Senior Supply Chain Specialist

Role Purpose

The Senior Supply Chain Specialist is responsible for managing and optimizing procurement, contracts, vendor relationships, logistics, and inventory functions to deliver cost efficiency, operational excellence, and compliance with company policies and regulations. The role encompasses both strategic contributions, such as category management, sourcing strategies, and supplier performance optimization, and operational execution, including tendering, contract administration, and inventory control. This position serves as a key link between business units, suppliers, and management, ensuring that procurement and supply chain initiatives support organizational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned categories to achieve optimal total cost of ownership.
• Support the formulation and execution of annual procurement and contract management plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Conduct market intelligence to identify reliable suppliers and explore cost-saving opportunities.
• Advise on appropriate contract forms and terms to protect the company's interests and minimize risk.
• Lead and manage the end-to-end tendering process, including pre-tendering, bid evaluation, and post-award administration.
• Prepare tender documentation, scopes of work, evaluation criteria, bills of quantities, and pricing structures.
• Evaluate technical and commercial proposals, ensuring fair, transparent, and accurate assessments.
• Draft, review, and finalize contracts, amendments, and variations in compliance with company policies.
• Lead the supplier risk assessment process by evaluating financial stability, operational capability, regulatory compliance, and market conditions; maintain a supplier risk register, conduct audits and site visits, implement mitigation and contingency plans, and integrate risk insights into sourcing and contract award decisions to ensure supply continuity and minimize business disruption
• Manage vendor performance, ensuring contractual obligations and service levels are met.
• Monitor contract execution, resolve disputes, and implement effective resolution strategies.
• Oversee purchase requisitions, purchase orders, goods receipts, and invoice processing in ERP systems.
• Maintain accurate item master data, procurement records, and supplier performance metrics.
• Plan, monitor, and control inventory levels to optimize working capital and reduce holding costs.
• Coordinate warehousing, distribution, and logistics to ensure timely delivery to sites and business units.
• Ensure all procurement and logistics activities comply with health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Coordinate with finance on budget planning, spend tracking, and payment term negotiations.
• Support process automation initiatives, including ERP enhancements and e-procurement tools.
• Provide guidance to junior procurement and supply chain staff, sharing best practices and mentoring where required.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand needs and deliver effective supply chain solutions.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including auditors, regulatory bodies, and strategic partners.
• Facilitate tender committee meetings, prepare reports, and present procurement recommendations to management.
• Lead post-project reviews to identify lessons learned and implement continuous improvement measures.
• Contribute to in-country value (ICV) initiatives by increasing local sourcing and supplier development.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Advanced negotiation, contract drafting, and vendor management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Comprehensive knowledge of procurement, supply chain management, and logistics best practices.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and e-procurement platforms.
• Financial acumen to assess the total cost of ownership and manage budgets.
• Effective communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently on complex projects while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Adaptability to manage both strategic planning and hands-on operational tasks.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as CIPS, CPSM, CPPM, or equivalent are preferred.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of progressive experience in procurement, contracts, and supply chain roles.
• Demonstrated success in cost optimization, strategic sourcing, and supplier performance improvement.
• Experience in managing both strategic procurement initiatives and operational supply chain execution.