Procurement Specialist

Job Summary

Shugulika Africa Limited, a leader in the agriculture and infrastructure industry, is seeking an experienced and strategic Procurement Specialist to lead and optimize procurement operations across multiple projects and farm operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing end-to-end procurement activities, including procurement planning, sourcing, tendering, contract management, supplier performance management, and cost optimization. This role oversees both CAPEX and OPEX procurement, supporting project execution, ensuring timely availability of materials and services, and maintaining compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. The Procurement Specialist will work closely with Farm Management, Project Teams, Finance, Engineering, Logistics, and external suppliers to drive value, improve procurement processes, and support business objectives. Ideal candidates are highly analytical, commercially astute, and experienced in managing complex procurement operations within agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, or similar sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies, plans, and sourcing initiatives aligned with business and project objectives.
• Manage end-to-end procurement processes including requisition review, sourcing, evaluation, negotiation, contracting, and supplier performance management.
• Lead procurement planning activities to ensure timely availability of materials, equipment, agricultural inputs, and services.
• Prepare and manage procurement schedules in alignment with project timelines and operational requirements.
• Conduct market research, supplier identification, price bench-marking, and spend analysis to support procurement decisions.
• Lead tendering processes including preparation of RFQs, RFPs, bid evaluations, and supplier selection.
• Negotiate commercial terms, contracts, pricing agreements, and service-level commitments with suppliers.
• Manage procurement activities for both capital projects (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX).
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local and international suppliers to ensure quality, reliability, and value for money.
• Oversee supplier pre-qualification, onboarding, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate closely with Farm Operations, Engineering, Finance, Logistics, and Project Teams to support business requirements.
• Manage procurement risks related to pricing, supply continuity, quality, contractual obligations, and delivery timelines.
• Support international sourcing activities, import procurement processes, and supplier coordination.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, ethical standards, and relevant Tanzanian regulations.
• Monitor procurement budgets and support forecasting, expenditure tracking, and cost-control initiatives.
• Conduct supplier audits and due diligence reviews to ensure compliance and operational capability.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, contracts, supplier databases, and procurement documentation.
• Drive procurement process improvements, digital procurement initiatives, and operational efficiencies.
• Develop procurement reports, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for management review.
• Supervise, mentor, and support procurement team members to strengthen capability and performance.
• Promote transparency, accountability, and best procurement practices across the organization.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Procurement and Supply Management, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Procurement and Logistics Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's Degree in Procurement and Supply Management is an added advantage.
• Professional certification such as CPSP-T and registration with PSPTB is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, and supply chain management.
• Proven experience managing complex procurement operations within agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, FMCG, logistics, or similar sectors.
• Strong experience in procurement planning, tender management, supplier negotiations, and contract administration.
• Experience managing both local and international procurement activities.
• Practical understanding of import procurement processes, supplier management, and commercial negotiations.
• Strong knowledge of procurement governance, compliance requirements, and risk management principles.
• Demonstrated ability to develop procurement systems, processes, and controls.
• Experience managing procurement budgets, cost optimization initiatives, and supplier performance programs.
• Strong analytical, commercial, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Strong leadership, team management, and mentoring skills.
• Proficiency in procurement reporting tools, Microsoft Excel, and digital procurement systems.
• Fluency in both English and Swahili.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, complex, and project-driven environment.

Skills Inventory

• End-to-end procurement process management
• Strategic sourcing and supplier selection
• Contract negotiation and administration
• Supplier performance management and auditing
• Spend analysis and cost optimization
• Risk management and compliance
• Stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration
• Leadership and team mentoring
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and procurement software
• Fluency in English and Swahili

Salary & Compensation Estimation

Based on industry standards in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for a senior procurement role with 8+ years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is TZS 45,000,000 to TZS 65,000,000 (approximately USD 19,000 to USD 28,000). This includes potential bonuses, allowances, and benefits such as health insurance, transportation, and housing. Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.