Procurement Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Procurement Manager to lead the sourcing and supply of building materials and waterproofing raw materials in Kenya. Based in Nairobi , this role will be responsible for developing reliable local and international supplier networks, negotiating competitive terms, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining strict quality and compliance standards.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in procurement within the building materials, construction chemicals, waterproofing, coatings, or related manufacturing sectors , with a proven track record of sourcing raw materials such as bitumen, polymers, emulsions, additives, fillers, and reinforcement materials. Experience in importation, customs clearance, KEBS/PVoC compliance, and supplier quality management in Kenya or East Africa is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for building materials and waterproofing raw materials, balancing cost, quality, delivery, and risk.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard local and international suppliers for raw materials including but not limited to:
• Bitumen, SBS/APP modifiers
• Polymer emulsions, acrylic binders, SBR, VAE, EVA
• Cementitious additives, admixtures, and fillers
• Solvents, pigments, and specialty chemicals
• Reinforcement fabrics, polyester mats, fiberglass, and packaging materials
• Conduct supplier audits, capability assessments, and performance reviews.
• Build long-term supplier relationships and maintain a qualified, competitive vendor base.

2. Cost Control & Negotiation

• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, Incoterms, MOQs, lead times, and contracts to achieve measurable cost savings.
• Monitor market trends, raw material price fluctuations, forex movements, and supply risks.
• Prepare should-cost analysis and benchmarking reports to support procurement decisions.
• Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) optimization without compromising quality or compliance.

3. Import, Compliance & Logistics

• Manage end-to-end import processes, including purchase orders, LC/TT arrangements, shipping documents, and customs clearance.
• Ensure full compliance with Kenyan regulations, including KEBS standards, PVoC, IDF, HS codes, EAC customs procedures, and import duties/VAT .
• Coordinate with clearing agents, freight forwarders, and warehouse teams to ensure timely delivery to Nairobi and other sites.
• Maintain accurate records for customs, tax, and audit purposes.

4. Quality Assurance & Technical Coordination

• Work closely with QC/R&D and production teams to ensure raw materials meet technical specifications.
• Review COAs, MSDS, test reports, and batch samples before approval.
• Handle supplier non-conformance, returns, claims, and corrective actions.
• Support new product development by sourcing alternative or innovative raw materials.

5. Inventory & Planning

• Collaborate with production, sales, and warehouse teams to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Monitor consumption patterns, lead times, and safety stock to avoid shortages or excess inventory.
• Implement procurement planning tools and ERP processes for accurate tracking and reporting.

6. Reporting & Stakeholder Management

• Prepare regular procurement reports on spending, savings, supplier performance, and market conditions.
• Present sourcing recommendations and risk assessments to senior management.
• Coordinate with finance, legal, and operations teams on contracts, payments, and compliance matters.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of procurement experience , with at least 2–3 years in building materials, construction chemicals, waterproofing, coatings, or related manufacturing industries .
• Proven experience sourcing waterproofing raw materials such as bitumen, polymers, emulsions, additives, fillers, and reinforcement materials is strongly preferred.
• Experience working in Kenya or East Africa is highly desirable.
• Professional certification such as CIPS, KISM, or equivalent is an advantage.

Technical & Functional Skills

• Strong knowledge of local and international sourcing, import/export procedures, and customs clearance in Kenya.
• Familiarity with KEBS, PVoC, IDF, HS codes, EAC CET, and import compliance requirements .
• Excellent negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar) and MS Excel.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk management abilities.

Language & Personal Attributes

• Fluency in English is required; Swahili is an advantage.
• High integrity, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to Mombasa Port, supplier sites, and project locations.