In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive environment, effective procurement and supply chain management play a crucial role in ensuring organizational success. The ability to secure quality goods and services on time, at optimal costs, while maintaining transparency and compliance with statutory requirements is a vital responsibility. To strengthen its procurement and supply chain operations, our organization is seeking to recruit a highly qualified, visionary, and experienced professional to take on the role of Head of Procurement.
This role is an opportunity for an individual with a strong track record in procurement, supply chain management, and organizational leadership to make a meaningful contribution by steering a dynamic procurement function. The successful candidate will not only oversee day-to-day procurement activities but also provide strategic leadership, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies, and fostering supplier relationships that drive value for the organization.
The position calls for an individual who is results-driven, ethical, and passionate about governance and accountability in procurement processes. If you are motivated by challenges, value transparency, and possess the required skills and experience, this could be the next big step in your career journey.
Job Description
The Head of Procurement will be responsible for providing leadership in planning, executing, monitoring, and evaluating all procurement and supply chain activities of the organization. This includes aligning procurement functions with the overall strategic plan, ensuring compliance with procurement laws and regulations, and maintaining quality and cost-effectiveness in service delivery.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Execute Procurement Activities: Implement procurement tasks in line with approved annual procurement plans and requisitions.
- Develop Procurement Strategies: Establish and roll out strategies that guarantee timely availability of quality goods and services at the most competitive costs.
- Secretariat to Committees: Provide secretariat services to procurement committees, prepare reports, and review tender evaluation documents.
- Policy Development and Implementation: Lead in designing, updating, and implementing procurement policies, tendering processes, and supply chain strategies.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Maintain professional, productive, and mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers while ensuring accurate supplier databases are in place.
- Review Tender Documents: Oversee preparation and approval of tender documents, ensuring they comply with statutory and organizational requirements.
- Compliance with PPADA: Implement and enforce provisions of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act (PPADA) and associated regulations.
- Monitoring and Accountability: Ensure compliance with all tendering procedures while enforcing accountability and transparency in procurement.
- Application of TCO Principles: Apply total cost of ownership (TCO) principles to ensure holistic evaluation of procurement options.
- Reporting: Prepare and submit statutory reports, as well as internal procurement performance reports to relevant authorities.
- Professional Opinions on Tenders: Provide informed, professional recommendations on tender matters for approval by the Accounting Officer.
- Tender Coordination: Coordinate the tender opening and evaluation processes within established thresholds and ensure timely communication of award decisions.
- Records Management: Ensure accurate and up-to-date records are maintained for all procured goods, services, and works.
- Quality Standards Oversight: Monitor adherence to materials quality standards, organizational policies, and best practices in procurement.
- Quality and Environmental Management: Guarantee compliance with Quality Management Systems (QMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and relevant safety standards.
- Staff Management: Provide leadership by supervising, mentoring, and developing procurement staff. Implement structured performance management and succession planning frameworks to retain talent.
- Financial and Budgetary Oversight: Prepare departmental budgets and procurement plans while promoting prudent financial management practices.
Person Specifications
For appointment to this role, a candidate must meet the following requirements:
- Experience: At least twelve (12) years in a relevant field, with a minimum of four (4) years at a middle management level in a large organization or equivalent.
- Academic Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
- Bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Supplies Management, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
- Diploma in Supplies Management or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
- Professional Membership: Must be a member of a professional body such as the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) or the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), in good standing.
- Licensing: Must be a licensed Supplies Management Practitioner in line with the Supplies Practitioners Management (SPM) Act.
- Management Training: Successful completion of a management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
- Integrity and Compliance: Must fulfill the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution, including integrity, accountability, and good governance.
Why This Role Matters
The Head of Procurement role is not just about managing processes—it is about driving value, ensuring compliance, and embedding accountability in procurement practices. The successful candidate will be at the center of organizational operations, making decisions that impact resource utilization, supplier partnerships, and service delivery.
This position provides a platform for leadership, innovation, and transformation. It calls for a professional who can balance technical expertise with strategic foresight while upholding the highest standards of integrity. The role also offers opportunities to mentor and grow a team of professionals, ensuring continuity and sustainability in procurement operations.
Career Growth and Work Environment
Joining our organization as the Head of Procurement offers more than just a title—it is a chance to influence positive change. The work environment encourages innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. With well-structured performance management systems and continuous learning opportunities, the successful candidate will be well-positioned to advance in leadership and make a lasting impact in the procurement and supply chain field.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for this exciting opportunity. To view more details about this position, please refer to the attached PDF document.
