Primary Purpose
The Procurement Manager is responsible for leading procurement management activities, providing strategic and operational oversight of sourcing, purchasing, contracting, supplier performance, and procurement compliance to support program delivery and organizational objectives.
The role ensures efficient, compliant, and value-for-money procurement processes through strong planning, market analysis, competitive sourcing, contract management, and internal stakeholder engagement, while aligning with organizational policies, donor regulations, and ethical procurement standards.
Key Relationships
Internal
Senior Management Team
Program and Operations Teams
Finance, HR, and Compliance Units
Regional Supply Chain Teams
External
Suppliers and Service Providers
Government Authorities
Partner Organizations
Responsibilities
Procurement Strategy & Planning (20%)
Develop and implement annual procurement plans aligned with programme and operational priorities
Lead category and sourcing strategies that improve cost efficiency, service quality, and procurement lead times
Coordinate demand planning and purchasing priorities with programme, finance, and operations teams
Set and monitor procurement KPIs and drive continuous improvement across procurement processes
Strategic Sourcing & Contract Management (20%)
Lead supplier prequalification, market assessments, tendering processes, bid evaluations, and award recommendations
Manage contract drafting, negotiation, administration, and renewal processes to ensure commercial value and compliance
Ensure sourcing decisions are evidence-based, transparent, and fully documented
Promote ethical sourcing and supplier diversity where applicable
Supplier Relationship & Performance Management (15%)
Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure continuity, quality, and responsiveness
Establish supplier performance scorecards and lead periodic business reviews
Resolve supplier issues, delivery risks, and non-performance through corrective action plans
Support development of preferred supplier frameworks and long-term sourcing partnerships
Procurement Operations & Service Delivery (10%)
Oversee day-to-day procurement transactions from requisition review to purchase order issuance and contract execution
Ensure timely response to internal procurement requests and service level commitments
Review procurement documentation for completeness, accuracy, and audit readiness
Improve workflow efficiency through standardization, digitization, and process optimization
Stakeholder Management & Collaboration (10%)
Partner with programme, finance, administration, and leadership teams to align procurement support with business needs
Provide procurement advice to internal stakeholders on planning, sourcing options, and compliance requirements
Manage escalations and ensure procurement priorities are communicated clearly across teams
Support procurement capacity building and user awareness on policies and procedures
Leadership & Team Management (10%)
Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management for the procurement team
Allocate workloads, set priorities, and ensure effective delivery of procurement objectives
Build team capability through training, mentoring, and succession planning
Promote accountability, customer service, and ethical conduct within procurement operations
Risk, Compliance & Audit (10%)
Ensure all procurement actions comply with organizational policies, donor requirements, and applicable legal and regulatory frameworks
Identify procurement risks and implement controls to prevent fraud, conflict of interest, and non-compliance
Support internal and external audits and ensure timely closure of procurement-related findings
Maintain complete procurement records and ensure audit-ready filing systems
Data, Reporting & Systems (5%)
Prepare procurement dashboards and reports on spend, lead times, supplier performance, and compliance metrics
Analyse procurement data to support category planning, cost-saving opportunities, and decision-making
Provide regular procurement updates to senior management and relevant stakeholders
Promote effective use of procurement systems, templates, and reporting tools
Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum 8 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, contracts management, or a related field is required
At least 2 years of direct supervisory experience is required
Experience in humanitarian or development context preferred
Strong experience in strategic sourcing, tender management, supplier management, and procurement compliance
Knowledge of donor regulations and compliance frameworks is preffered
Education & Certifications
Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field
Master's degree is an added advantage
Professional certification (CIPS, KISM, or equivalent) required
Core Competencies
Commercial Acumen - Drives value for money and sound sourcing decisions
Accountability - Drives compliance and ownership
Collaboration - Works effectively with internal stakeholders and suppliers
Service Orientation - Ensures responsive and professional procurement support
Resilience & Adaptability - Thrives in dynamic humanitarian settings
Additional Requirements
Willingness to travel within the region as required for supplier engagement, market assessments, and procurement oversight
Ability to work in complex and high-pressure environments
Management skills with the ability to engage, negotiate (at all levels) and manage key stakeholders and suppliers.
Excellent organizational skills, responding to internal and external clients in a timely and professional manner.
Demonstrated ability to work in a self-directed, fast-paced and results-oriented environment.
Proven management skills with the ability to optimise team performance and development.
Strong communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.
Excellent analytical skills and problem-solving abilities
Takes ownership for team cohesion and development.
Strong time management skills.
Important Requirements
Strong English communication skills, both written and oral.
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS' Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.
Remain alert and responsive to any child safeguarding and PSEAH (Prevention of Sexual, Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment) risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills which will enable you to promote strong safeguarding PSEAH practices, understand the child safeguarding and PSEAH Policies and procedures, and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the Child Safeguarding and PSEAH Policies
Special Requirements
This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya.
This position requires use of laptops at all time, competence in Microsoft office packages is required.
Background check which includes references and an educational and criminal check is required before the start of employment
This position is Full Time
All employees should be prepared to work from the CWS office