Diageo, the custodian of some of the world’s most iconic and celebrated brands including Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Baileys, and Smirnoff, is seeking a Market Category Specialist – Professional Services Africa to be based in Nairobi, Kenya.
With a heritage built on over two centuries of innovation, craftsmanship, and pioneering spirit, Diageo has grown to become a leading global player in the beverage industry. Every year, we produce and deliver 6.5 billion litres of world-class products to consumers across more than 180 markets worldwide. Our success is not only defined by the strength of our brands but also by the skill, commitment, and expertise of the people who work behind the scenes to ensure that our customers, partners, and communities benefit from our growth.
Procurement lies at the very heart of this success. Each year, Diageo spends more than £5 billion sourcing goods and services. The Procurement function plays a pivotal role in shaping how this expenditure creates value across the business, from productivity improvements to sustainable partnerships and supply chain innovation.
Joining the Procurement team at Diageo means stepping into a fast-paced, challenging, and globally connected environment where your ideas, skills, and drive will help to shape the future of the business. If you are passionate about procurement, category management, and building strategic relationships, this opportunity offers a platform to thrive, grow, and make a tangible impact.
The role comes with a deadline: applications close on September 29, 2025. With only a few days left to apply, this is the moment to seize the opportunity.
About the Function
The Supply Chain and Manufacturing team is one of the largest and most critical parts of Diageo’s global operations. More than half of our 30,000+ employees work in this function, spanning over 100 sites in 30 countries. Their mission is to ensure that our much-loved brands are produced with the highest standards of quality and delivered seamlessly to customers around the globe.
This function is about much more than logistics and production. It is about solving problems, building sustainable relationships with suppliers, protecting the environment, and supporting local communities through initiatives like Diageo’s Society 2030: Spirit of Progress goals.
In Procurement, you will be part of this ambitious journey, ensuring that every investment, negotiation, and contract drives both commercial and social value.
About the Role
As Market Category Specialist – Professional Services Africa, you will play a central role in supporting strategic procurement by:
- Developing robust category plans using Diageo’s methodologies.
- Leading or supporting sourcing initiatives across key spend categories.
- Implementing strategies that align global and local procurement priorities.
- Acting as a knowledge builder and category expert while working across multiple markets.
This is not just a support role; it is a platform for growth and exposure. You will contribute to flexible resource pools across categories, balancing business demand while accelerating your own career trajectory.
Role Responsibilities
General Responsibilities
- Applied Expertise: Develop and share expertise in designated spend categories. Understand supply markets, supplier capabilities, and negotiation strategies to position yourself as a subject matter expert in the global procurement community.
- Category Excellence: Drive the development of category strategies, lead market data collection, and participate in sourcing events. Apply and refine Diageo’s procurement tools and processes to elevate category management practices.
Category Strategy
- Business Partnering: Work closely with category managers, stakeholders, and suppliers to strengthen relationships, uncover insights, and build collaborative solutions.
- Strategy Development: Contribute to evolving category strategies by capturing requirements, analyzing market dynamics, and identifying opportunities.
- Best-in-Class Capabilities: Develop cost models and scenario plans, integrating supplier and stakeholder perspectives. Use analytics to support strategy reviews and enhance decision-making.
- Strategy Execution: Support the implementation of category strategies across markets. Ensure progress tracking, performance reporting, and delivery of KPIs at every stage.
Sourcing
- Execute sourcing activities for above-market leverage categories (CM2) as well as market-specific categories (CM1).
- Apply best practices in planning, preparation, and execution of negotiations.
- Support the contracting process, ensuring compliance and alignment with procurement standards throughout the contract lifecycle.
Risk Management
- Proactively identify risks within category strategies and sourcing activities.
- Implement mitigation plans in partnership with stakeholders and suppliers to safeguard business continuity.
Supplier Relationship Management
- Build strong, trust-based partnerships with suppliers, ensuring high levels of performance and accountability.
- Monitor supplier KPIs, drive continuous improvement, and ensure data-driven decision-making.
Excellence in Supply Chain “Source”
- Demonstrate proficiency in end-to-end Source-to-Pay processes.
- Adhere to performance management structures, KPI reporting frameworks, and standardised procurement methodologies.
- Invest in continuous learning and professional growth through resources such as Diageo’s Learning Hub.
Experience and Skills Required
To succeed in this role, you should bring:
- A graduate-level qualification or equivalent, with professional certification such as CIPS membership being an added advantage.
- 4–5 years’ experience in Procurement, Finance, FMCG Commercial, or a related field.
- Proven expertise in developing and executing category and procurement strategies.
- Demonstrated ability in supplier negotiations and contract management.
- Strong analytical skills and commercial acumen with financial awareness of category-related performance targets.
- Proficiency in procurement and business systems such as SAP, PRDM, MS Office, E-collaborate, or equivalent.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive decision-making.
- A consistent record of delivering results and generating insights that impact business outcomes.
Flexible Working
At Diageo, flexibility is more than a policy – it is a mindset. We encourage you to discuss what flexibility means for you so that you can maintain balance, productivity, and wellbeing from day one.
Diversity and Inclusion
Our purpose is to celebrate life, every day, everywhere. To achieve this, we believe in building a culture where everyone feels valued, included, and able to thrive.
Diageo celebrates diversity in all its forms – gender, ethnicity, disability, age, education, background, and more. We welcome everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. By fostering an inclusive culture, we create stronger teams and drive better business outcomes.
When you join Diageo, you become part of a company that is not only committed to performance but also to being the most trusted and respected consumer products company in the world.
Key Details at a Glance
- Position: Market Category Specialist – Professional Services Africa
- Location: Nairobi HQ, Kenya
- Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
- Job Requisition ID: JR1117990
- Posting Date: September 18, 2025
- Closing Date: September 29, 2025 (only 5 days left to apply)
How to Apply
If this role excites you and aligns with your skills and ambitions, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
This is a unique chance to join a world-leading company, work with exceptional brands, and shape the future of procurement within one of the most dynamic markets.
