Brookside Dairy Limited is one of East Africa’s leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies in the dairy industry, with a strong presence in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and several other regional markets. Founded in 1993, Brookside has established itself as a household name, offering a wide range of dairy products including milk, yogurt, butter, and cheese. With its vertically integrated operations and robust distribution network, the company remains an employer of choice for professionals seeking careers in agribusiness, manufacturing, supply chain, sales, marketing, and finance within the FMCG sector. This comprehensive guide explores Brookside Dairy’s recruitment process, from internship and graduate entry roles to mid-level and senior-level hiring. It provides insights into the company culture, application procedures, interview stages, and tips to position yourself as a competitive candidate in the dairy FMCG industry.
Overview of Brookside Dairy’s Operations and Employment Opportunities
Brookside Dairy operates an expansive network of milk collection centres, processing plants, and distribution hubs, with investments in technology, logistics, and product innovation. As a dominant force in the dairy FMCG space, Brookside continually seeks skilled personnel to support its operations in the following areas:
- Milk collection and quality control
- Dairy processing and food technology
- Engineering and maintenance
- Logistics and cold chain distribution
- Sales, merchandising, and market development
- Finance, accounting, and internal audit
- Human resources and administration
- Export and regional operations
With an expanding regional footprint, Brookside also offers cross-border career mobility, making it an attractive employer for ambitious professionals and graduates across East Africa.
Brookside Dairy Recruitment Philosophy
Brookside’s recruitment is guided by a strong commitment to merit, performance, integrity, and long-term value creation. The company seeks to attract individuals who are not only technically skilled but also possess entrepreneurial drive and a strong alignment with the company’s mission of “Delivering nutrition every day.” Brookside’s human resources department emphasizes:
- Equal opportunity hiring regardless of gender or background
- Skills and potential over academic pedigree alone
- Capacity to work in rural and semi-urban areas
- Team-oriented and culturally adaptable candidates
Brookside’s career page, which is regularly updated with job listings and internship opportunities, can be accessed via Brookside Dairy Careers.
Categories of Recruitment at Brookside Dairy
Brookside Dairy’s recruitment is segmented into various categories to suit different levels of experience and academic qualifications.
Graduate Trainee Programs
One of the key entry points for young professionals is Brookside’s Graduate Trainee Program, which targets recent university graduates from disciplines such as food science, engineering, commerce, agriculture, and supply chain management. The program typically runs for 12 to 18 months and combines on-the-job training, mentoring, and classroom sessions.
Trainees are rotated across multiple departments such as production, logistics, quality assurance, and sales to develop cross-functional competencies. High-performing trainees are absorbed into permanent roles upon successful completion. Information about trainee recruitment is typically posted on Brookside’s LinkedIn page or the official careers portal.
Internship Programs
Brookside partners with various universities in Kenya and the East African region to offer industrial attachment and internship opportunities for third- and fourth-year students. Internships typically last 3 to 6 months and provide exposure to practical aspects of dairy operations, lab testing, maintenance engineering, and route-to-market planning.
Applicants should submit internship applications along with academic transcripts, a recommendation letter from their institution, and a cover letter stating their areas of interest.
Mid-Level and Professional Hiring
Brookside Dairy hires professionals with 2 to 10 years of experience across its departments. Common openings include roles such as:
- Area Sales Managers
- Procurement Officers
- Dairy Technologists
- Maintenance Engineers
- Fleet Coordinators
- IT Support Technicians
These roles are advertised in local newspapers such as The Daily Nation, on job boards like BrighterMonday, or directly on Brookside’s official channels. Candidates with industry certifications and a history of performance in FMCG roles are preferred.
Executive and Senior Management Recruitment
For senior roles such as General Managers, Finance Directors, or Regional Sales Heads, Brookside engages in both direct sourcing and third-party executive search firms. These positions often require 10+ years of experience in leadership roles, preferably within dairy or wider FMCG industries. The selection process at this level includes board-level interviews and strategic case presentations.
The Recruitment Process at Brookside Dairy
Brookside Dairy follows a structured recruitment process aimed at evaluating both technical competence and cultural fit.
Step 1: Application Submission
Applicants are required to send their CV, academic credentials, and a detailed cover letter via email or the online application platform. The cover letter should clearly specify the job title, job reference number (if provided), and why the candidate is interested in working for Brookside.
The email address for job applications is often recruitment@brookside.co.ke or a role-specific address mentioned in the job advert.
Step 2: Initial Screening
The HR team reviews applications based on qualifications, experience, and relevance to the job description. Applications with generic cover letters or poor formatting are usually eliminated at this stage. Shortlisted candidates receive a call or email invitation for the first round of interviews.
Step 3: Aptitude and Technical Tests
Graduate trainees and entry-level candidates may be required to complete aptitude tests covering:
- Numerical and verbal reasoning
- Logical thinking
- Basic business math
- Situational judgment tests
Technical positions, such as engineers and lab technicians, are also tested on domain-specific knowledge related to food safety, process optimization, or preventive maintenance.
Step 4: Panel Interviews
Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a panel that typically includes the hiring manager, an HR officer, and a senior department representative. Interview questions often focus on:
- Functional skills and problem-solving
- Industry knowledge (e.g., dairy supply chain or FMCG market trends)
- Past achievements and teamwork experience
- Willingness to work in rural locations or rotational shifts
Behavioral questions based on the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format are commonly used to assess cultural fit and adaptability.
Step 5: Assessment Centers (For Graduate Trainees)
Some graduate trainees undergo assessment center evaluations, which may include group discussions, role plays, and case studies. These exercises test soft skills such as collaboration, communication, analytical thinking, and leadership potential.
Step 6: Background Checks and Medical Examination
Before final hiring, selected candidates undergo reference checks, police clearance, and medical fitness assessments. This step ensures compliance with company policies, especially for roles involving food handling or operating machinery.
Step 7: Offer Letter and Onboarding
Successful candidates are issued offer letters detailing their compensation, benefits, work location, and probation period. Brookside’s onboarding includes an orientation week, mentorship assignment, and initial training sessions on safety, hygiene, and corporate ethics.
Key Competencies Brookside Looks For
To succeed in the recruitment process, candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Integrity and ethical judgment: especially important in quality assurance and finance
- Agility and problem-solving: for roles in operations and logistics
- Salesmanship and negotiation skills: for sales and distribution roles
- Teamwork and collaboration: particularly in cross-functional projects
- Technical proficiency: knowledge of dairy processing, HACCP standards, or machine maintenance
FMCG experience is a strong advantage, and applicants are encouraged to show quantifiable results from previous roles, such as “increased route productivity by 20%” or “reduced wastage through process redesign.”
Diversity and Inclusion at Brookside
Brookside Dairy is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks to create a diverse workforce. The company has taken steps to include more women in technical roles, especially in traditionally male-dominated areas like engineering and logistics. Additionally, Brookside partners with youth empowerment organizations to promote inclusive recruitment for underrepresented communities in rural Kenya.
Salary and Employee Benefits
Brookside Dairy offers competitive compensation aligned with FMCG industry standards. While salaries vary based on role and experience, general benefits include:
- Competitive base salary
- Performance-based bonuses
- Health insurance (inpatient and outpatient)
- Transport or relocation allowance
- Retirement savings contributions (NSSF/NHIF compliant)
- Meals or meal allowances for plant-based employees
- Study leave and professional development support
Graduate trainees often receive a modest stipend during training, with salary adjustments upon confirmation into permanent roles.
Career Progression and Training
Brookside Dairy invests in continuous learning through in-house training sessions, cross-departmental projects, and technical workshops. Career progression is performance-based, and high-performing employees are offered opportunities for:
- Supervisory and managerial roles within 2–5 years
- Regional assignments in Uganda or Tanzania
- Sponsorships for professional certifications (e.g., CPA, PMP, Six Sigma)
Brookside’s people development model ensures that talent is nurtured internally before sourcing externally for senior roles.
Common Interview Questions at Brookside
Some frequently asked interview questions include:
- Describe a time you resolved a conflict in a team project
- What challenges do you foresee in the dairy FMCG industry?
- How would you handle a product quality complaint from a retailer?
- How do you prioritize tasks in a high-pressure work environment?
- Are you open to working in rural or rotational shifts?
Candidates are advised to prepare examples based on past internships or projects and to understand key trends in the East African FMCG landscape.
Where to Find Brookside Job Openings
Job seekers can regularly check the following sources for the latest vacancies:
- Brookside Careers Page
- LinkedIn – Brookside Dairy Limited
- BrighterMonday Kenya
- Local dailies such as Daily Nation and The Standard
- Campus career offices during university job fairs
Final Thoughts
Brookside Dairy offers dynamic and fulfilling career opportunities for individuals passionate about the FMCG and dairy sector. Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, understanding the recruitment process—from application to onboarding—can give you a competitive edge. With a clear focus on merit, development, and operational excellence, Brookside continues to attract top talent across the region. Candidates are encouraged to align their skills with the company’s goals, stay updated on job postings, and prepare thoroughly for assessments and interviews. For more information on open positions, visit the Brookside official website.