Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), a prominent member of the Diageo Group, is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and visionary individual to join its esteemed team as the Senior Innovations Commercialization Manager. This full-time role, based in Nairobi, offers an exceptional opportunity for a mid-senior level professional to spearhead transformative innovation strategies that drive commercial growth, enhance customer engagement, and accelerate KBL’s market leadership.
At KBL, our vision is to be rated as the number one Consumer Goods Company in Kenya. This goal is deeply embedded in a customer-first philosophy, which drives every innovation, product launch, and market strategy. We aim to deliver compelling shopper and customer experiences that are fully aligned with consumer needs and aspirations. The Senior Innovations Commercialization Manager will play a pivotal role in this vision—turning innovative brand concepts into commercially viable successes that enhance KBL’s market share and revenue base.
Position: Senior Innovations Commercialization Manager
Job Level: 4B (Mid-Senior Level)
Reporting To: Head of Customer Marketing
Work Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
Context and Scope
As a customer-centric organization, KBL thrives on delivering innovative, customer-aligned brand experiences. In this position, the selected candidate will be a core driver of innovation commercialization, bringing to life KBL’s ambitious goal of delivering a 5% revenue contribution through innovation while building the next income pipeline.
The Senior Innovations Commercialization Manager will act as a strategic architect, integrating customer insights, commercial strategy, and execution capabilities to transform KBL’s innovation ideas into market-leading realities.
Financial Dimensions
- Lead strategic management and execution of the innovation budget, optimizing spend for impactful, multi-channel campaigns.
- Champion aggressive growth targets for innovation categories and deliver forward-thinking sales and marketing strategies.
- Spearhead breakthrough initiatives aimed at boosting consumer penetration and market share.
- Translate innovation concepts into profitable business models with well-structured brand P&Ls.
- Deliver on the company’s ambition of driving a +5% contribution to revenue via new innovations.
Role Complexity
The role demands a proactive, visionary leader capable of navigating high complexity across functions and driving innovation across multiple market fronts. The ideal candidate is not only strategic but also a hands-on executor with deep commercial instincts and the ability to lead large, cross-functional teams through change and innovation.
Success in this position requires strong influencing capabilities, the ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously, and comfort with ambiguity and complex matrix structures.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial and Strategic Leadership
- Lead the commercial execution of the innovation pipeline in alignment with sales and broader business objectives.
- Drive partnership and alignment with senior leaders in sales, marketing, and other cross-functional teams.
- Embed innovation into the commercial calendar to ensure seamless go-to-market execution.
- Architect long-term sales strategies in support of a bold innovation-driven growth agenda.
Performance Monitoring and Execution
- Define innovation KPIs and integrate them into enterprise-wide sales performance frameworks.
- Monitor execution standards and rigorously track performance metrics for all innovation initiatives.
- Develop and lead monthly executive-level innovation performance reviews.
- Ensure timely interventions and strategic adjustments based on data-driven insights.
Route to Consumer (RTC) Model Development
- Champion transformation or development of RTC models to optimize innovation rollouts across markets.
- Co-create channel-specific activation plans with key stakeholders to support successful launches.
Team and Stakeholder Management
- Act as the principal commercial leader bridging innovation, sales, and marketing.
- Foster strong collaboration with third-party agencies and key customers.
- Mentor and develop high-performing team members with a focus on innovation and commercial excellence.
- Lead organizational culture change through innovation-focused incentive structures.
Launch Planning and Execution
- Design comprehensive commercial plans, including customer propositions and sell-in enablement tools.
- Ensure go-to-market readiness across departments, incorporating financial and operational viability checks.
- Guarantee launches are competitively differentiated and resonate with consumer needs.
Top 3–5 Accountabilities
- Strategic Execution of Innovation Programs
Lead and execute high-impact innovation initiatives grounded in commercial insight and strategic rigor. - Insight-Driven Decision Making
Utilize robust analytical capabilities to influence stakeholder alignment and drive data-informed execution. - Creative Innovation Development
Translate shopper insights into disruptive, consumer-centric innovation programs. - Budget Ownership and ROI Optimization
Maintain strict budget control, realigning scope and resources as needed to ensure maximum return on investment. - Leadership and Talent Development
Provide visionary leadership and support career progression for team members through structured talent development plans.
Key Internal Relationships
- Commercial and Marketing Directors
- Sales Team
- Finance Team
- Procurement Team
- Marketing Team
- 3rd Party Agencies
Qualifications and Experience Required
Essential Skills:
- Proven success in managing and executing large-scale innovation initiatives within marketing and/or customer marketing contexts.
- Strong commercial acumen and deep understanding of shopper behavior and market dynamics.
- Experience leveraging channel insights to develop scalable programs that drive shopper engagement.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate complex organizations and align diverse stakeholders toward common innovation goals.
- Inspiring leadership with a commitment to fostering a culture of agility, creativity, and continuous learning.
Desirable:
- An advanced business qualification (e.g., MBA) is considered an added advantage.
- Proven ability to lead revenue-generating innovation strategies.
- A track record of building and managing high-performing teams.
- Experience managing transformational change and driving cultural evolution in large organizations.
- Strong communication and influencing skills to rally support across internal and external partners.
Flexible Working
KBL embraces flexible working models, including part-time, compressed hours, and remote working options. Flexibility is fundamental to our people-first culture. We encourage applicants to share what flexibility means to them as part of their application journey.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At KBL, we strive to create an inclusive environment that values and celebrates the unique attributes of all individuals. Our ambition is to be recognized globally as the most respected, most trusted, and highest-performing consumer products company. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds—gender, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, education level, and more.
You’ll be joining a company that not only supports your professional growth but also ensures you feel valued and included every step of the way. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords at KBL; they are embedded in the way we operate and innovate.
If you require a reasonable adjustment during the application or interview process, please include that information when submitting your application.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the closing date of June 30, 2025.
