Procurement Manager

About the Job:

You will work within the support function of the Global Service Delivery teams in East Africa as part of our Operations department.

As the Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the sourcing, purchasing, and supply chain activities within the organization. This position involves strategic planning, vendor management, negotiation, and ensuring efficient procurement processes to support the company's objectives. You will directly work with the Head of Departments and the Finance team to ensure Service Level Agreements are met. 

This role reports directly to the Senior Director level. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Ensure all purchases go through the approved procurement processes. As the Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for compliance with the procurement process and reporting breaches of the process.
• Strategic Sourcing: Develop and execute procurement schedules aligned with the company's goals, identifying cost-effective purchasing and sourcing opportunities. Ensure procurement schedules are synchronized with approved budgets and procurement plans.
• Planning: Ensure procurement schedules are planned and articulated to stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Management: Communicate effectively, and proactively to all relevant stakeholders regarding timelines, risks to SLA fulfilment etc.
• Vendor Management: Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers, negotiate contracts, and evaluate vendor performance to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of goods and services. Select new potential suppliers based on sound ethical norms and standards as guided by Quality management systems' best practices. Monitor supplier performance and assess ability to meet delivery and quality requirements.
• Procurement Process: Implement and optimize procurement processes, policies, and procedures to streamline operations and improve efficiency while adhering to industry standards and compliance regulations.
• Budgeting and Cost Control: Manage procurement budgets, track expenditures, and identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or delivery timelines.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers and ensure contractual agreements are done and monitored within the required standards to ensure compliance with terms and conditions.
• Review the requirements for the goods or services being provided and suggest alternative items/services that can serve the intended purpose.
• Reports and Data: Maintain product costs and master data on the products held and required by the company. Including all purchase information and costs.
• Evaluate and compare suppliers’ products and services, maintain accurate records of purchases and pricing and monitor business trends.
• Leadership: Demonstrate leadership by ensuring the department can achieve its objectives.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks in the supply chain, develop contingency plans, and mitigate disruptions to ensure continuity of supplies and services.
• Collaboration: Work closely with various departments such as finance, operations, and logistics to align procurement activities with overall business strategies and operational needs.
• Market Research and Analysis: Stay updated on market trends, industry developments, and emerging technologies to make informed decisions regarding procurement strategies and supplier selection.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field;
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CSCP, CPSM) are a plus.
• Proven experience with more than 4 - 5 years in procurement or supply chain management, with a track record of successful vendor negotiations and cost savings.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes, contract management, and supply chain principles.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software/tools and knowledge of ERP systems.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multitask, and make sound decisions under pressure.

Good to Skills and Qualities to Have: 

• Ability to anticipate business needs
• Get things done attitude & ready to go the extra mile in delivering key aspects of the role in a high-paced environment.
• You should be assertive and have the ability to drive change.
• Strong technical and numerical skills with advanced Excel skills
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal) - ability to communicate complex quantitative analysis in actionable insights
• Detail-oriented and passion for problem-solving
• Ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.