This job hiring advert announces an external recruitment opportunity for the position of Procurement Manager, Grade 14N, within a public university setting. The role is based at the Main Campus and falls under the Administrative employment category within the Procurement Department. The position is offered on permanent and pensionable terms and is intended to strengthen the institution’s procurement leadership, compliance, and operational efficiency in line with national public procurement laws and internal governance frameworks.
The university operates within a regulated public sector environment and undertakes a wide range of procurement and disposal activities to support academic, research, administrative, and infrastructural functions. These activities require effective coordination, strong regulatory compliance, and strategic oversight to ensure value for money, transparency, and accountability. The Procurement Manager plays a central role in guiding these processes, ensuring that procurement activities align with statutory requirements, institutional policies, and long-term strategic objectives.
This advert is structured to provide a comprehensive overview of the role, its context within the institution, reporting relationships, core duties, and remuneration framework. It is intended for publication on a third-party job board and is written in a neutral, professional tone using a third-person perspective. All details provided reflect the official job description and related information, and all positions referenced are fully included as requested.
Position Overview
The position being advertised is Procurement Manager, Grade 14N. There is one vacant post under this designation. The role is situated within the Procurement Department, which falls under the Administrative division of the university. The Procurement Manager will be responsible for providing overall leadership and professional oversight of the university’s procurement and supplies management functions.
The Procurement Manager is expected to operate at a senior management level and to provide strategic, technical, and advisory support on all procurement-related matters. The role involves both operational and policy-level responsibilities, including interpretation and implementation of procurement regulations, coordination of procurement planning, supervision of procurement staff, and advisory support to senior management and the accounting officer.
The position is based at the Main Campus and reports directly to the Vice Chancellor. As such, the role requires a high level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability, as well as the ability to engage effectively with internal stakeholders, regulatory bodies, suppliers, and other external partners.
Organizational Context
The Procurement Department is a critical support function within the university, responsible for ensuring that goods, works, and services are acquired in a manner that supports the institution’s core mandate while adhering to the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015, and related regulations. The department coordinates procurement activities across multiple units, faculties, and campuses, each with distinct operational needs and timelines.
Within this context, the Procurement Manager serves as the overall supervisor of all purchasing and supplies activities. This includes overseeing procurement planning, tendering processes, contract management, and disposal activities. The role also involves ensuring that procurement staff are properly guided, supervised, and supported in the execution of their duties.
The Procurement Manager is also expected to play a key role in strengthening procurement systems, including the effective use of procurement software and digital tools, to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. In addition, the role involves continuous engagement with regulatory requirements and best practices in public procurement to ensure that the university remains compliant and responsive to changes in the regulatory environment.
Reporting Structure
The Procurement Manager reports directly to the Vice Chancellor. This reporting relationship underscores the strategic importance of the role and the level of responsibility associated with it. The Procurement Manager is expected to provide regular reports, briefings, and professional advice to the Vice Chancellor on procurement matters, including compliance issues, risk areas, and opportunities for improvement.
In carrying out the role, the Procurement Manager will also interact closely with other senior officers, including the accounting officer, heads of departments, and unit managers. These interactions are essential for effective coordination of procurement planning and execution across the institution.
Detailed Job Description
The Procurement Manager is responsible for a wide range of duties and responsibilities, which collectively support the effective and compliant functioning of the university’s procurement system. The following section provides a detailed description of these duties, as outlined in the official job description.
Interpretation, Implementation, and Enforcement of Procurement Regulations
One of the core responsibilities of the Procurement Manager is the interpretation, implementation, and enforcement of public procurement regulations and procedures. This involves ensuring that all procurement activities conducted by the university comply with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015, as well as any related regulations, guidelines, and circulars issued by relevant authorities.
The Procurement Manager is expected to provide clear guidance to procurement staff and other university units on the application of these regulations. This includes advising on appropriate procurement methods, documentation requirements, approval processes, and timelines. The role also involves monitoring compliance and addressing any deviations or non-compliance issues in a timely and professional manner.
Providing Advice on Procurement Matters
The Procurement Manager is responsible for providing professional advice to the university on all matters relating to procurement. This advisory role extends to senior management, including the Vice Chancellor and the accounting officer, as well as to departmental and unit heads.
The advice provided may cover a wide range of issues, including procurement planning, risk management, supplier selection, contract management, and dispute resolution. The Procurement Manager is expected to apply sound professional judgment and to base advice on both regulatory requirements and best practices in procurement and supplies management.
Coordination and Preparation of Annual Procurement and Disposal Plans
Another key responsibility of the Procurement Manager is the coordination and preparation of annual procurement and disposal plans. This involves working closely with all units of the university to collect, review, and consolidate their procurement and disposal requirements.
The Procurement Manager is expected to ensure that these plans are comprehensive, realistic, and aligned with the university’s budgetary allocations and strategic priorities. Once prepared, the plans must be submitted through the appropriate approval channels and implemented in accordance with approved timelines.
Effective coordination of procurement planning is critical to avoiding delays, ensuring optimal use of resources, and maintaining compliance with statutory requirements. The Procurement Manager plays a central role in facilitating this coordination and in resolving any issues that may arise during the planning process.
Execution of Procurement Functions in Line with the Law
The Procurement Manager is responsible for carrying out procurement functions as stipulated in the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015. This includes overseeing the entire procurement cycle, from requisition and planning through to tendering, evaluation, award, contract management, and payment.
The role involves ensuring that procurement processes are conducted in a fair, transparent, and competitive manner, and that all required records are properly maintained. The Procurement Manager is also expected to ensure that procurement activities are conducted within approved budgets and that value for money is achieved.
Rendering Professional Advice to the Accounting Officer
In addition to advising the Vice Chancellor, the Procurement Manager is responsible for rendering procurement professional advice to the accounting officer. This includes advising on compliance issues, procurement risks, and mitigation measures.
The Procurement Manager may also be required to support the accounting officer in responding to audit queries, investigations, or reviews related to procurement activities. This requires a thorough understanding of procurement regulations, institutional policies, and the specific circumstances of each procurement activity.
Supervision of Purchasing and Supplies Activities
The Procurement Manager serves as the overall supervisor of all purchasing and supplies activities within the university. This includes managing and guiding procurement staff, setting performance expectations, and ensuring that work is carried out efficiently and professionally.
The role involves overseeing day-to-day procurement operations, resolving operational challenges, and supporting staff development. The Procurement Manager is also expected to promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement within the Procurement Department.
Additional Duties as Assigned
In addition to the specific responsibilities outlined above, the Procurement Manager is expected to carry out any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Vice Chancellor from time to time. These additional duties may relate to special projects, policy development, system improvements, or other institutional initiatives requiring procurement expertise.
Professional Requirements as Provided
The professional requirements for this position are outlined in the official job description and are included here for completeness and clarity. The role requires either a doctoral-level qualification with relevant experience or a master’s-level qualification with extended experience, as specified below.
One pathway requires possession of a PhD degree in Procurement or Supplies Management, along with at least three years of relevant working experience as a Deputy Procurement Manager at Grade 13N or a comparable position. Registration with a relevant professional body and working knowledge of procurement software are also required under this pathway.
An alternative pathway requires possession of a Master’s degree in Procurement or Supplies Management, along with at least five years of working experience as a Deputy Procurement Manager at Grade 13N or a comparable position. Registration with a relevant professional body and working knowledge of procurement software are also required under this pathway.
These requirements reflect the seniority of the role and the level of responsibility involved.
Remuneration and Terms of Service
The position of Procurement Manager, Grade 14N, is offered on permanent and pensionable terms. The remuneration for this position is based on the Public University Salaries and House Allowance Structures applicable to this grade.
For Grade 14N, the basic salary ranges from KES 173,864 to KES 267,662 per month. In addition to the basic salary, a house allowance of KES 62,658 per month is provided. These figures reflect the approved salary and allowance structure and are subject to applicable policies and statutory deductions.
The remuneration package is designed to attract and retain qualified and experienced professionals capable of fulfilling the demanding responsibilities of the role.
Job Details Summary
The key job details for this position are summarized as follows:
The campus is the Main Campus.
The employment category is Administrative.
The employment terms are Permanent.
The designation is Procurement Manager.
The job grade is 14.
The role is a single vacant post within the Procurement Department.
Required Documentation
Applicants for this position are expected to submit specific documents as part of their application. These include a resume or curriculum vitae, professional membership certificate, KCSE certificate, undergraduate degree certificate, master’s certificate, and evidence of computer literacy. Some additional documents, such as a PhD certificate, certificate of recognition from the Commission for University Education, and evidence of disability, may be applicable depending on individual circumstances.
These documentation requirements form part of the application and verification process and are intended to support fair and transparent recruitment.
Conclusion
This job advert presents an opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to take on a senior leadership role within a public university environment. The Procurement Manager, Grade 14N, plays a critical role in ensuring that the university’s procurement activities are conducted in a compliant, efficient, and strategic manner.
The role offers a permanent and pensionable appointment, a structured remuneration package, and the opportunity to contribute to the effective management of public resources in support of the university’s mission. The detailed duties and responsibilities outlined above reflect the breadth and depth of the role and the level of professionalism expected.
Interested candidates who meet the stated requirements and are able to fulfill the responsibilities of the position are invited to submit their applications through the designated application platform.
