Profile of Thomas Mwanza

Thomas Mwanza Mr
21 years experience 0 projects worked Kenya
100.00$ /hr 0$ earned
Label and Package DesignManufactoringPackaging Design

A ‘go-to’ Supply Chain Director with 20+ years’ expertise increasing the productivity and value-add ofregional supply chains for multibillion-dollar corporations including The Coca-Cola Company andUnilever, my signature skill is in the creation of innovative and pioneering supply chain solutions.

Work History (0)

  • There are no activities yet.

Work Experiences

  • Manufacturing Director

    Unilever PLC

    January 2007 - December 2008

    • Appointed to hold oversight of 3 factories producing spreads, savoury and tea (€27M t/o);
    • Promoted to a senior leadership role reporting to the MD, accountable for 3 fully owned and 1 third party manufacturing sites in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and Uganda;
    • Shaped and implemented the production strategy for the region, establishing Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) programs and processes reducing costs to ensure business sustainability;
    • Managed a €2M budget and held oversight of a total annual production volume of 80,000mt, with product ranges including spreads, detergents, lotions and soaps;
    • Provided leadership to 10 senior managers and +700 junior managers and factory operatives, undertaking a gap analysis to inform recruitment and training activities building required skills;
    • Led sourcing studies and harmonization of factories within the region, driving the delivery of an effective supply chain with a reduced cost base.

  • Supply Chain Improvements Manager

    Coca-Cola

    January 2009 - December 2010

    • Change leadership role, mandated to establish a new structure for the Stills end-to-end supply chain, driving profitable growth across 61 bottling operations spanning 28 countries;
    • Defined and implemented strategic and operational guidelines for the supply chain, creating supply hubs and streamlined bottling facilities to drive sustainability and competitiveness;
    • Directed commercialization cycle for new products, packaging and drinks equipment, realizing synergies across the global organization to mitigate risk, reduce costs and improve efficiency;
    • Led a lean team of 3 and established an influential leadership presence across the global supply chain, navigating a complex partner network to drive operational efficiency and growth;
    • Developed relationships with local providers across the region, engaging produce providers in manufacturing/blending solutions to achieve the same product taste at a reduced cost.

  • East Africa Franchise Manager

    Coca-Cola

    January 2011 - July 2013

    • Business development role, responsible for building a profitable and sustainable juice, energy and water portfolio across 5 East African countries, including Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania;
    • Developed and executed business strategies and go-to-market plans for all non-carbonated products, launching new and expanding existing product market reach to deliver YOY growth;
    • Held accountability for the regional Stills P&L, volume performance, market share and numeric distribution, liaising with R&D, marketing and supply chain to identify and meet market needs.

  • Procurement Director West Africa

    Unilever PLC

    July 2014 - December 2019

    • Senior leadership team role reporting to the VP Supply Chain, tasked to increase profit margins across the complex production, marketing and procurement services business;
    • Shape and execute business plans to create a supply chain focused on service, quality, logistics and delivery of materials, driving localization opportunities to build resilience and efficiency;
    • Manage a €450M budget for Nigeria & West Africa region, translating and communicating price trends into local conditions while identifying margin improvements;
    • Build a position of strategic influence across the global organization as a member of the West Africa senior leadership team, championing innovation and continuous improvement;

  • Chief Operations Officer

    TMDK Group

    January 2020 - February 2022

    As the second-in-command at TMDK Group, overseeing subsidiaries in oil and gas, real estate, construction, and Agro-Industrial processing, I spearheaded the operational efficiency of the entire portfolio. My role involved crafting and implementing the group strategy, while also taking charge of the monumental task of establishing the largest Agro-Industrial Park in Northern Nigeria. This achievement demonstrates my proactive leadership and ability to drive significant business agendas, making me an ideal candidate for roles requiring strategic vision and operational excellence.

  • Lead Consultant

    Itumuren Group

    March 2022 - Now

    Operating my independent consulting firm, specializing in delivering end-to-end supply chain and agribusiness solutions, from inception to full operational capacity. My expertise extends to dynamic supply chain and value chain solutions, as well as targeted cost mitigation strategies meticulously tailored for the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments prevalent across both East and West Africa.

Education

  • Harvard Business Analytics Program

    Harvard Business School

    June 2020 - April 2023

  • BSc Food Science and Technology

    Jomo Kenyatta University

    October 1991 - April 1996

  • MSc Manufacturing Management

    Bradford University

    September 1997 - June 1999