Country Procurement Manager - Africa

KONE; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A global organization in procurement is seeking a Country Procurement Manager for Africa to lead procurement activities across South Africa and other African nations. The ideal candidate will have 8-15 years of experience in procurement, with a strong focus on supplier management and cost optimization. This leadership role emphasizes collaboration and sustainability, offering a dynamic work environment. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, along with leadership experience.

Benefits

Innovative working culture

Opportunities for personal development

Focus on work-life balance

Qualifications

• 8–15 years of experience in procurement and supply chain management.
• Minimum 5 years in leadership or management.
• Familiarity with local procurement laws and supplier networks is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee procurement activities for multiple African countries.
• Drive cost optimization and supplier management.
• Implement global procurement strategies at the country level.

Skills

Strong supply market knowledge

Supplier tendering and negotiation

Contract management

Supplier performance management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Qualifications in Supply Chain Management or Procurement

Job description

Role Overview

The Country Procurement Manager Africa leads and oversees procurement activities within South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Morocco & Tunisia. This position requires close coordination with local business operations and alignment with the Procurement leads of the relevant units. The role focuses on implementing global or area-based procurement strategies, managing supplier selection and negotiations, and driving supplier performance and relationship management. Reporting to the Head of Procurement for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, the Country Procurement Manager Africa will be involved in coaching stakeholders on spend optimization and ensuring alignment with broader Procurement objectives and strategies.

Key Responsibilities and Activities

Leadership and Coordination

• Act as a key counterpart to other business functions in the country.
• Represent Procurement in cross-functional teams and country management forums.
• Supervise the Procurement team for the above-specified countries.

Strategic and Operational Management

• Drive the availability, quality, and cost optimization of materials and services.
• Facilitate cross-functional cost management steering in the country.
• Address local procurement requirements and align them with area procurement strategies.

Supplier Management

• Act as a contract owner for selected suppliers.
• Handle escalated supplier issues.
• Manage supplier selection, tendering, negotiation, and relationship management.

Implementation and Optimization

• Implement global and area category plans at the country level.
• Coach stakeholders on spend optimization and cost management strategies.

Are you the one?

Educational and Language Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
• Additional qualifications in Supply Chain Management or Procurement are advantageous.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential.

Professional and Technical Skills

• Strong supply market knowledge in the relevant area of spend.
• Proficiency in supplier tendering, negotiation, and contract management.
• Familiarity with supplier performance, quality management, and relationship management.
• Knowledge of relevant technologies and systems in procurement.

Experience Requirements

• 8–15 years of experience in procurement and supply chain management.
• Familiarity with local procurement laws and supplier networks is a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership or management experience.
• Experience working in an international/multinational environment is an advantage.

Core Competencies

• Strong people management skills.
• Effective stakeholder management abilities.
• Expertise in change management processes.
• Strategic and analytical mindset for cost optimization.

Are you ready to take on a dynamic leadership role in procurement within a global organization? We encourage you to apply if you meet the qualifications and are passionate about driving cost efficiency and supplier excellence.

At KONE, we are focused on creating an innovative and collaborative working culture where we value the contribution of each individual. Employee engagement is a key focus area for us and we encourage participation and the sharing of information and ideas. Sustainability is an integral part of our culture and the daily practice. We follow ethical business practices and we seek to develop a culture of working together where co-workers trust and respect each other and good performance is recognized. In being a great place to work, we are proud to offer a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you to achieve your career and personal goals and enable you to live a healthy and balanced life.

Read more on www.kone.com/careers