Head of Procurement

SUMMARY:
Our client, a leading company specialising in the servicing, repairs and maintenance of industrial equipment, is seeking an experienced Head of Procurement to lead and optimise its procurement and supply chain function across multiple African operations.
This is a strategic leadership role responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies, managing regional sourcing and logistics, strengthening supplier relationships, and ensuring cost-effective procurement while maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance and operational continuity. The successful candidate will work closely with executive management and key internal stakeholders to drive procurement excellence throughout the business.

POSITION INFO:
Duties & Responsibilities Key Responsibilities and Strategic Procurement Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with the company's long-term business objectives. Source, evaluate and negotiate with both local and international suppliers to establish a reliable and competitive supplier network across Africa. Lead commercial negotiations relating to pricing, contracts, service agreements and supplier terms. Continuously analyse market trends and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost savings and operational improvements. Develop sourcing strategies that minimise supply chain risks, currency exposure and cross-border disruptions. Purchasing Operations Oversee the complete procurement process from purchase requisitions through to supplier delivery. Ensure competitive sourcing practices and adherence to procurement policies and approval procedures. Review and authorise high-value purchase orders. Monitor supplier performance and resolve procurement or delivery issues. Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier databases and contract documentation. Lead procurement audits and ensure compliance with company policies and governance standards. Supplier Relationship Management Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with local and international suppliers. Develop supplier performance measurement systems and conduct regular supplier reviews. Monitor supplier quality, pricing, service delivery and contractual compliance. Resolve supplier disputes professionally while maintaining productive long-term partnerships. Inventory & Technical Procurement Monitor inventory levels and coordinate replenishment to maintain business continuity. Work closely with Engineering and Operations teams to verify technical specifications before procurement. Manage the sourcing of: Industrial equipment Engineering components Maintenance spares (MRO) Technical consumables Specialist subcontracted services Recommend suitable technical alternatives where appropriate. Logistics & Cross-Border Supply Chain Coordinate import and export logistics throughout Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa. Liaise with freight forwarders, transport providers, customs agents and clearing partners. Monitor shipments from supplier through to final delivery. Ensure compliance with customs regulations, import\/export legislation and applicable African trade agreements. Proactively manage shipping delays and supply chain risks. Commercial Support Support strategic customer projects through effective procurement planning and supply chain coordination. Prepare accurate commercial quotations and costing information. Assist Sales and Finance teams with pricing strategies and margin protection. Ensure customer delivery commitments are achieved through effective procurement planning. Financial Management Manage procurement expenditure within approved budgets. Analyse procurement spend and identify cost-saving opportunities. Monitor purchase price variance (PPV) and procurement performance. Prepare procurement reports for senior management and executive review. Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Performance will be measured against: Procurement cost savings Supplier on-time delivery performance Inventory availability and stock optimisation Purchase order accuracy Procurement cycle times Purchase Price Variance (PPV) Supplier performance ratings Procurement compliance and audit outcomes Internal stakeholder satisfaction Successful delivery against customer commitments Desired Experience & Qualification Minimum Requirements and Qualifications Relevant Degree or Diploma in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, Engineering or a related field. Experience 10-15 years' experience in Procurement and Supply Chain Management. Minimum 5 years in a senior management or executive procurement role. Proven experience managing procurement across multiple African countries. Strong background in strategic sourcing, procurement leadership and supplier management. Experience within an industrial, engineering, manufacturing, maintenance or technical services environment is highly advantageous. Bonded warehouse experience will be beneficial. Skills & Knowledge Strong commercial and financial acumen. Advanced negotiation and supplier management skills. Excellent understanding of engineering and technical procurement. Knowledge of maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) procurement. Experience with African import\/export logistics and cross-border supply chains. Understanding of customs procedures and international freight management. High proficiency in ERP\/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle or Sage. Strong analytical and reporting skills. Excellent Microsoft Excel skills. Personal Attributes Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness. Exceptional leadership and people management skills. Highly organised with excellent planning abilities. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities. Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines. High level of integrity and professionalism. Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced procurement professional who thrives in a strategic leadership role and has a proven ability to optimise procurement operations, build high-performing supplier partnerships, and manage complex technical supply chains across Africa. Review and authorise high-value purchase orders. Monitor supplier performance and resolve procurement or delivery issues. Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier databases and contract documentation. Lead procurement audits and ensure compliance with company policies and governance standards. Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with local and international suppliers. Develop supplier performance measurement systems and conduct regular supplier reviews. Monitor supplier quality, pricing, service delivery and contractual compliance. Resolve supplier disputes professionally while maintaining productive long-term partnerships. Monitor inventory levels and coordinate replenishment to maintain business continuity. Work closely with Engineering and Operations teams to verify technical specifications before procurement. Manage the sourcing of industrial equipment, engineering components, maintenance spares (MRO), technical consumables, and specialist subcontracted services. Recommend suitable technical alternatives where appropriate. Coordinate import and export logistics throughout Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa. Liaise with freight forwarders, transport providers, customs agents and clearing partners. Monitor shipments from supplier through to final delivery. Ensure compliance with customs regulations, import\/export legislation and applicable African trade agreements. Proactively manage shipping delays and supply chain risks. Support strategic customer projects through effective procurement planning and supply chain coordination. Prepare accurate commercial quotations and costing information. Assist Sales and Finance teams with pricing strategies and margin protection. Ensure customer delivery commitments are achieved through effective procurement planning. Manage procurement expenditure within approved budgets. Analyse procurement spend and identify cost-saving opportunities. Monitor purchase price variance (PPV) and procurement performance. Prepare procurement reports for senior management and executive review. Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes.Company Description Maintenance, repairs and serving of industrial equipment