Manager Procurement

The Citizens Foundation is seeking a highly driven and experienced Procurement Manager to lead its Buying Unit in Supply Chain Department and oversee end-to-end procurement operations across a diverse range of categories supporting schools and head office operations nationwide.

The role is responsible for ensuring timely procurement, uninterrupted supply availability, vendor performance management, quality assurance, commercial negotiations, and process compliance. The Procurement Manager will lead a team of Buyers and work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure procurement activities align with organizational objectives, budgets, service levels, and operational timelines.

The ideal candidate should possess strong procurement expertise in high-volume and multi-category sourcing environments, with excellent leadership, analytical, negotiation, and vendor management capabilities.

Procurement Operations & Strategic Sourcing:

• Lead and manage procurement activities for a wide range of categories in bulk volumes including: Paper & printing, Books and educational material, Fabric and uniforms, Furniture and fixtures, IT equipment and peripherals, Vehicles and transport-related procurement, Toys and learning materials, Stationery and office supplies, General operational and project-related procurement
• Develop sourcing strategies to optimize cost, quality, delivery timelines, and supplier reliability.
• Ensure procurement plans align with annual operational and academic calendars.
• Monitor procurement lead times and proactively mitigate supply risks and shortages.
• Ensure uninterrupted supply availability across schools and offices nationwide.

Vendor Management & Commercial Negotiations:

• Develop and maintain a strong vendor base across all procurement categories.
• Lead commercial negotiations to achieve best value for money while maintaining required quality standards.
• Conduct vendor evaluations, performance reviews, and supplier development initiatives.
• Ensure vendor compliance with organizational standards, contractual obligations, and ethical procurement practices.
• Identify alternate suppliers to reduce dependency and improve supply continuity.

Quality Assurance & Compliance:

• Ensure procured items meet approved specifications and quality standards.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders for inspection, testing, and quality verification where required.
• Conduct vendor visits for quality control processes review and pre-delivery inspections.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with organizational policies, controls, and audit requirements.
• Maintain proper procurement documentation and records.

Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Buyers.
• Allocate procurement portfolios and monitor individual buyer performance.
• Drive accountability for on-time deliveries, vendor follow-ups, cost optimization, and issue resolution.
• Build a performance-oriented and service-focused procurement culture.

Coordination & Stakeholder Management:

• Coordinate closely with: SC Ops & Control unit, Warehousing & logistics, Finance, Schools' operations teams, Other functions and programmes
• Ensure effective communication regarding procurement timelines, delays, shortages, and delivery status.
• Support cross-functional initiatives and process improvement projects.

Reporting & Analytics:

• Prepare procurement performance reports and dashboards.
• Monitor key procurement KPIs including: On-time delivery, Cost savings, Vendor performance, Lead times, Quality compliance, Procurement cycle efficiency
• Use data‑driven insights to improve procurement effectiveness and operational efficiency.

Required Skills:

• Strong negotiation and commercial acumen
• Vendor management expertise
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Leadership and team management
• Procurement planning and execution
• Knowledge of quality assurance processes
• Strong coordination and stakeholder management skills
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Excel
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field. Professional certifications in Procurement/Supply Chain will be an added advantage.

Experience:

5-8 years of relevant procurement and sourcing experience. Min 2 years in a managerial or team leadership role. Experience managing high‑volume and multi‑category procurement portfolios. Experience in educational, manufacturing, retail, FMCG, development sector, or large operational environments will be preferred.

Application Question(s):

• What is your current salary?
• Please share your expected salary.

Work Location: In person