Benard Were
@benardwere
Procurement and logistics professional with 15+ years in agri-business, delivering compliant sourcing, inspections, and cost-effective supply.
KenyaWhat I'm looking for
I’m an Assistant Procurement Manager with over 15 years’ experience in agri-business, known for careful planning, proactive problem-solving, and strict compliance. I develop annual procurement plans and implementation reports, coordinate supplier prequalification, manage inspection and acceptance activities, and ensure timely sourcing and delivery while meeting regulatory timelines and performance contract expectations.
Before my current role, I built strong international and stakeholder coordination experience as a Liaison Officer—providing administrative support, facilitating pre-shipment inspection, and supporting letters of credit with KRA and suppliers. I also keep improving through targeted training (e.g., Syspro ERP sales order training, ISO 9001-2000, performance contracting, and procurement/disposal compliance), and I currently support my community as a part-time lecturer in public and international procurement and procurement supply chain management.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Assistant Procurement Manager
Nzoia Sugar Company Ltd
Oct 2006 - Present (19 years 7 months)
Developed annual procurement plans and ensured PPRA/PPDA compliance, including allocating 40% to locally procured goods and 30% to preference/reservation groups with 2% for persons with disability. Managed supplier prequalification, inspection and acceptance, customs clearing timelines (7 days sea-freight/3 days air-freight), and annual disposal of obsolete/unserviceable assets in line with the PP
Liaison Officer
Nzoia Sugar Company Ltd
May 2002 - Oct 2006 (4 years 5 months)
Provided administrative and procurement liaison support between suppliers and government agencies (KRA, customs, standards, ministries and boards) to enable overseas inspections before shipment. Coordinated market surveys and supported trade and travel-related compliance including letters of credit and stakeholder engagement.
Liaison Officer (Nairobi)
Schaffer Global Group LLC
Jan 1999 - May 2002 (3 years 4 months)
Managed office administration and liaison services, including travel arrangements (reservations, air tickets, visas, security clearance) and day-to-day handling of mail, reproduction, and courier communications. Supported international procurement logistics, shipment documentation and taxes, and followed up immigration requirements for expatriates and dependents.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Maseno University - Kisumu City Campus
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Purchasing and Supplies
Ongoing MBA (Purchasing and Supplies option) at Maseno University, Kisumu City Campus.
Panjab University
Bachelor of Arts, Economics & Public Administration
1990 - 1994
Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics & Public Administration at Panjab University, Chandigarh.
SGGS College, Chandigarh
Communication skills, Communication
1990 - 1993
Completed communication skills training at SGGS College, Chandigarh.
Kenya Institute of Management (KIM)
Diploma, Purchasing & Supplies Management
2010 - 2011
Completed a Diploma in Purchasing & Supplies Management at the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM).
Availability
Location
KenyaAuthorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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