HEAD OF PROCUREMENT

Location: Lusaka, Zambia

About the Company

Our client is a well-established business operating within the agricultural sector, providing a range of products, technologies, and solutions to support commercial and emerging farmers across Zambia.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Procurement to lead all procurement and sourcing activities across the business. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing procurement strategies, managing local and international supplier relationships, driving cost efficiencies, ensuring product availability, and maintaining high standards of compliance and governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement and sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead supplier sourcing, tendering, contract negotiations, and supplier performance management.
• Oversee the procurement of agricultural inputs, irrigation and greenhouse equipment, technical components, operational supplies, and services.
• Manage inventory planning and collaborate with Sales, Finance, Technical Services, Projects, and Warehousing teams to ensure optimal stock availability.
• Coordinate international procurement, imports, and logistics activities.
• Identify and deliver cost-saving initiatives and procurement efficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the procurement team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field.
• Professional qualification such as CIPS, ZIPS, or equivalent.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in procurement or supply chain management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiation, inventory planning, and international procurement.
• Strong commercial, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Well-established professional network with local and international suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, freight forwarders, and other key supply chain stakeholders.
• Experience within agribusiness, agriculture, agro-inputs, FMCG, manufacturing, distribution, or a related sector will be a distinct advantage.

Key Competencies

• Strategic procurement and negotiation skills
• Commercial and financial acumen
• Leadership and team management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• High levels of integrity and professionalism
• Results-oriented with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment