John Onsongo

I am results-oriented, highly productive supply chain management professional with a demonstrated ability to significantly reduce procurement costs by standardizing processes, negotiating favorable terms and streamlining supplier channels.

Experience with procurement of a wide range of goods and services both locally and internationally with an annual value of USD$60M, negotiating contracts including blanket agreements and bulk commodity pricing agreements, and conducting Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) and SAP User.

1. Supply Chain Manager - Dilpack Kenya Limited, June 2019 to March 2020

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Job Overview: Design, planning, execution, control, and supervision of supply chain activities with the objectives of creating added value, building a competitive structure, synchronizing supply with demand and measuring performance. Optimize inbound supply chain through forecasting, raw material procurement, planning, inventory control and Vendor management. Develop, implement and maintain an effective integrated supply chain and system management.
2. Principal Accountability: Procurement & Supply Chain Management

• Manage all sourcing of Goods and services both locally and internationally for the entire business.
• Develop material costs forecasts and standard cost list
• Negotiate prices and terms with suppliers, vendors and freight forwarders, shipping lines and Clearing agents to ensure and transporters our competitiveness, Approve customs entries for payment of taxes and others excise duties.
• Monitor supplier performance to assess ability to meet quality and delivery requirements.
• Analyze inventories to determine how to increase inventory turns, reduce waste and optimize customer service.
• Lead the business in identifying and implementing efficient and cost-effective solution for both inbound and outbound logistics (import & exports).
• Identify and advise management on supply chain models and trends and suggest best fit for the business from time to time.
• To ensure effective service level agreements and performance evaluation modalities are in place.
• To ensure the best practice and cost-effective supply chain policies, processes and systems.
• Maintain metrics and analyze data to assess performance and implement improvements
• Comply with laws, regulations and ensure all imports are inspected at country of origin, IDF application, and Certificate of Conformity coordination with inspecting companies, applying for insurance covers, supervising all clearing agents’ activities and ensure delivery of shipments into the warehousing on time less demurrages.
• Keep track of quality, quantity, stock levels, delivery times, transport costs and efficiency

Warehouse Responsibilities

• Maintains physical condition of warehouse by planning and implementing new design layouts
• Achieves financial objectives by preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions
• Completes warehouse operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees; following up on work results.
• Maintains warehouse staff job results by coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results.
• Managing annual budget.
• Create, plan and implement accuracy in inventory controls.
• Implement safety procedures and standards in all warehouse operations
• Implementing warehouse operational policies and procedures.
• Maintaining awareness and knowledge of condition and location of fleet vehicles.

Key Achievements 

• Procurement of Goods & Services on timely - local and importation
• E2E Supply Chain Management and Operations
• >50% Reduction in Inventory.
• 10% Reduction in Transportation Costs
• Inventory Control and Optimization
• MRP - Procurement and Sourcing and Category Management
• Customer Service and e-order fulfilment

 

1. The Wrigley Company (EA) Ltd – 10/08/2015 – 31/10/2018 – Project Administrator, Commercial & Logistics

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Ensure end to end implementation of both P2P and logistical process and fulfillment of negotiated international commercial terms, including establishment of key metrics for logistics and realization of total cost reduction process. Management of contracted firms in agency representation and service level provision while clearing goods. Track all shipments on end to end basis including implementing continuous improvement opportunities.

• Key responsibilities Ensure procurement of CAPEX, repairs and maintenance, projects and services requirements at the right quality, cost and risk including; general admin, logistics and the entire supply chain both locally and internationally. 
• Effective management of costs and governance of CAPEX, repairs and maintenance, projects and services by building key relationships with suppliers/providers of project services.
• Sustainable procurement practice and implementing of procurement strategy, policy and structure. 
• Conducting procurement planning for CAPEX, repairs and maintenance, projects and services with respective teams within the project including the Start-up & commissioning team.
• Identifying qualified CAPEX, Repairs and maintenance, Projects and Services sending RFQ, analyzing the responses and placing purchase orders for approval
• .Managing tendering process for CAPEX, repairs and maintenance, projects and services requirements.
• Purchase requisition and order progression and follow up to ensure timely delivery of CAPEX, repairs and maintenance, projects and services.
• Ensure full utilization of purchasing ERP (SAP). CAPEX, repairs and maintenance, projects and services supply contract management and supplier relationship management.
• Responsible to source, negotiate and purchase materials for the entire project by evaluating vendor’s quotation to ensure that they are in line with the technical and commercial specifications required for the project.
• Procurement of equipment and spares for the entire project by ensuring P2P implementation process. In charge of daily operational purchasing needs such as planning, issuing and following up on Purchase Orders delivery and shipment schedules resolve supply, quality, service and invoicing issues with vendors.
• Supplier appraisal selection and appraisal of key vendors by ensuring the evaluated vendors performance is based on quality standards, delivery time & best prices and ensure all the criteria are met according to the organizational requirements and expectation.
• Clear communication with Project Manager, Finance, and Commercial Manager on status of purchase requisitions and Purchase orders by ensuring timely execution of the process flow.
• Import/Export Management of all project procurement in line with KEBS import and Customs & Excise regulations.
• Record keeping of all files for all procurement packages related to the new factory contracts in soft copy and hard copy for ease of reference to contract terms, conditions, milestones, and payment terms whenever necessary

• Managing log of contract milestones, tracking invoices from suppliers, consultants, and suppliers. Ensuring adherence to all legal requirement for all shipments in particular to customs tariff declaration and Kenya Bureau of Standards PVoC (Pre-Verification of Conformity) Procedures; Import Licenses application and certification of Conformity compliance
• Managing log of shipments, confirming suppliers provide all shipping documents for tax and duty compliance.

Achievements

• Successfully directed and coordinated a USD$6.5M procurement project at Wrigley Company East Africa limited leading to the construction of a Greenfield confectionary plant. Managed end to end (E2E) logistics of massive equipment’s and spares from country of source into Kenya with 100% demurrage free shipments. Assisted WEA to realize savings as a result of duty waiver programs accounting to Kshs60M

1. Tin Can Manufacturers Limited, 10/10/2011 – 13/04/2012 (6 Months) – Import/Export & Warehousing Manager 

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implementing policies and procedures for processing, administration and review of overseas procurement/Logistics, exporting and warehousing as per company policy;
• Implementing and maintaining import and export management framework based on different categories of goods and services.
• Managing import/export controls including clearing & forwarding processes – IDF, PVoC’s, and Insurance etc.
• Monitoring and reporting adherence to policy and procedure developed for all Contracts and SLA’s with all stake holders; Monitoring and administering the business provisions of the contracts to ensure compliance with commercial contractual terms and conditions;
• Establishing, negotiating, and managing with vendors, qualitative and quantitative commercial targets and other goals, objectives, and service levels;
• Monitoring of vendor performance against set criteria to ascertain the level of delivery and compliance to contracts in order to achieve service improvement and cost reduction;
• Identifying and developing sourcing and cost reduction opportunities to lower costs and improve performance by managing and providing statistical trends and spend analysis;
• Developing the supplier profiles; pre-qualification – selection, appraisal and evaluation
• Performing cost analysis to drive cost reduction opportunities;
• Performing industry research and analyzing pricing/market trends and giving recommendations on how to improve the supply chain;
• Evaluating controls and implementing procedures that ensure integrity of the data;
• Assisted in the strategic commodity negotiation process;
• Developed and maintained a pricing and supplier performance evaluation matrix to be applied to specific contracts across the scope of the supply chain section.

Achievements:

Developed modeling tools for supply chain and network analysis; build forecast through collaboration with relevant suppliers and departments; manage analysis of specific products and services as well as ensuring order fulfillment.

Conducted training for personnel in the function through building gap analysis and job description development.

1. Magadi Soda Company Ltd, 2007-2009 (2 years) - Senior Buyer (Capital Project Procurement, Contract administration & Management)

Duties and Responsibilities:

• As internal ISO Auditor, managed ISO audits per schedules for compliance and adherence to regulatory requirements by ensuring all the process and procedures are followed and actions taken.
• Manage Supplier relationships by maintaining supply market awareness, intelligence and trend analysis to ascertain uninterrupted supply of goods and services for the operation of the plants.
• Responsible for implementing controls and coordinating material sourcing functions to ensure effective and responsive procurement, quality control and accountability to support uninterrupted operations and cost effectiveness
• Directing spends on capital/project procurement of spares and equipment from both local and overseas to provide continual support for engineering, maintenance and construction purchasing needs
• Identifying the most appropriate source for requested goods and services and negotiating, developing and managing agreements (Contracts) for products and services
• Developing, maintaining, implementing and streamlining procurement policies and system that ensure timely and value for money on procurement of goods and services
• Process imports payments on timely – LC’s, T.T., Bills of Exchange and Drafts to ensure steady supply of goods from overseas by liaising with Finance and banks respectively.
• Developing concrete relationships with suppliers both locally and internationally
• Conducting market research and formulating and implementing procedures and controls over procurement and inventory stocks
• Ensuring adherence to all legal requirement for all shipments in particular to customs tariff declaration and Kenya Bureau of Standards PVoC (Pre-Verification of Conformity) Procedures
• Obtaining required goods and services in a timely, cost effective manner to support internal customers and marketing team to make sales and eliminate loss of sale 
• Ensuring accurate approval and release of purchase orders in accordance to the laid down procurement procedures and standing instructions on purchase of goods and services.
• Investigating, developing and implementing cost reduction strategies including finding ways of reducing stock levels, negotiate prices with suppliers
• Establishing a preferred supplier base through (SESPA-Supplier, Evaluation, Selection, Performance and Appraisal) amongst others pre-qualification of suppliers.
• Negotiating, drafting and reviewing contracts for supply of goods and provision of services in consultation with requisitioners when necessary, monitoring and administrate contracts/purchase orders.
• Assisting the Procurement Manager in regard to procurement planning, evaluation/approval of tenders/quotations and management of contracts
• Developing and retaining talent of supports through continuous performance appraisal and feedback

 

Achievements:

• Successfully directed and coordinated the following procurement projects at Magadi
• product Transshipment Facility Project -Ksh12.5M which was 90% completed by the time of my exit, Dust Suppression system (ESP Project)-USD$2.0M successful completed (100%), Wartsila Engines (Power Plant Project)-USD$3.0M which was 90% completed by the time of my exit ,new Plant Remedial Project-USD400, 000.00 successful completed (100%) and No.3 Dredge Modernization project. (See recommendations letters attached).
• Directed contract purchases including management and execution of high spend commodities – Raw materials, Packaging , fuel oils etc.

 

1. Magadi Soda Company Ltd, 2005-2007 (2 years) - Buyer (Category Sourcing & Management)

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Developed and implemented sourcing strategies and communication plan
• Analyzed and optimized the P2P process related to the spend category through the right choice of procurement tools
• Ensured alignment between business strategy and sourcing strategy
• Set objectives to be achieved through the sourcing strategy and monitoring of achievement
• Derived negotiation strategy from category positioning and negotiated to achieve the objectives defined in alignment with the business
• Managed suppliers according to category positioning
• Ensured that all the key suppliers within the spend category adhered to Suppliers Code and ethics
• Integrated innovation elements from suppliers into Innovation and Renovation processes
• Ensured the agreed service levels with internal stakeholders are adhered to.
• Liaison with requisitioners (Users) on requisitions submitted for procurement of local/import equipment/spares, supplies or services revise them for details and completeness. 
• Identify local/import sources of procurement, prepare invitations to bids, request for proposals and quotations, analyze offers, recommend awards and prepare all the necessary documents for approval of purchase orders or contracts. 
• Ensure that all goods and services are delivered or provided in conformity with terms and conditions of contracts/purchase orders, including specifications, schedule of prices, and prepare payment of overseas suppliers and contractors upon receipt of all necessary documents, and certification from requisitioners that goods/services were satisfactorily received. 
• Negotiate, draft and review contracts for supply of goods and provision of services in consultation with requisitioners when necessary, monitor and administrate contracts/purchase orders. 
• Assist Senior Buyer Overseas in administrating the daily operations of the import buying, including corresponding to vendors, end users and stores. 
• Provide support and guidance to users and stores at all stages of procurement cycle and advice on the development of specifications for the acquisition of goods and services. 
• Liaison with Government Customs Officers through clearing agents and pre-shipment inspection companies on import of goods and services, coordinate all shipping requirements and prepare all import documentation by ensuring that company imports are taxed in accordance with proper tariff classification. 
• Liaison with Insurance Company by ensuring that all imports are adequately covered against marine loss/damage goods in transit and any claim arising there from is quantified and lodged with them for compensation. 
• Liaison with overseas vendors and inbound/outbound logistics agents to ensure timely delivery of materials. Plan and execute sourcing strategies for products and services in conjunction with cross-functional teams.

 

Achievements

• Coordinated in excess of Ksh9.0B spends on project procurement of Rail Hardware/equipment from overseas to provide continual support for rail operations, engineering, maintenance and construction purchasing needs
•  Identified the most appropriate source for requested goods/services and negotiated, developed and managed agreements for products and services
• Delivered competitive advantage to the business through development and implementation of sourcing strategies for the spend category
• As a team Player with influencing skills, successfully led projects and negotiations with the assistance of cross functional and integrated company teams

 

1. Magadi Soda Company Ltd, 2003-2005 (2 Years) - Supplies Officer (Warehousing Operations, Inventory Material Management & Administration)

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Managed daily operation functions of the engineering stores by supervising all the operation activities including receiving, issuing and storage of materials to ensure quality services at all times
• Directed all issues, receipts and efficient provision of right materials to the internal customers
• Maintained inventory records and preparation of inventory analysis records
• Led and supervised new and Supplies Assistants on procedures in provision of services to customers efficiently and effectively
• Liaised with Buyers and internal customers on availability of supplies to support production by establishing and coordinating customer’s requirements by managing demand planning (MRP)
• Ensured high standard of storage, material handling and cleanliness is achieved at the stores
• Delivered competitive advantage through effective materials management and acquisitions, which balanced product supply to meet customer’s expectations
• Delivered inventories turns and investment performance that also maintained competitiveness and ensured financial results in areas of asset management, E&O reserves
• Coordinated Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) issues within the finance/stores (SHE Representative)
• Conducted sale of scraps and disposal of obsolete materials as per laid down procedures.
• Coordinating stores activities by ensuring that materials delivered to the individual storage location are exactly according to the order by checking their quality through the inspection team, quantity and condition on arrival;
• Controlling the dispatch of materials to contractors and end users by ensuring that only released and dully authorized materials are dispatched from the Stores;
• Ensuring safe storage of all materials in the store by spot checks, good housekeeping and identification of unsafe working methods to minimize losses from damages;
• Provision of reliable information to management at any point in time on stocks and conditions of materials in the stores by establishing, maintaining and updating accurate records of stocks, issues and dispatches;
• Management of the continuous supply of materials through inter-store transfer and coordination with the purchasing section to ensure availability of stocks at all time;
• Staff Development through job training, instilling discipline and motivating subordinates to enhance improved performance;
• Coordination with outsourced transporter to ensure delivery of materials to destined stores;
• Ensuring regular system clean up such that the physical stock situation corresponds with that of operating system (ERP) on monthly basis.
• Scheduling, managing stock taking and maintaining inventory accuracy at all times.

 

Achievements

• Designed, developed and implemented material requirement planning (MRP) processes that were focused on taking time and overhead out of product cycle which resulted in increased efficiency(plant availability) and improved speed response.
• Managed to render quality service level to customers and contractors by monitoring total quality management of receipts, issues and storage without compromising with the laid stores procedures.

 

(7) Magadi Soda Company Ltd, 1996-2002 (7 Years) - Purchasing/Shipping Assistant (Shipping and Logistics Management), 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Processing of all LPO’s and Indents through the ERP system and record keeping of the same. Clerical work including filling of procurement documents, distribute copies of PO’s to the relevant sections – accounts, stores and user’s.
• Organize all import shipments and or consolidate, insurance covers etc by processing all required documents for adherence with Customs & Excise legal requirements in relation to import and export of goods.

Achievements: Managed all import shipments on timely delivery through standardized procurement process and also ensuring stocks replenishment at all times.

2015 -2019 University of Nicosia, Cyprus, Masters of Business Administration.

2012 - 2014 Swiss Management Centre (SMC) University, ZUG, Switzerland, Bachelor’s Degree of Business Administration (BBA)

2013 Purchasing Management Association of Canada, Certified Supply Chain Management Professional (CSCMP)

2012 The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS - UK), Post Graduate Diploma in Purchasing and Supply, LEVEL 6, Chartered MCIPS)

2011 The Institute of Commercial Management (UK), Associate Degree in Supply Chain Management

2010 The Chartered Management Institute (UK) Certified Chartered Manager (CMgr) MCMI (UK)

2005 The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS - UK), Foundation Diploma in Purchasing and Supply

1992 The College of Professional Management (UK), Diploma in stores Management and Stock Control