MARGARET MBULA NZILILI
Mombasa
Summary
Dynamic supply chain leader with extensive experience in the Manufacturing and Logistics set ups, driving a 15% reduction in procurement costs through strategic sourcing and contract negotiation. Proven expertise in logistics management and stakeholder engagement, ensuring compliance and optimizing inventory levels while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Kenya
SHELogistics and Transport Association
Nairobi, Kenya
02.2025 - Current
- Membership No.SLTA027- Engagement on mentorship for upcoming women in Logistics
Kenya
Freelancing
Mombasa, Kenya
11.2024 - Current
- Helped Importers develop strategies aimed at cost saving through efficient shipment process.
- Logistics -Local transfer of cargo from godowns/hardwares.
- Personal development by taking fresh certification in the Procurement Process.
Executive Committee Member, Mombasa Region Coordinator
Kenya Women in Logistics and Transport
Kenya
07.2023 - 11.2024
- Advocated for women's representation in logistics and transport decision-making processes.
Procurement Manager
Mabati Rolling Mills Ltd
08.2021 - 10.2022
- Led the end-to-end procurement both Domestic and Imports, and the supply planning for raw materials, plant equipment, spare parts and consumables, overseeing an annual spend exceeding USD 4 billion.
- Negotiated contracts with key Vendors, resulting in a 15% reduction in procurement and operational costs and improved Vendor performance.
- Managed Letter of Credit processes with multiple banks, mitigating financial risks, and ensuring optimal terms for the organization.
- Led, directed, and controlled Import and Export logistics operations from source through Customs, port, shipping lines, 3PL and managed onsite Custom Bonded Warehouse.
- Plan and organized the transport of materials from logistics service providers storage yards to the plant and to the onsite Custom Bonded facility ensuring a quick turn around for the trucks.
- Maintained 100% Regulatory compliance with KRA, KEBS, AEO standards and other Government agencies strengthening the company's trade facilitation status.
- Achieved zero demurrage and Container detention by streamlining import operations and securing timely customs clearances, saving the company over USD 3 million annually.
- Directed cross-functional teams to ensure full inventory optimization, reducing stock variances by 20% and increasing warehouse efficiency.
- Compliance with Company values/Ethics, Integrity and safety requirements.
- Timely reports to management teams as required.
Logistics Manager
Mabati Rolling Mills Ltd
09.2016 - 08.2021
- Developed and implemented comprehensive logistics strategies for inbound and outbound supply chains, improving delivery lead times by 30%.
- Facilitated end-to-end logistics processes for regional and cross border trade, ensuring compliance with regional trade regulations.
- Managed relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, Shipping Lines and Government agencies ensuring seamless coordination of sea and air shipments.
- Oversaw monthly stock management processes, including forecasting, planning, and reconciliation, maintaining optimal inventory levels.
- Led the end-to-end procurement and supply planning for raw materials, plant equipment, spare parts and consumables.
Imports Officer
Mabati Rolling Mills Ltd
09.2010 - 08.2016
- Oversaw the clearance and delivery of imported goods, ensuring compliance with customs regulations and reducing clearance times by 25%.
- Managed Letters of Credit and foreign exchange transactions, ensuring cost-effective procurement and mitigating currency risk.
- Ensured business continuity through efficient inventory management, material availability and through regulatory compliance.
- Reduced procurement lead times by 20% through supplier consolidation and streamlined negotiation strategies.
- Onboarded over 10 reputable vendors, improving service quality and achieving a 15% cost reduction in procurement and operational costs.
- Achieved 100% delivery efficiency of import shipments with zero demurrage charges, saving the organization $3M in penalties.
- Maintained AEO certification for five consecutive years through consistent compliance and process improvements.
- Successfully managed and mentored procurement and logistics team fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Implemented performance management frameworks, improving team productivity and efficiency by 30%.
Education
Logistics And Supply Chain Management
DisasterReady.org
Online01-2026
Bachelor of Business Management
Mount Kenya University
Nairobi08-2019
Negotiation And Influence
Emeritus Institute of Management Inc
Singapore10-2016
Diploma in Clearing And Forwarding
Kenya Institute of Management
Mombasa12-1997
Skills
- Supply Chain & Procurement Leadership
- Logistics & Operations Management
- Strategic sourcing and procurement
- Import & Export Logistics (Air, Sea, Land)
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Warehousing and inventory optimization
- Contract Negotiation & Management
- Customs, Incoterms & Trade Compliance
- P&L and Budget Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Marine & Cargo Safety
- Process Improvement & Systems
- Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
- SAP S4 HANA & ERP Systems
- Integrated Customs Management Systems
- Change Management
- Supply Chain Process Automation
- Stakeholder Collaboration & Strategic Partnerships
Timeline
Kenya
SHELogistics and Transport Association
02.2025 - Current
Kenya
Freelancing
11.2024 - Current
Executive Committee Member, Mombasa Region Coordinator
Kenya Women in Logistics and Transport
07.2023 - 11.2024
Procurement Manager
Mabati Rolling Mills Ltd
08.2021 - 10.2022
Logistics Manager
Mabati Rolling Mills Ltd
09.2016 - 08.2021
Imports Officer
Mabati Rolling Mills Ltd
09.2010 - 08.2016
Logistics And Supply Chain Management
DisasterReady.org
Bachelor of Business Management
Mount Kenya University
Negotiation And Influence
Emeritus Institute of Management Inc
Diploma in Clearing And Forwarding
Kenya Institute of Management
Accomplishments
- Ensured business continuity through efficient inventory management, material availability and through regulatory compliance.
- Reduced procurement lead times by 20% through supplier consolidation and streamlined negotiation strategies.
- Onboarded over 10 reputable vendors, improving service quality and achieving a 15% cost reduction in procurement and operational costs.
- Achieved 100% delivery efficiency of import shipments with zero demurrage charges, saving the organization $3M in penalties.
- Maintained AEO certification for five consecutive years through consistent compliance and process improvements.
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
References
- Available Upon request
Hobbies and Interests
Music, Church activities,Reading
DRIVING LICENCE
Valid International Driving License
Professional Development Certifications
- Bachelor of Business Management (Supplies and Procurement), Mount Kenya University, 2019
- Certificate in Negotiation and Influence, Emeritus Institute of Management, 2016
- Diploma in Clearing and Forwarding, Kenya Institute of Clearing and Forwarding, 1997
- Certified SAP S4 HANA, SAP ERP
- Certified in Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS)
- Tradex and Orbus Certification, Kenya Revenue Authority
- KWATOS Certification, Kenya Ports Authority
- KESWS, KenTrade
Professional Aspirations
- Regional Supply Chain Director
- Global Operations Executive
References
Available upon request.
Leadership Team Development
- Successfully managed and mentored procurement and logistics team fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Implemented performance management frameworks, improving team productivity and efficiency by 30%.
Core Competencies
Strategic Sourcing & Procurement, Vendor Relationship Management, Contract Negotiation & Management, P&L and Budget Management, Import & Export Logistics (Air, Sea, Land), Warehousing & Inventory Optimization, Customs, Incoterms & Trade Compliance, Regulatory Compliance, Marine & Cargo Safety, SAP S4 HANA & ERP Systems, Integrated Customs Management Systems, Supply Chain Process Automation, Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Change Management, Stakeholder Collaboration & Strategic Partnerships