Procurement Manager – Goods, Works & Strategic Sourcing

Job Title: Director of Procurement & Commercial Management – Housing Construction

Nairobi Head Office with travel to project sites, suppliers, manufacturers, and international markets as required.

Job Purpose

To lead and manage end-to-end procurement and strategic sourcing of goods, materials, subcontracted works, plant, and specialist services for a large-scale housing construction business. The role secures cost-effective, technically compliant, timely, and commercially advantageous supply solutions both locally and internationally, while supporting project delivery, business growth, and market competitiveness. The position also provides technical sales and commercial leadership, translating customer requirements into commercially viable procurement and delivery solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Develop and implement a procurement strategy aligned with housing delivery targets, project schedules, and business growth objectives.
• Establish procurement policies, governance frameworks, approval processes, and procurement controls.
• Build strategic sourcing plans for construction materials, MEP systems, finishes, equipment, and specialist works.
• Develop category management strategies for major spend categories.

Procurement of Construction Goods

Manage procurement of structural materials (cement, steel, blocks, aggregates), finishing materials, mechanical and electrical systems, plumbing and sanitary equipment, HVAC systems, elevators and specialist installations, modular and prefabricated housing components, construction machinery and equipment, and furniture, fittings and equipment (FF&E).

Key outputs include:

• Supplier identification and market research.
• RFQ / RFP preparation and tender management.
• Technical and commercial evaluations.
• Negotiation and contract award.
• Order expediting and delivery tracking.

Procurement of Works & Subcontract Management

• Lead sourcing and procurement of subcontractors and specialist contractors.
• Prepare scopes of work and procurement packages.
• Conduct prequalification and due diligence.
• Negotiate contracts and service level agreements.
• Monitor contractor performance and compliance; manage variation orders and claims support.
• Typical packages include: civil works, building works, MEP works, infrastructure works, interior fit-out, and specialist installations.

International Procurement & Import Management

• Lead overseas sourcing and supplier development.
• Manage imports, freight forwarding, customs clearance, and delivery schedules.
• Negotiate Incoterms and international supply agreements.
• Coordinate with logistics, clearing agents, and project teams.
• Manage foreign exchange exposure and international commercial risks; ensure import regulatory compliance.

Technical Sales & Commercial Support (Critical Requirement)

• Act as the procurement-commercial bridge for a growing housing business.
• Support development of housing solutions based on customer requirements.
• Engage developers, institutional clients, governments, and private customers.
• Translate technical specifications into procurement and commercial strategies.
• Participate in bid preparation and proposal development; support pricing and costing of housing solutions.
• Lead supplier-backed commercial proposals; identify value engineering opportunities without compromising quality.
• Support market entry and product positioning initiatives.

Supplier & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with local and international manufacturers.
• Develop supplier scorecards and performance monitoring.
• Negotiate rebates, framework agreements, and volume discounts.
• Establish alternative supplier channels for supply resilience.

Cost Management & Value Engineering

• Drive procurement savings and margin enhancement.
• Monitor commodity trends and market pricing; lead cost benchmarking and should-cost analysis.
• Deliver procurement budgets and cashflow forecasts; support working capital optimization.

Risk, Governance & Compliance

• Ensure procurement integrity and ethical sourcing.
• Implement procurement controls and audit readiness.
• Manage contractual and supplier risks.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and statutory requirements.

Team Leadership

• Build and lead procurement and expediting teams.
• Establish KPIs and performance management frameworks.
• Mentor buyers, procurement officers, and category specialists.
• Develop procurement capability across the business.

Key Performance Indicators

• Procurement savings achieved (%)
• On-time delivery performance
• Supplier performance score
• Procurement cycle time
• Inventory optimization
• Project procurement readiness
• Housing unit delivery support performance
• Working capital efficiency
• Contract compliance
• Customer satisfaction

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Procurement & Supply Chain, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Commerce, or Business Administration.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree (MBA / Supply Chain / Commercial Management)
• Professional certifications: CIPS / CPSP / KISM
• Project Management certification is advantageous

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 12–15 years total experience in procurement and commercial management.
• At least 7 years in senior procurement leadership.
• Demonstrated experience in: large construction projects; housing developments; international sourcing; procurement of works and subcontracting; technical sales and solution selling; EPC or design-build environments.
• Proven record managing annual spend exceeding USD 20M–100M+.

Competencies

Technical

• Strategic sourcing, construction procurement, contract administration, cost management, supply chain planning, import/export management, technical sales.

Commercial

• Negotiation, financial analysis, proposal development, commercial structuring.

Leadership

• Executive presence, stakeholder management, decision-making, team development.

Ideal Candidate Profile

A commercially aggressive but highly disciplined procurement leader who understands construction delivery, international supply chains, technical sales, and housing commercialization – and can convert procurement capability into a competitive advantage for a fast-growing housing business.