Role Overview
The Company Procurement Manager is responsible for the strategic development and execution of centralized procurement activities for Braeburn Schools Limited, encompassing both local and overseas sourcing. This role ensures cost-effectiveness, quality, and compliance, while directly managing company-level procurement and providing oversight on procurement policies and procedures for individual school-level procurement activities.
The manager will cultivate strong relationships with both local and international suppliers, manage import logistics, and ensure ethical and transparent practices across the organization.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Centralized Company Procurement Management
- Lead and manage all centralized procurement activities for the company, with a balanced approach to both local and overseas suppliers.
- Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans that optimize cost, quality, and delivery for company-level procurement, considering both local and international markets.
- Negotiate and manage contracts with key suppliers, both local and international, ensuring favorable terms and conditions.
- Oversee and manage all import logistics related to company level purchasing, including shipping, customs clearance, and delivery to designated locations, while also fostering strong local supplier relationships.
- Ensure all company-level procurement activities comply with Kenyan regulations, international trade laws, and ethical standards.
- Manage local procurement activities to support local economic development where possible.
School-Level Procurement Oversight
- Develop and maintain comprehensive procurement policies, procedures, and guidelines for implementation at individual school levels.
- Provide guidance and support to school administrators and staff on procurement best practices and compliance requirements.
- Conduct periodic reviews and audits of school-level procurement activities to ensure adherence to established policies and procedures.
- Offer training and development opportunities to school-level procurement personnel.
- Act as a point of escalation for complex procurement issues arising at the school level.
Supplier Relationship Management (Local and International)
- Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with key local and international suppliers for company-level procurement.
- Establish and maintain a database of approved suppliers for both company and school-level procurement, including a strong local vendor base.
- Monitor supplier performance and implement strategies to mitigate risks and improve efficiency.
Financial Management and Reporting
- Develop and manage the centralized procurement budget, including costs associated with local and international sourcing.
- Conduct market analysis and cost comparisons to identify opportunities for cost savings in company-level procurement.
- Generate regular reports on centralized procurement activities, performance, and cost savings, including import-related metrics.
- Provide reporting on compliance with procurement policy at the school level.
Risk Management and Compliance
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with both local and international procurement activities, including supply chain disruptions, quality issues, and regulatory changes.
- Ensure compliance with Kenyan regulations, international trade laws, and ethical standards for company-level procurement.
- Monitor schools' compliance with company procurement policies.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with Executive Principals, school administrators, department heads, and other stakeholders to understand their procurement needs, both local and international.
- Provide guidance and support to staff on procurement policies and procedures, including import-related processes.
- Lead cross-functional teams to improve company-level procurement operations, with a focus on streamlining logistics and fostering strong local partnerships.
Educational Material Focus
- Stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies in the educational materials field, with a focus on identifying high-quality local and international suppliers.
- Identify the best sources of educational materials, both locally and internationally, for company-level purchasing, and manage their procurement.
Academic Qualifications, Experience and Competencies
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
- Professional qualification in Purchasing and Supplies Management (e.g., CIPS, KISM).
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in procurement management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Demonstrated experience in leadership/management training.
- Experience in International trade and Logistics management.
- In-depth knowledge of modern sourcing and procurement principles, including local market knowledge and international trade practices.
- Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills, including experience with both local and international suppliers.
- Demonstrated ability to manage import logistics and local vendor relationships.
- Excellent financial acumen and analytical skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- High level of integrity and ethical conduct.
- Experience working within the educational sector is a plus.
- Knowledge of Kenyan procurement law and import regulations.