KE- Procurement Manager (N)

Primary Purpose

The Procurement Manager is responsible for leading procurement management activities, providing strategic and operational oversight of sourcing, purchasing, contracting, supplier performance, and procurement compliance to support program delivery and organizational objectives. The role ensures efficient, compliant, and value-for-money procurement processes through strong planning, market analysis, competitive sourcing, contract management, and internal stakeholder engagement, while aligning with organizational policies, donor regulations, and ethical procurement standards.

Key Relationships

Internal

• Senior Management Team
• Program and Operations Teams
• Finance, HR, and Compliance Units
• Regional Supply Chain Teams

External

• Suppliers and Service Providers
• Government Authorities
• Partner Organizations

Responsibilities

Procurement Strategy & Planning (20%)

• Develop and implement annual procurement plans aligned with programme and operational priorities
• Lead category and sourcing strategies that improve cost efficiency, service quality, and procurement lead times
• Coordinate demand planning and purchasing priorities with programme, finance, and operations teams
• Set and monitor procurement KPIs and drive continuous improvement across procurement processes

Strategic Sourcing & Contract Management (20%)

• Lead supplier prequalification, market assessments, tendering processes, bid evaluations, and award recommendations
• Manage contract drafting, negotiation, administration, and renewal processes to ensure commercial value and compliance
• Ensure sourcing decisions are evidence‑based, transparent, and fully documented
• Promote ethical sourcing and supplier diversity where applicable

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management (15%)

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure continuity, quality, and responsiveness
• Establish supplier performance scorecards and lead periodic business reviews
• Resolve supplier issues, delivery risks, and non‑performance through corrective action plans
• Support development of preferred supplier frameworks and long‑term sourcing partnerships

Procurement Operations & Service Delivery (10%)

• Oversee day‑to‑day procurement transactions from requisition review to purchase order issuance and contract execution
• Ensure timely response to internal procurement requests and service level commitments
• Review procurement documentation for completeness, accuracy, and audit readiness
• Improve workflow efficiency through standardization, digitization, and process optimization

Stakeholder Management & Collaboration (10%)

• Partner with programme, finance, administration, and leadership teams to align procurement support with business needs
• Provide procurement advice to internal stakeholders on planning, sourcing options, and compliance requirements
• Manage escalations and ensure procurement priorities are communicated clearly across teams
• Support procurement capacity building and user awareness on policies and procedures

Leadership & Team Management (10%)

• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management for the procurement team
• Allocate workloads, set priorities, and ensure effective delivery of procurement objectives
• Build team capability through training, mentoring, and succession planning
• Promote accountability, customer service, and ethical conduct within procurement operations

Risk, Compliance & Audit (10%)

• Ensure all procurement actions comply with organizational policies, donor requirements, and applicable legal and regulatory frameworks
• Identify procurement risks and implement controls to prevent fraud, conflict of interest, and non‑compliance
• Support internal and external audits and ensure timely closure of procurement‑related findings
• Maintain complete procurement records and ensure audit‑ready filing systems

Data, Reporting & Systems (5%)

• Prepare procurement dashboards and reports on spend, lead times, supplier performance, and compliance metrics
• Analyse procurement data to support category planning, cost‑saving opportunities, and decision‑making
• Provide regular procurement updates to senior management and relevant stakeholders
• Promote effective use of procurement systems, templates, and reporting tools

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, contracts management, or a related field is required
• At least 2 years of direct supervisory experience is required
• Experience in humanitarian or development context preferred
• Strong experience in strategic sourcing, tender management, supplier management, and procurement compliance
• Knowledge of donor regulations and compliance frameworks is preferred

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field
• Master’s degree is an added advantage
• Professional certification (CIPS, KISM, or equivalent) required

Core Competencies

• Commercial Acumen – Drives value for money and sound sourcing decisions
• Accountability – Drives compliance and ownership
• Collaboration – Works effectively with internal stakeholders and suppliers
• Service Orientation – Ensures responsive and professional procurement support
• Resilience & Adaptability – Thrives in dynamic humanitarian settings

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel within the region as required for supplier engagement, market assessments, and procurement oversight
• Ability to work in complex and high‑pressure environments
• Management skills with the ability to engage, negotiate (at all levels) and manage key stakeholders and suppliers
• Excellent organizational skills, responding to internal and external clients in a timely and professional manner
• Demonstrated ability to work in a self‑directed, fast‑paced and results‑oriented environment
• Proven management skills with the ability to optimise team performance and development
• Strong communication, interpersonal and influencing skills
• Excellent analytical skills and problem‑solving abilities
• Takes ownership for team cohesion and development
• Strong time management skills

Important Requirements

• Strong English communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to work in a multi‑cultural environment required
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required
• Remain alert and responsive to any child safeguarding and PSEAH (Prevention of Sexual, Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment) risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills which will enable you to promote strong safeguarding PSEAH practices, understand the child safeguarding and PSEAH Policies and procedures, and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the Child Safeguarding and PSEAH Policies

Special Requirements

• This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya
• This position requires use of laptops at all time, competence in Microsoft Office packages is required
• Background check which includes references and an educational and criminal check is required before the start of employment
• This position is Full Time
• All employees should be prepared to work from the CWS office