Supply Chain Lead (Upstream Oil & Gas Waste Management) – Kenya

Supply Chain Lead (Upstream Oil & Gas Waste Management) – Kenya

We are seeking to hire a Supply Chain Lead who will provide strategic and operational leadership for the end-to-end supply chain supporting an upstream drilling and hazardous waste management project based in Lokichar, Turkana County. The role will oversee procurement, contracting, logistics, warehousing, inventory management, transportation, supplier performance, and supply chain compliance to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective project delivery. The successful candidate will establish and optimize supply chain systems, develop local supplier capability, manage third-party contractors, and ensure compliance with Kenyan regulatory requirements and international oil & gas industry standards. The ideal candidate must possess a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field, with professional supply chain certification preferred, and a minimum of 8–12 years' experience in supply chain, procurement, or logistics, including at least 5 years supporting upstream oil & gas, drilling operations, hazardous waste management, mining, or other heavy industrial projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with Project Managers and operational leadership teams to develop and implement supply chain strategies that support project objectives, operational continuity, and cost optimization.
• Establish and manage end-to-end procurement processes including sourcing, tendering, supplier evaluation, contract negotiations, purchase order management, supplier onboarding, and contract administration.
• Lead procurement activities for equipment, materials, consumables, specialized services, hazardous waste handling, transportation, treatment, and disposal services.
• Develop and implement procurement policies, standard operating procedures, governance frameworks, and performance indicators aligned with company standards and industry best practices.
• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and manage local and international suppliers while supporting local content initiatives and supplier development programs.
• Negotiate framework agreements, service contracts, and supplier agreements to optimize cost, quality, delivery performance, and long-term value.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound logistics for hazardous and non-hazardous materials, equipment, and consumables across remote project locations.
• Manage transportation planning, specialized haulage, route optimization, permit coordination, customs clearance where applicable, and contractor logistics performance.
• Ensure transportation activities comply with applicable dangerous goods regulations, hazardous waste transport requirements, and Kenyan environmental legislation.
• Establish and oversee warehousing operations including hazardous materials storage, quarantine areas, consumables management, inventory control, stock reconciliation, cycle counting, and material forecasting.
• Implement inventory management systems to ensure material availability while minimizing excess stock and operational downtime.
• Manage asset tracking systems for critical equipment, fleet, tools, and operational assets, including maintenance planning and spare parts coordination.
• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs, audits, service reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure contractual compliance and operational excellence.
• Conduct supplier prequalification, capability assessments, HSE evaluations, insurance verification, and commercial due diligence.
• Ensure full compliance with Kenyan procurement regulations, environmental legislation, hazardous waste regulations, company policies, and project-specific HSE requirements.
• Integrate HSE considerations into procurement, logistics, warehousing, and contractor management processes, including risk assessments, safe work practices, and emergency response planning.
• Maintain procurement, logistics, inventory, and contractor documentation to support internal audits, regulatory inspections, and client compliance requirements.
• Develop supply chain budgets, monitor expenditure, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure effective cost control without compromising safety, quality, or operational performance.
• Implement and optimize ERP, procurement, inventory, and supply chain management systems while driving digitalization and process improvement initiatives.
• Prepare periodic management reports covering procurement performance, supplier KPIs, logistics efficiency, inventory levels, cost savings, compliance, and project supply chain performance.
• Collaborate with community relations, finance, HSE, engineering, operations, and project teams to ensure integrated planning and successful project execution.
• Build, mentor, and develop high-performing procurement, logistics, warehouse, and supply chain teams while promoting a culture of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement, and HSE excellence.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is an added advantage.
• Professional certification such as CIPS, CPSP, CPP, or an equivalent procurement or supply chain qualification is preferred.
• Formal training or certification in hazardous materials handling, dangerous goods transportation, hazardous waste management, or related disciplines is highly desirable.
• Minimum 8–12 years' progressive experience in supply chain, procurement, logistics, or contract management, including at least 5 years supporting upstream oil & gas, drilling operations, hazardous waste management, mining, construction, or heavy industrial projects.
• Demonstrated experience establishing or leading supply chain functions within remote or project-based operations.
• Proven experience managing procurement, supplier development, tendering, contract administration, logistics coordination, warehousing, and inventory management.
• Strong knowledge of hazardous waste handling, transportation regulations, environmental compliance, and dangerous goods requirements.
• Experience managing third-party contractors, logistics providers, waste treatment contractors, and specialist service providers.
• Practical experience with ERP systems, procurement platforms, inventory management systems, and supply chain reporting tools.
• Strong understanding of Kenyan procurement regulations, local content requirements, and supply chain governance.
• Excellent commercial acumen, supplier negotiation, stakeholder management, leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively within remote, fast-paced, and operationally demanding project environments while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.