Procurement Manager

The Procurement Manager - Construction & Delivery will lead the strategic sourcing, evaluation, and procurement of goods, works, and services for Tatu City's construction and infrastructure projects. This senior role requires a strategic leader who can optimize procurement operations, drive cost efficiency, ensure compliance, and build robust supplier partnerships that support the delivery of world-class urban infrastructure. The role demands close collaboration with Construction & Delivery teams, project managers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of quality materials and services that enable successful project execution while maintaining sustainability and governance standards.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Develop and implement comprehensive procurement strategies aligned with Tatu City's construction and infrastructure development goals
• Lead the procurement function for large-scale construction projects, including civil works, infrastructure, utilities, and building developments
• Establish procurement policies, procedures, and best practices that ensure efficiency, transparency, and value for money
• Provide strategic input on make-or-buy decisions, project phasing, and resource allocation
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize procurement processes and enhance organizational capability

Procurement Operations & Project Support

• Oversee end-to-end procurement activities including tendering, evaluation, negotiation, contract award, and administration
• Develop and maintain comprehensive procurement plans aligned with project master schedules, timelines, and budgets
• Coordinate procurement activities across multiple concurrent construction projects and development phases
• Prepare, review, and issue complex RFQs, RFPs, EOIs, and other procurement documentation for construction materials, equipment, and services
• Ensure timely delivery of materials and services to avoid project delays and operational disruptions
• Manage procurement budgets and expenditure tracking to ensure cost control and financial accountability
• Implement procurement systems and tools that enhance visibility, reporting, and decision-making

Supplier & Contract Management

• Build and maintain a robust network of qualified vendors, contractors, suppliers, and service providers for construction materials, equipment, and specialized services
• Lead supplier prequalification, evaluation, and performance management processes
• Negotiate competitive pricing, favorable contract terms, and value-added arrangements with suppliers
• Oversee contract administration including variations, extensions, claims, disputes, and closeouts
• Monitor supplier performance against KPIs including quality, safety, delivery timelines, and compliance standards
• Establish long-term strategic partnerships with key suppliers to ensure continuity and preferential terms
• Manage supplier risk including financial stability assessments, capacity evaluations, and contingency planning
• Lead supplier development initiatives to enhance local content and support community economic development

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, Kenyan procurement laws, Special Economic Zone regulations, and international best practices
• Promote transparent, ethical, and auditable procurement practices across all transactions
• Implement robust internal controls to prevent fraud, conflicts of interest, and non-compliance
• Lead procurement audits and ensure readiness for external reviews and regulatory inspections
• Develop and maintain comprehensive procurement documentation and audit trails
• Track and report procurement performance metrics including cost savings, supplier compliance, cycle times, and quality indices
• Manage procurement risks including supply chain disruptions, currency fluctuations, and market volatility
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, environmental, and sustainability standards in procurement decisions

Stakeholder Engagement & Team Leadership

• Collaborate closely with Construction & Delivery teams, project managers, quantity surveyors, engineers, and site teams to understand requirements and deliver solutions
• Engage with finance, legal, and compliance teams to ensure alignment on contracts, payments, and regulatory matters
• Build effective working relationships with contractors, consultants, and external partners
• Lead, mentor, and develop procurement team members to build organizational capability
• Represent the procurement function in senior management meetings, project reviews, and stakeholder forums
• Provide training and guidance to internal teams on procurement policies, processes, and best practices

Financial & Cost Management

• Drive cost optimization through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, volume discounts, and supplier negotiations
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses, total cost of ownership assessments, and value engineering studies
• Identify and deliver measurable cost savings and efficiency gains across procurement activities
• Manage working capital through optimized inventory levels, payment terms, and supplier financing arrangements
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes with accurate procurement data and market intelligence
• Report on procurement spend analytics, savings achieved, and budget variances

Market Intelligence & Innovation

• Monitor construction materials markets, pricing trends, supply availability, and industry developments
• Conduct market research to identify new suppliers, alternative materials, and innovative solutions
• Introduce sustainable and green procurement practices aligned with environmental commitments
• Leverage technology and digital tools to enhance procurement efficiency and transparency
• Benchmark procurement performance against industry standards and competitors

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Business Administration, or a related field (Required)
• Master's Degree or MBA with specialization in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Construction Management (Preferred)
• Professional certification from CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply), CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management), KISM (Kenya Institute of Supplies Management), or equivalent (Required)
• Additional certifications in Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2) or Contract Management (Preferred)
• Minimum 10 years of progressive procurement experience, with at least 5 years in a managerial or senior role
• Proven experience in construction procurement, infrastructure projects, or real estate development (Essential)
• Demonstrated success managing procurement for large-scale, multi-phase construction projects (minimum project values of KES 500M+)
• Strong background in contract management, supplier negotiations, and commercial terms structuring
• Experience working in Special Economic Zones, master-planned developments, or large infrastructure programs (Highly Preferred)
• Experience managing procurement teams and building organizational capability (Required)
• International procurement experience or exposure to cross-border supply chains (Advantage)
• Expert knowledge of procurement processes, tendering procedures, and contract administration
• Strong understanding of construction materials, methods, specifications, and quality standards
• Proficiency in contract law, commercial terms, and legal frameworks governing procurement
• Advanced negotiation skills with proven ability to secure favorable commercial outcomes
• Expertise in supplier evaluation, prequalification, and performance management
• Strong financial acumen including cost analysis, budgeting, and savings tracking
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, SAGE, Navision) and procurement software
• Advanced skills in MS Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting
• Knowledge of sustainable procurement, green building materials, and ESG considerations

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Business Administration, or a related field (Essential)
• Master's Degree or MBA with specialization in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Construction Management (Preferred)
• Professional certification from CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply), CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management), KISM (Kenya Institute of Supplies Management), or equivalent (Essential)
• Additional certifications in Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2) or Contract Management (Preferred)
• Minimum 10 years of progressive procurement experience, with at least 5 years in a managerial or senior role
• Proven experience in construction procurement, infrastructure projects, or real estate development (Essential)
• Demonstrated success managing procurement for large-scale, multi-phase construction projects (minimum project values of KES 500M+) (Essential)
• Strong understanding of construction materials, methods, specifications, and quality standards (Essential)
• Strong background in contract management, supplier negotiations, and commercial terms structuring
• Experience working in Special Economic Zones, master-planned developments, or large infrastructure programs (Highly Preferred)
• Experience managing procurement teams and building organizational capability (Essential)
• International procurement experience or exposure to cross-border supply chains (Advantage)
• Expert knowledge of procurement processes, tendering procedures, and contract administration
• Proficiency in contract law, commercial terms, and legal frameworks governing procurement
• Advanced negotiation skills with proven ability to secure favorable commercial outcomes
• Expertise in supplier evaluation, prequalification, and performance management
• Strong financial acumen including cost analysis, budgeting, and savings tracking
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, SAGE, Navision) and procurement software
• Advanced skills in MS Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting
• Knowledge of sustainable procurement, green building materials, and ESG considerations