Supply Chain Manager

Position Scope

Job Description

Supply Chain Manager

Business Unit: Supply Chain
Reporting Line: Head of Finance
Span of Control: Procurement Assistant, Store Keeper, Distribution Clerk

Position Overview:
We are hiring on behalf of our client in Kenya, who operates in the professional cleaning and services sector, for the position of Supply Chain Manager. The primary purpose of this role is to oversee all purchasing and logistics activities, ensuring that purchased items are cost-efficient, of high quality, and delivered on time across all company networks. The Supply Chain Manager will be responsible for coordinating procurement activities, maintaining supplier relationships, evaluating supply options, approving purchases, and ensuring all goods and services meet the company’s ethical, environmental, and quality standards.

The successful candidate will be an astute, proactive leader with strong negotiation skills and the ability to drive efficiency and savings in procurement while maintaining high standards of quality and timely delivery.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

1. Procurement Policies:
• Define and implement procurement policies in line with the company’s strategy and ensure compliance with statutory regulations and company policy guidelines.
2. Reporting Systems:
• Maintain a comprehensive and updated database of suppliers, ensuring accurate management and selection of vendors. Implement effective reporting systems to monitor procurement activities.
3. Cost Management & Optimization:
• Support the coordination of procurement and supply chain functions across the company’s subsidiaries, focusing on significant savings in direct material costs. Identify and work on cost reduction initiatives to optimize the external spend of the company.
4. Purchasing Function:
• Manage the group’s purchases, collaborating with various department heads to ensure on-time delivery of goods and services that meet quality specifications.
5. Supplier Relationship Management:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts, managing approved vendor portfolios, and leveraging volumes to ensure favorable terms and efficient procurement.
6. Budgetary Management:
• Provide budgetary information and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to all business units to ensure that client quotations accurately reflect operational costs.
7. Products & Materials Quality:
• Define procurement objectives and oversee quality control throughout the procurement lifecycle. Manage stock control and ensure that all subsidiaries adhere to quality standards.
8. Departmental Coordination:
• Plan, execute, and finalize procurement projects in accordance with deadlines and within budget. Coordinate efforts across internal teams to acquire resources and support procurement activities.
9. Management of the Procurement Function:
• Provide leadership to the supply chain team, fostering cohesion and clarity to achieve departmental goals. Coordinate with the team to set specifications and evaluate suppliers’ performance to ensure alignment with plans.

Requirements

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Educational Requirements:
• A Degree in Purchasing & Supplies Management or a related field from a recognized institution.
• A Master’s degree in Procurement & Logistics or an MBA in Strategic Management will be an added advantage.
• Experience:
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in a recognized institution, with at least 5 years in a similar position.
• Skills and Competencies:
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Experience with Sage or any other ERP Financial System for inventory management.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to interact with diverse groups of people.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• A member of a relevant professional body.
• Professional certification in supply chain management (preferably CPIS).
• Experience with multi-country procurement activities, international procurement, and shipment.
• Additional Qualifications:
• A proven track record of achievements in previous supply chain and procurement roles.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Key Personal Attributes:

• Integrity and ethical approach to procurement and vendor relations.
• Leadership skills with a focus on team development and cohesion.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently.

Skills

• Skills and Competencies: o Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel. o Experience with Sage or any other ERP Financial System for inventory management. o Strong negotiation skills with the ability to interact with diverse groups of people. o Excellent organizational and planning skills. o Effective problem-solving skills. o A member of a relevant professional body. o Professional certification in supply chain management (preferably CPIS). o Experience with multi-country procurement activities, international procurement, and shipment.