Wasoko is transforming communities across Africa by revolutionizing access to essential goods and services. By connecting small shops to the digital economy, we fix inefficient supply chains and provide services that were previously unavailable. Wasoko aims to provide everything a retailer needs, no wholesalers or banks necessary

Role: Category Management Buyer

Currently, the indirect procurement is characterized by a high spend but decentralized departmental based sourcing, across multiple categories. As the business grows and spending increases, there is a need for us to break down the function into sub categories, in order to deliver value for the business.

Objective:

• To develop a robust function that will put a strong focus and leverage synergy across all business units and thus enable Sokowatch maximize its purchasing power across while being compliant
• Review spend that is not currently managed via a defined category management strategy.
• Manage sourcing process spend categories which have previously been un-managed and fragmented

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Partner with stakeholders to understand business needs and specifications for assigned for logistics, fleet and warehouse
• Develop a supplier pipeline that aligns with business strategy; ensure lowest cost, best quality, and on-time delivery.
• Develop and implement category plan in collaboration with user team members, including strategic business relationship approach, supplier sourcing strategy/ plan, potential negotiation methods and long-term business needs.
• Conduct the procurement life cycle from request submission through contract filing, including, but not limited to, cost analysis, negotiating contracts renewals, and overseeing contract review, approval, exception processes, and exit process.
• Develop and implement Service Level Agreement (SLA’s) based on evolving business needs. Monitor supplier performance/ compliance; troubleshoots problems to mitigate risk and improve performance.
• Regularly evaluate supplier offerings, usage and category spend; identify opportunities to reduce cost and improve performance; provide recommendations that support the business’ strategic goals and plans.
• Manage supplier communications, including, but not limited to, RFx process: Request for Information (RFI), Request for Proposal (RFP) and Request for Quote (RFQ);
• Stay current on industry technologies, trends, and strategies in Fleet and warehouse sourcing
• Conduct supplier research and analysis, including supplier diligence (compliance/ risk assessment, performance and product offerings),
• Assist suppliers and other customers (internal and external) by answering questions related to sourcing and procurement processes, procedures and services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• The successful candidate will possess:
• Minimum 5 years of experience in procurement or logistics, involved in the development and execution of Warehouse, Logistics and Fleet buying strategies
• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Logistics, Supply Chain, or Business Administration.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Understanding of how to manage contract terms and how to negotiate the best contracts within the logistics industry
• Proficient in MS Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint