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Transport Manager

Nairobi, Kenya

Contract Type Permanent
Career Level Non-management
Functions Operations
Salary Range Competitive salary
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Why Operations? Overview

Why Operations?

We intelligently connect our teams globally enabling thinking beyond conventional boundaries. We share knowledge at an unfathomable pace, facilitate cross-functional collaboration and transform processes to create the world’s best operational network. Our work enables our experts to feel in control of their ability to explore New Categories, acquire fresh expertise and accelerate the rate at which they can deliver results.

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Why BAT?

At BAT, we’re committed to more than just jobs, we’re dedicated to purposeful careers - It's one of the many reasons we have been named as a Global Top Employer for the eighth consecutive year.

We believe that Leadership shouldn’t be confined to titles. It’s a mindset and through our leading Learning and Development programmes, you’ll continuously develop your skills and experience. With our unwavering support, you’ll work in cross functional teams connecting with industry leaders and expanding your professional network.

Join us at BAT, where purpose meets possibility, and your career story unfolds.

A Better Tomorrow

Building a Smokeless World is no small feat—it’s fueled by the collective efforts of talented individuals, each bringing their unique perspective. This is the most innovative chapter in BAT’s history, and you can help shape it.

Strategy and Purpose Brand and Innovation

Transport Manager

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

ROLE PROFILE

GRADE: 34

JOB TITLE: Transport Operations Manager

FUNCTION: Operations

SUB FUNCTION: Supply Chain

CITY & COUNTRY: Kenya

UNIQUE JOB CODE: EAM_ Transport Operations Manager_Grade_34

ROLE SUMMARY

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?

The prime function of this role is to be accountable for and manage all transportation within the Kenya & export markets Network(9 Markets).

Specifically, the role holder is responsible for defining, providing, controlling and commercially managing all transportation (land, sea and air). This includes all moves from suppliers of materials to delivery of finished goods to customer.

The role holder will ensure that strategic logistics business objectives are developed and the right logistics capabilities (global, regional and local transport suppliers, know-how, systems, processes, network infrastructure and commercial agreements are provided to the customers and the factories. This will include the management of strategic outsource partners(Contracted third party logistics partners)

The role holder will form part of the Supply Chain Team in Kenya and therefore will play a key role in defining / executing the Logistics strategy. He/ she will own the Transport strategy.

Reports to

Factory Logistics Lead

Number of direct reports

2(3PL)

Core relationships

Internal

  • Local functional SC managers (Planning, TLBs, 3PLs Contract Managers
  • Security Managers

External

  • Customs Officers
  • Strategic service providers
  • Local authorities especially Customs and Excise

Geographic scope 

Kenya & Export markets

Travel required

No

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Business

•                 To be accountable for and manage all transportation in Kenya & Export markets.

•                 To have prime commercial and contractual ownership and control of the transport budget with all suppliers to enable the delivery of sustainable financial benefits.

•                 To provide strategic and tactical direction to the transport suppliers to enable the delivery of significant savings in transport spend and drive the integration of the carrier pool in Kenya & Export markets.

•                 To obtain service standardisation and network synergies across an end-to-end transport solution.

•                 To design and drive an efficient and effective customer delivery scheme by having optimal balance of customer service and transport costs in place. 

•                 To drive and own key change and integration initiatives in transportation to deliver integrated and cost effective transport solutions across and within the Kenya & Export markets.  transport network.

•                 To contribute to the development of the end-to-end supply chain strategy for logistics in Kenya & Export markets.  by driving logistics integration of suppliers, contracts, performance and processes.

•                 To develop and introduce standardised supplier metrics such as OTIF (on time in full, transport cost per mile) and appropriate behaviours in Kenya & Export markets.  to obtain unified performance measures and consistent high level of service.

•                 Share best practice across the global, regional and local logistics communities and engage closely with finance, security, indirect tax etc.

•                 To fully understand (Secondary supply chain) business requirements and translate this into required logistics capabilities as potential integration with secondary approaches

•                 Cross functional support to other departments eg engineering.

  • Ensure full compliance with the local law and group policies as reflected in the standard operating procedures.
  • Support/contribute to a robust indirect tax compliance and control environment to ensure the group meets its legal and regulatory obligations in full including requirements of excise regulations.

Leadership

•                 To embrace a leadership style that enables alignment across the end to end supply chain (operations, commercial/ end market, supply, demand, finance, security etc.) Within Kenya & Export markets.

•                 Drive a proactive culture of root cause analysis, continuous improvement, openness and excellent customer service.

•                 To build change capability across the local logistics community, the suppliers and logistics by demonstrating awareness, listening and proactive change impact / risk management.

•                 As a functional expert provide on-going coaching to the supply chain Teams.

Relationship

  • To drive all transport suppliers towards high performance levels, delivering and exceeding the (mutually agreed) performance expectations and financial targets by engaging with the suppliers and relevant key stake holders in Kenya & Export markets.
  • To provide the link between transport suppliers and key stake holders in order to drive new ideas into the supply chain organisation.
  • To build and maintain effective relationships both at peer level and vertically throughout the supply chain.

Innovation

  • To identify opportunities to drive integration of logistics solutions linking primary (from on-site factory logistics up to 1st warehouse in the end market) and secondary (end market distribution) to obtain further network visibility and network synergies to drive
  • Develop an environment which seeks continuous improvement and shares best practice from the rest of BAT and externally.
  • To benchmark supply chain transport solutions and carrier capabilities against other internal (global scope) and external FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) companies to identify key areas of opportunities to enhance preferred logistics solutions, methodologies, trends and processes.
  • Continually review existing transport operations, develop inclusive improvement plans and execute projects as appropriate to a required business case.

Excise

  • Full compliance to local EM excise regulations
  • Work closely with tax team on validation of excise related requests

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE

ESSENTIAL

General skills required

  • 5years experience in logistics/warehouse and distribution
  • Proven business change management and implementation experience.
  • Continuous improvement background and skill set.
  • Practical outlook with pragmatic decision making abilities.
  • Experience in supplier / 3rd party / outsourced logistics solution management.
  • Experience in contract development, defining SLAs, processes, procedures and KPIs.
  • Influencing and leadership skills.
  • Good command of English (written and spoken)

Key Success Factors

  • Achieving the transportation budget
  • Excellence in transport execution and compliance to all end markets regulatory compliance
  • Support in successful tender execution when required
  • Delivery of logistics excellence and contribute to tangible business benefits within budget constraints.
  • Excellent customer service and outsourced solution capabilities measured by ‘On time in full’.
  • Successful implementation of Control Tower / supply concepts across an integrated end to end network.
  • Strong change management and implementation focus that is both challenging and inclusive.
  • Form part of an integrated and dynamic management team to successfully deliver the logistics strategy.

Education / Qualifications / Experience Required

  • High level of supply chain knowledge
  • Logistics and especially transport functional expertise is a key success factor for this role. Detailed knowledge is required across a range of logistics activities including; logistics best practice, transport and Control Tower execution, multi modal / material supply solutions, direct deliveries to retailer, 3rd party and supplier management. An appreciation of the additional requirements when moving tobacco products and the additional security, excise and indirect tax implications is preferable.
  • Ideally the job holder should have a degree in Business Administration/ Logistics plus 5-8 years’ experience in managing and developing logistics networks, their suppliers and capabilities within FMCG environment. A profound understanding of supply chain processes and their interactions is also required.

What we offer you?

  • We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
  • Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
  • Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
  • You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
  • We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.

Apply Now

Values

At BAT, our values show us the way to bring our purpose to life. Serving as our compass, they navigate every aspect of our path towards A Better Tomorrow™ defining how we innovate, grow, and achieve success while setting high standards for individual achievement and collective progress. Rooted in integrity and collaboration, they empower us as pioneers of change in a world that never stands still ensuring we shape BAT's legacy with confidence and purpose.

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  • Truly inclusive
  • Do the right thing
  • Love for our consumer
  • Passion to win
  • Empowered through trust
  • Stronger together
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Take Control of Your Future with BAT

At BAT, we’re committed to more than just jobs, we’re dedicated to purposeful careers.

We believe that everyone has a place in our organisation. Whether you are seeking mentorship, diversifying your experience through international assignments or embracing innovative work methods, we’re here to propel your career aspirations and unleash your full potential.

We believe in you.
Join us at BAT, where purpose meets possibility, and your career story unfolds.

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“One of my job responsibilities is leading initiatives that develop new capabilities for our operations team. In our Nairobi factory, we’re devoted to closing gaps and reducing losses that might happen in manufacturing processes and improving operational results.”

Benefits

At our core, we understand your best work happens when you feel fully supported. Our meticulously
designed reward and benefits package are shaped to acknowledge your contributions and to magnify
your impact. As you grow, so do we.

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Social Wellbeing

Wellbeing is better when it’s shared. Benefits that foster a sense of community and connection among employees. The more time we make to give back and share what it means to live well with the communities around us, the closer we’ll be to them. We encourage positive social interactions inside and outside BAT, enhance collaboration, and create a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and connected.

Emotional Wellbeing

Balancing work and life to help you recharge and stay resilient. Benefits and initiatives that are designed to bolster our employees' mental health. At BAT we're fostering a culture of to help our employees to better manage life’s pressures and build resilience, no matter what life throws your way.

Physical Wellbeing

Good health is the cornerstone that allows everything else in our lives to align. Benefits that support our employees' physical health, expand coverage where needed it and promote healthy lifestyles, reducing stress and boosting overall energy and productivity.

Financial Wellbeing

Peace of mind is priceless, but it shouldn’t cost the earth. Benefits and initiatives designed to assist you in achieving financial stability and security, empowering you to make well informed financial decisions, alleviate financial stress, and enhance your short and long-term prospects.

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