Duties and Responsibilities

• Vendor relations including contract manufacturers and vendors for direct raw materials and indirect materials. 
• Coordinate strategic international & local sourcing and planning activities for the business. 
• Facilitate activities with departments in the clarification and development of clear and concise specifications for materials, products, equipment and services. 
• Review requests for proposals (RFPs). The Manager reviews RFPs before sending them out to potential suppliers to bid. 
• Ensuring the organization’s internal contract documents are accurate and well-maintained for all procurement transactions. 
• Work with the R&D team to help guide new product development. 
• Work with the Quality manager to ensure the quality of our raw materials meets set standards, whether being procured in the country or other countries. 
• Drive continuous improvements in the direct & indirect procurement process 
• Work with the central procurement team for any international procurement and feedback on quality or any raw material and equipment issues affecting production processes. 
• Lead team in negotiations with vendors for direct & indirect materials to gain the required service levels at a price point that enhances organizational profitability. 
• Review all suppliers on a regular basis and keep the vendor base up to date 
• Onboard local & International suppliers using the set criteria 
• Lead the direct raw material sourcing & Indirect material purchasing team in identifying risk mitigation requirements. 
• Lead company exemption and tax reliefs for import of materials, equipment and spares. 
• Facilitate organizational activities to mitigate risk. 
• Any other duties assigned by your supervisor. 

Skills and Experience

• Degree in Supply chain, procurement, logistics or a related field.
• 10 years of proven working experience in a supply chain or procurement. (Previous working experience in a Factory or Production setting) 
• Process oriented
• Detail oriented
• Problem solver
• Risk averse
• Excellent communication skills
• Comfortable with Excel
• Good understanding of Malawi’s country laws on tax and duties and HS codes.
• Hands-on experience with supply chain management software such as Microsoft Navision, SAP, Syspro, etc
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Sense of ownership and pride in your performance and its impact on the company’s success.
• Critical thinker with problem-solving skills.
• Team player.
• Good time management skills.
• Great interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience in Sourcing raw materials and dealing with suppliers from China, Europe and India will be an added advantage.