Procurement Officer

Position Overview: We are looking for a skilled and dedicated Procurement Officer to join our procurement team. As a Procurement Specialist, you will be responsible for managing the acquisition process from sourcing to contract management, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement of non-merchandise goods and services. Your expertise in supplier management, contract negotiation, and procurement best practices will be crucial in supporting our strategic objectives and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Sourcing and Supplier Management: ▪ Identify and evaluate potential suppliers based on the organization's needs and requirements. ▪ Develop and maintain a strong supplier base, including conducting supplier assessments, and fostering strong relationships.

2. Procurement Process and Execution: ▪ Execute end-to-end procurement activities, including preparing requests for proposals (RFPs), requests for quotations (RFQs), and requests for information (RFIs). ▪ Evaluate and analyse supplier proposals, negotiate contracts, and ensure agreements that optimize costs, quality, and delivery timelines. ▪ Coordinate and manage procurement contracts, ensuring compliance with terms, conditions, and regulatory requirements. ▪ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between procurement and operational needs. ▪ Support the account payable process to maintain efficiencies in payment executions.

3. Contract Negotiation and Management: ▪ Lead contract negotiation efforts, working closely with the legal department and stakeholders to ensure favourable terms and conditions. ▪ Review and analyze contractual agreements, identifying potential risks, mitigations, and areas for improvement. ▪ Monitor and track contract performance, milestones, and deliverables to ensure compliance with contractual obligations. ▪ Identify opportunities for contract renewal, modification, or termination and manage the associated processes.

4. Supplier Relationship Management: ▪ Collaborate with suppliers to identify areas for improvement, drive value-added initiatives, and resolve any performance-related issues. ▪ Monitor supplier performance, including quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost, and take appropriate actions as needed. ▪ Stay updated on market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry best practices to inform supplier management strategies.

5. Compliance and Risk Management: ▪ Ensure compliance with the organization's applicable policies, procedures, and regulations throughout the procurement process. ▪ Identify and mitigate risks related to procurement, and contractual noncompliance. ▪ Collaborate with internal stakeholders to centralize and manage procurement of services and non-merchandise goods in alignment with business needs. ▪ Collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as legal and finance, to address contractual, regulatory, and compliance issues. ▪ Support audits and reviews related to procurement activities, maintaining accurate documentation and records.

Qualifications and Skills:

▪ Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., CPSM, CSCP) are a plus.

▪ Demonstrable experience as a Procurement Specialist or in a similar role, showcasing a strong understanding of procurement processes, contract management, and supplier relationship management.

▪ Knowledge of procurement best practices, market dynamics, and industry trends.

▪ Familiarity with sourcing strategies, negotiation techniques, and supplier evaluation methodologies.

▪ Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.

▪ Excellent negotiation and contract management skills, with attention to detail and a focus on achieving favorable outcomes. ▪ Proficiency in the use of procurement software, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and the Microsoft Office Suite. ▪ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. ▪ Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fastpaced environment. ▪ Demonstrated ethical behaviour, professionalism, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality. ▪ Desirable experience in regulated industries or public procurement