regular reviews, and implementing mitigation plans in line with company governance standards.
• Drive continuous improvement of procurement capabilities, including cost modelling, market intelligence, and analytics, to refine category strategies over multi-year horizons.
• Collaborate with global category managers to input market-specific expertise into strategy development, and support global sourcing initiatives with local data and feedback.
• Lead and develop a team of category professionals, using coaching and performance management to build a high-impact procurement function within the market.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Graduate degree or equivalent qualification; professional procurement certification (e.g., CIPS) strongly preferred.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in procurement, finance, FMCG commercial, or a related field, with subject-matter expertise in supply markets relevant to MRO, manufacturing services, and capital expenditure.
• Proven track record in leading projects and cross-functional teams, negotiating supplier agreements, and executing category strategies that deliver measurable value.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, including understanding of AOP processes, P&L drivers, and budget management (experience managing budgets of €120M+ in MRO and services, €100M+ in CapEx).
• Demonstrated ability to influence and manage senior stakeholders and budget holders, with experience driving alignment across cross-border teams.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills; able to communicate complex procurement insights clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience working within KPI-driven performance management frameworks and tiered reporting structures.
• Familiarity with end-to-end Source-to-Pay processes and a commitment to adhering to core procurement standards and continuous learning.

What We Offer / Why Join

This role offers the chance to shape procurement strategy in a dynamic FMCG market, working closely with global teams to drive innovation in supplier relationships and technology adoption. You will lead an engaged procurement team and contribute to cross-market initiatives that directly impact the business’s bottom line and operational excellence. Join a collaborative leadership environment where your expertise will be valued and your professional growth actively supported.