Procurement Job in Kenya - Bridge International Academies

About Bridge International Academies

Bridge International Academies is a for-profit startup company revolutionizing education across Africa with a unique business model. The company runs a large-scale network of low-cost primary schools in Kenya that significantly outperforms other primary schools in the same areas because of our “school in a box” systems.

Our schools profitably deliver this high-quality education for less than $4 per child per month, which enable the schools to cover all their costs and create a profitable central organization at scale. We have launched 37 schools in Kenya; we will double in size in the next 6 months, and plan to rapidly scale the company to serve more than 1 million students across the continent.

About this position

Bridge International Academies is looking for a Procurement Officer (Printing) who will be responsible for managing the day to day procurement activities and coordinating with heads of departments to ensure timely purchase of required category items for Headquarters.

The holder of this position will deliver high quality professional procurement administration services and support the Procurement Manager in the development and implementation of tools, processes, policies and practices covering all aspects of the Supply chain. Ability to deal with hands on issues, creation of practical solutions as well as participate in strategic thinking will be key to success in this position.

This is a key position within the company’s Finance and Administration function reporting to the Procurement Officer (Printing) but with guidance from Procurement Manager.

Responsibilities of the Procurement Officer (Printing)

• The person will work with head of Operations, Administration and Marketing department under the guidance of the Procurement Manager/Officer in the bidding documents preparation, bidding process and preparation of framework agreements with suppliers for the diverse construction material requirement and ensuring value for money.
• Implementing the category strategy including sourcing activities which generate benefits and achieve value.
• The Procurement Officer will be required to closely monitor and oversee the acquisition of printed materials, school & training supplies needed for production of learning and training requirements, general supplies for office and schools support team, marketing material while ensuring visibility of the process at each stage.
• Leveraging online procurement resources to identify and use appropriate channels within the vast e-commerce environment both locally and internationally
• Use of world class procurement practice and tools to develop and implement the sourcing strategies for the category items.
• Provide support in the negotiation of contractual agreements with suppliers to ensure that service, quality, added value, lowest total cost, security of supply and the deployment of the supplier’s capabilities are secured.
• To ensure that internal customer and supplier relationships are maintained well for the procurement category to deliver breakthrough performance in cost, service and quality.
• Support the procurement manager to maximize the use of the Bridge International Academies funds by identifying best practice and leveraging spend for the procurement category including monitoring available framework agreements.
• Prepare and maintain appropriate reports and provide administrative support
• Creating and fostering relationships with diverse logistics and purchasing professional associations to ensure gainful experience and knowledge sharing

More specifically:

• Determining quantity and timing of printing turnarounds and deliveries keeping up to date schedules to track lead times throughout the procurement process
• Working with department managers and other staff to come up with annual/quarterly procurement plans.
• Engaging suppliers on performance issues and providing feedback
• Closing out purchase orders, files and archiving documents
• Working internally and with external legal support to ensure suitable agreements that would ensure appropriate terms of engagement with suppliers of high value equipment such as capital items, and warranty covered purchases
• Support School Operations, Training, Marketing and Construction departments and other functions in legal and contractual processes for their procurement needs.
• Advise management on required areas of improvement to enhance procurement processes

About You

• Minimum of 3-5 years experience in procurement administration preferably for a big publishing house or service organization with multiple procurement requirements
• An expert level of knowledge in procurement including, but not limited to sourcing, pricing, contracts, relationship management and due diligence on suppliers and contractors
• Experience with procurement of publishing, educational services firms in a large scale environment where both formal and informal vendors operate will be a definite advantage.
• Professional qualifications in purchasing and supplies management is essential
• Bachelors Degree in business, economics or other Social Science or related discipline
• Must be able to manage competing demands, accept criticism and constructive feedback, while being extremely efficient, adaptable and flexible
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills are required
• Ability to present procurement feedback, policies and procedures to senior managers.
• Demonstrated ability to organize large volumes of procurement and delivery requirements for a broad range of office and operational needs. Must have the ability to quickly learn and improve systems
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately
• Strong initiative and solid judgment skills and abilities
• High level of integrity and ethical behaviour
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office suite applications

You can apply and view detailed job requisitions on the careers page at www.bridgeinternationalacademies.com