Warehouse and Inventory Analyst

Title: Warehouse and Inventory Analyst

Reports to: Regional Coordinator 

About Food 4 Education

Food for Education (F4E) is an African-led, women-led social enterprise that uses technology, smart operations and logistics to provide low-cost, high-quality meals that improve nutrition and education outcomes for primary school children in Kenya.

We are growing quickly. Our mission is to scale models that prioritise efficient supply chain management and sustainable sourcing, so we can continue lowering the cost of school lunches. We have delivered over 40,000,000 meals since 2012 and are expanding to reach our goal of serving at least 1,000,000 public primary school students in Kenya every day by 2027.

Position Overview:

The Warehousing and Inventory Analyst is responsible for managing the inventory of cooking perishable and non-perishable goods used in the Kitchens located in Murang’a, Nyeri and Uasin Gishu Counties. The role involves ensuring accurate tracking, monitoring stock levels, conducting regular inventory audits, and optimising stock management processes to ensure smooth and timely supply distribution to the kitchens and warehouses (Dukas). The Analyst will collaborate with various teams, including supply chain, logistics, field teams and kitchen staff, to maintain efficient warehousing operations and ensure an uninterrupted feeding schedule across the 3 counties.

Our Values

At Food for Education, our values are guiding principles that provide us with purpose and direction and set the tone for our interactions with all stakeholders:

• Build with excellence and curiosity - We’re not afraid to try new things and iterate as much as we can to find the best and most efficient way to get results;
• Be the change you seek - We acknowledge that continuous improvement is a shared responsibility;
• We do what we say; and say what we do - We embrace an ownership mentality;
• Ask why; and commit- Share openly and question respectfully and commit fully. When we understand the why, we are able to work with a purpose.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate records of all stock, including grains, rice, and other consumables, using inventory management systems.
• Track and monitor stock levels to ensure optimal supply at all times, preventing overstocking or shortages.
• Update inventory data daily, ensuring transparency and accuracy for all stock movements in and out of the warehouse.
• Warehousing Operations:
• Oversee the receiving, storage, and dispatch of goods, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to warehousing protocols.
• Ensure that the dukas and Kitchen stores are organized and food items are stored under optimal conditions, adhering to food safety regulations.
• Coordinate with logistics teams to ensure timely delivery of stock to school kitchens, minimizing disruptions in meal preparations.
• Conduct regular stock audits and physical counts to reconcile inventory levels with system records.
• Investigate discrepancies in stock levels and recommend corrective measures to avoid future inconsistencies.
• Prepare and share periodic inventory reports with management, highlighting key trends and areas for improvement.
• Ensure the AppSheet (or any other stock management tool) is accurately updated with real-time inventory data, and monitor its usage for data consistency.
• Train warehouse staff on data entry protocols and best practices for maintaining accurate records.
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to track the consumption of ingredients and identify usage trends for forecasting.
• Work closely with suppliers to ensure timely replenishment of stocks, maintaining a strong relationship for seamless operations.
• Monitor the quality of delivered goods, ensuring that all supplies meet program standards before being accepted into the warehouse.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements within warehousing and inventory management to enhance efficiency and reduce wastage.
• Implement best practices for stock rotation, FIFO (First In, First Out), and minimize food spoilage or wastage.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, warehousing regulations, and organizational policies.
• Implement and monitor safety practices within the warehouse, ensuring the well-being of all staff and the proper handling of goods.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Accuracy of inventory records and data management.
• Timeliness of stock replenishment and distribution to kitchens.
• Compliance with food safety and warehousing regulations.
• Reduction of stock discrepancies and wastage.
• Timeliness and accuracy of inventory reporting.

Desired Candidate Profile 

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in inventory management, warehousing, or supply chain roles, preferably within food programs or the FMCG industry.
• Proficient in inventory management software (e.g., AppSheet, Odoo, G-Sheets/Excel, or similar tools)
• Strong understanding of warehousing and stock management principles.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and handling requirements.
• Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to adapt to dynamic operational needs.
• Willing to relocate.

We are an equal opportunity employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, colour, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

Career Growth and Development

We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You will have weekly check-ins with your manager, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You will have the opportunity to shape a growing organisation and build a rewarding, long-term career.

Deadline: 15th November 2024

We aim to contact all our applicants, but due to the high volume of applications only shortlisted candidates are contacted. If you do not hear from us within two weeks your application might not be successful on this occasion. This does not mean you will not be considered for future roles so please keep an eye on our job board and apply for positions that match your skills and experience.