Head Procurement and Supply Chain (Steel)

Nairobi Permanent View Job Description
The position will play a strategic role in strengthening the Group's procurement systems, centralising sourcing activities, optimising inventory levels, improving working capital efficiency and ensuring uninterrupted availability of critical materials across its manufacturing facilities.Lead procurement planning and coordination for major capital investments, including new plant installations, capacity expansions, modernisation and technology upgrades.
  • A result-oriented procurement leader with commercial negotiations
  • Centralised procurement and multi-location supply chain management.

About Our Client

Our client operates in the steel Manufacturing sector in Kenya and in other African countries.

Job Description

Group Procurement & Strategic Sourcing

Develop and implement Group-wide procurement strategies covering engineering spares, industrial consumables, maintenance materials and capital equipment.

Establish and manage a centralised procurement function to leverage Group purchasing volumes and achieve commercial efficiencies.

Develop a competitive supplier base across Africa, India, China, Europe and other international markets.

Lead strategic negotiations covering pricing, payment terms, credit facilities, supply contracts and delivery schedules.

Engineering Spares & Consumables

Lead procurement of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, automation and maintenance spares.

Manage sourcing of critical equipment and components for induction furnaces, transformers, continuous casting machines, rolling mills, reheating furnaces, EOT cranes, compressors, pumps, gearboxes and other auxiliary equipment.

Oversee procurement of refractory materials, electrodes, lubricants, bearings, hydraulic components, electrical items and other industrial consumables.Capital Projects - Planning & Execution

Lead procurement planning and execution for new plant installations, capacity expansions, modernisation and major capital expenditure projects.

Coordinate with engineering and project teams in developing project specifications, BOQs, cost estimates, procurement plans and implementation schedules.

Participate in technical and commercial evaluations, equipment selection and vendor finalisation.

Manage procurement of major capital equipment, complete plant packages and associated infrastructure requirements.

Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, EPC contractors, engineering consultants and project stakeholders.

Monitor equipment manufacturing progress, inspections, dispatches, shipping and site deliveries.Supply Chain & Inventory Management

Establish effective material planning and inventory control systems across all manufacturing units.

Define minimum, maximum and reorder levels for critical and routine materials.

Ensure optimum inventory availability while avoiding production interruptions due to material shortages.

Monitor stock ageing, slow-moving and non-moving inventory and implement corrective measures.

Supplier Development & International Procurement

Identify, evaluate and develop reliable domestic and international suppliers.

Establish alternative sourcing arrangements for critical and high-value materials.

Negotiate long-term supply arrangements and strategic vendor partnerships.

Manage international sourcing, import documentation, shipping, customs clearance and logistics.

Optimise freight costs, procurement lead times and landed material costs.

Monitor supplier performance in terms of quality, pricing, delivery and service reliability.Procurement Governance & Cost Control

Establish transparent procurement policies, procedures and approval mechanisms.

Ensure competitive bidding, proper documentation and adherence to delegated financial authorities.

Educational & Professional Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial or another relevant Engineering discipline.

Master's Degree in Materials Management, Materials & Supply Chain Management or equivalent.

Additional professional qualifications in procurement, supply chain management, project management or international logistics will be an advantage.

The Successful Applicant

15-20 years of overall professional experience, with a minimum of 8-10 years in senior procurement leadership positions.

Substantial experience in integrated steel plants and mini-steel manufacturing operations.

Mandatory experience in steel plants operating through the Induction Furnace (IF) route.

Mandatory prior working experience in Africa, preferably within East African manufacturing operations.

Extensive exposure to engineering spares, refractory materials, mechanical and electrical components and industrial consumables.

Demonstrated experience in capital equipment procurement, new plant installations, capacity expansions and modernisation projects.

Proven experience in centralised procurement and multi-location supply chain management.

Strong track record in commercial negotiations, procurement savings, inventory optimisation and supplier development.

Candidates from general trading, FMCG, construction or unrelated industries without substantial steel manufacturing procurement experience will not be considered.

What's on Offer

A great opportunity to be in a strategic role to strengthening the Group's procurement systems.

An opportunity to transform procurement into a disciplined, transparent and cost-effective Group function while supporting operational excellence, plant reliability and the timely implementation of capital investment projects.

Contact
Yelena Yin
Quote job ref
JN-112026-7143187
Phone number
+27 11 303 8300

Job summary

Function
Logistics, Procurement & Supply Chain
Specialisation
Supply Chain Management
Industry
Industrial / Manufacturing
Where
Nairobi
Job Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Yelena Yin
Consultant phone
+27 11 303 8300
Job Reference
JN-112026-7143187