Strategic Procurement Engineering Manager

We are one of the Financial Times' Africa's Fastest Growing Companies PowerGen ranked 40th in the overall rankings and 5th in the Energy & Utilities sector. PowerGen a leading renewable energy platform in sub-Saharan Africa. PowerGen owns and operates renewable energy and distribution utility assets to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power to all. We are looking for professionals who want to be a part of a highly driven team which is at the forefront of the market and hungry to reshape the landscape of energy in Africa. We want leaders who are committed to the mission and able to think broadly and dynamically about a complex challenge, without losing focus on the critical day-to-day details of managing projects or a team.

To lead the strategic procurement for PowerGen's renewable energy projects, managing EPC contract negotiations, coordinating technical assessments and liaising with the engineering team, supplier performance, and cost optimization.

KPIs:

1. EPC Contract Compliance: Measure adherence to EPC and similar contract terms, ensuring obligations and deliverables are met.

2. Cost Management & Savings: Track cost optimization achieved through strategic procurement and budget management across projects.

3. Supplier and EPC Contractor Performance: Monitor quality, delivery, compliance with PowerGen standards, and on-time performance.

4. Procurement and Contract Cycle Time: Track the duration from design/budget receipt to contract execution to improve efficiency.

5. Procurement Compliance: Ensure all activities comply with relevant regulations, standards, and PowerGen policies.

6. Technical Quality Assurance: Track quality of materials and equipment to ensure they meet required standards.

7. Supplier Relationship Effectiveness: Evaluate the strength and reliability of strategic supplier relationships supporting project execution.

8. Process Improvement: Track improvements in procurement, supplier selection, and contract negotiation processes.

Activities:

1. Receive project budgets and designs, layout execution options, and identify and select suppliers to approach.

2. Lead negotiations of EPC and OEM contracts to secure favorable terms and mitigate project risks while ensuring alignment with technical and operational goals.

3. Provide technical engineering expertise in solar and BESS to support procurement decisions and project design alignment.

4. Ensure quality assurance of materials and equipment through structured evaluations and supplier quality checks.

5. Manage strategic supplier relationships to support project timelines and operational requirements.

6. Oversee procurement activities to ensure compliance with regulations, standards, and company policies.

7. Support the Supply Chain (SC) team in preparing RfP templates, creating POs, and executing procurement activities as needed.

8. Support import processes and local logistics for project materials and equipment.

9. Lead or support local procurement of project items and negotiate local contracts and insurance requirements as needed.

10. Drive cost management strategies to optimize project budgets while maintaining quality and performance.

11. Collaborate with legal teams to refine EPC and supplier contract terms and manage contract variations and dispute resolutions as required.

12. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within procurement and engineering processes to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Competencies:

• Strong experience in EPC and supplier contract negotiation, execution, and compliance.

• Technical expertise in solar PV and BESS systems within project and procurement contexts.

• Knowledge of procurement strategies, supplier management, and global/regional trade regulations.

• Proven ability to manage complex procurement and technical processes across multiple geographies.

• Strong cost management and analytical skills with a strategic mindset.

• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Proficiency in ERP systems and procurement tools.

• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field.

• 6–10 years of experience in procurement, EPC contract management, or supply chain leadership within the renewable energy sector.

• Experience providing technical engineering guidance within procurement and supplier selection contexts.

Benefits and Compensation:

A competitive package including annual compensation, performance bonuses, health insurance, professional development and team building events. And you'll be working with a dynamic team of people passionate about electrifying East  and West Africa