Purchasing Manager Job

Job Title: Purchasing Manager

Department: Finance Department

Reports To: Financial Manager

Responsible For: Directly supervises the Purchasing clerk

Scope: The incumbent in this position is responsible to purchase the products and services the Lodges needs at the best price in the quality and quantity requested in a timely manner, to ensure the achievement of the Lodges profitability objectives and satisfaction of internal and external customers.

Duties/ Responsibilities

• To find the best merchandise at the lowest possible purchase cost.
• To find the best goods or services, choose suppliers, negotiate prices, and grant contracts that ensure that the right amount of the product or service is received when it is needed.
• Research sales records and inventory levels of current stock, find foreign and domestic suppliers, and stay current on any changes in either the supply of or demand for needed products and materials.
• Finding good suppliers is crucial therefore it is your responsibility to evaluate suppliers on multiple criteria (price, quality, service support, availability, reliability, selection, etc.).
• Study catalogs, industry and company publications, directories, and trade journals, often on the Internet. Reputation and history of a supplier is important, and future purchase actions may be advertised in order to solicit bids.
• Use meetings, trade shows, conferences, and suppliers’ plants and distribution centers to inspect products and services, assess a supplier’s production and distribution capabilities, and discuss other relevant considerations.
• Be familiar with the technical aspects of the goods or services you purchase.
• Storing past bids and offers, tracking supplier performance,
• Supervises subordinate personnel including delegating assignments, training, monitoring and evaluating performance,.
• To provide information or determine the most effective way of meeting the needs of all the units including HML.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, standards and guidelines in the purchasing field.
• Review and/or inspect work for quality, accuracy, and completeness.
• Obtains, documents, and hands over to the Stores Clerk to tabulate the quotes on items covered by existing contracts.
• Analyzes, summarizes and/or reviews data; reports findings, interprets results and/or makes recommendations.
• Monitors frequency of purchases and recommends possible options to increase effectiveness of purchasing power.
• Responsible for procurement for the group
• Responsible for sourcing and establish professional relationship with competitive suppliers who offer quality and credit terms suitable to the company
• Responsible for effective periodical market survey and proficient bargaining to optimise the company's profits
• Responsible for the fore planning of the departments expectations and rendered services to the respective units
• Responsible for transportation logistical arrangements for the group
• Responsible for the day to day department administration
• Responsible for safe guarding the implementation of the companies policies and stipulated regulations
• Ensures all normally required goods have current price lists
• Ensures that there are no alterations of documents and where they exist, are properly approved
• Ensures that items required are obtained when needed, in right quantities and best prices;
• Will safeguard price quotes/lists of suppliers from other suppliers so as to maintain competitiveness and avoid ill will against a supplier by his colleagues
• Maintain a list of active suppliers per each category of goods
• Carry out a monthly market survey to ensure prices charged are justified
• Promote teamwork among colleagues

Job Profile

Education: Equivalent of an Internationally recognized College Diploma in purchasing or any related field such as Administration or Finance.

Experience: 3 to 5 years experience in a purchasing management position, preferably above three star hotel operations.

Competencies

Management/Leadership

• Demonstrate teamwork
• Train
• Motivate
• Excellent Planner / organizer
• Problem solving & decision making

Task Achievement

• Concern for quality
• Good negotiator
• Managing performance
• Results oriented
• Self Initiative

Communication

• Excellent oral and written skills

Technical Competencies

• Negotiation skills
• Knowledge of the hotel industry suppliers
• Knowledge of the local and international market
• Knowledge of the legal aspects related to the job function

Individual Characteristics

• Analytical thinking
• Integrity

Other Skills (Language, Computers)

• Fluent in English, Kiswahili is a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Software: Word and Excel and other material management software systems.

The content of this job description will be reviewed on a regular basis to incorporate any new responsibilities which reflect our business requirements.

If you meet the above requirements send your CV and application letter to info@byappointmentafrica.com.

ONLY short listed candidates will be contacted.

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Computech Systems Admin and NT Engineer Jobs

We are looking for dynamic, innovative, diligent and resilient personalities to join our world class team of engineers.

Systems Administrator (1)

Job Purpose

Ensure the domain and Microsoft exchange network are designed and configured for optimal performance

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

• Manage Domain and exchange services in compliance to SLAs.
• Develop, document and manage the implementation of domain policies for a standard, easy-to maintain and secure environment
• Project manage the analysis of the impact and the testing of OS and application upgrades and patches and implement automated deployment to improve efficiency and functionality
• Continuous design, implementation and administration of the domain and exchange network to ensure optimal performance.
• Develop an automated anti-virus updates policy and manage the implementation to ensure the desktop and network environment is secure and reliable
• Research, evaluate and manage the introduction and implementation of the domain, exchange and network products for cost effectiveness and forward planning
• Provide leadership and coordination to the domain administration teams
• Manage the Configuration and inventory update processes and capacity management of all domain and exchange services.
• Develop Exchange and Domain Services budget

Knowledge, Skills, Experience

• Graduate in IT or related field.
• MCSE.
• Five years relevant experience of which one year at supervisory level.
• Good knowledge and experience in Microsoft Active Domain and Exchange networks.
• Experience in ITIL or MOF Service Delivery Framework.
• Good analytical skills.
• Good oral and written Communication skills.
• Experience in customer relationship management.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Project management skills

Network Engineers (2)

Job Purpose

This position will be responsible for setting up, Installing and monitoring networks (LAN and WAN). The incumbent will perform a wide variety of evaluation, maintenance, installation, and training tasks to ensure the computer network performance meets company and user satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Acting as the Situation Manager, to repair and reform unplanned events that adversely affect the network or computing environment.
• Network administrator supports, Manages, and ensures operating capability of both the LAN and WAN networks both wireless and wired are up for all hours of operation.
• Ensuring hardware, software, and network upgrades, installs, re-installs, changes and relocations are efficiently completed as required.
• Installing, configuring, and maintaining PCs, UNIX workstations, Novell networks, file servers, network cabling and Ethernet networks.
• Troubleshooting computing systems, networks, and applications to identify malfunctions and correct them as well as other operational difficulties.
• Investigating, recommending and installing enhancements and operating procedures that regulate network availability.
• Planning and implementing network security, including setting up firewalls, managing host security, applying cryptography to network applications, and regulating file permissions.

If you possess the above skills and competencies please send your Detailed CV and application letter to hr@computechlimited.com

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications should reach us no later than Friday 18/2/2011 at 5pm.

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ICIPE PHD Student Career Opportunity

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and their partners are seeking a motivated PhD student to conduct research on water and nutrients dynamics in organic vs. conventional farming system in Kenya.

He/she will be based at icipe Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya and will be attached to an EU university.

Background

icipe, FiBL and their partners are conducting long-term system comparison research in two sites in Kenya (Thika and Chuka). Organic versus conventional production systems, at two input levels, are being compared in a three-year rotation including maize and vegetables since 2007.

The project aims to provide solid agronomic and socio-economic data on major organic and conventional agriculture production systems in selected project regions.

Thereby the project wants to contribute to establishing a scientific base for organic agriculture in developing countries on the basis of existing long-term field trials.

In addition, the project locally adapts and further develops technology innovations for major organic production systems using participatory approaches. Similar experiments are also being carried out in India and Bolivia, where PhD students were also recruited to conduct the same study.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will study the water and nutrient dynamics in organic and conventional farming systems. Key research emphasis of the incumbent will include:

• Investigating N availability and use efficiencies across different seasons in organic vs. conventional production systems
• Establishing the effect of soil moisture availability on previous process
• Modeling N and water dynamics in each farming system

Requirements

Applicants must have a MSc in Agronomy with experience in soil science.

The successful applicants should have ideally a strong foundation in quantitative analysis and modeling of soil and plant nutrients, and should also have a proven track-record of R&D relating to promoting good agricultural practices for enhanced sustainable production and food security.

He/she should have demonstrated ability to publish in high quality peer-reviewed scientific journals and should have outstanding oral and written English communication skills.

Conditions

The successful applicant will be attached to an EU university where he/she will spend 4–6 months per year to fulfill the academic requirements. The rest of the time shall be spent in Kenya for data collection.

Financial support is available for four years, based on commitment and results. Employment benefits include an attractive remuneration package and other benefits.
Application

Kindly send applications with a motivation letter, a CV, university records and the names and contact information of three referees by e-mail before 15 February 2011 to the following e-mail addresses:

Dr Adenirin Chabi-Olaye ( achabi@icipe.org)

Dr Juan Guillermo Cobo ( juan.cobo@fibl.org)

icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Procurement Manager Job

Procurement Manager

Job Ref: BA/PM/21

About this position

Our client is looking for a Procurement Manager who will be responsible for providing efficient and cost effective procurement services to support the business at Headquarter and operations level.

The holder of this position will deliver high quality professional procurement logistics and administration services and lead the development and implementation of tools, processes, policies and practices covering all aspects of the procurement chain.

Ability to deal with hands on issues 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 but with key linkages with all other departments.

Responsibilities of the Procurement Manager

More specifically:

• Introduce a formalized approach in the company to guide all procurement activities for both goods and services
• Developing and implementing policies, procedures, tools and guidelines to ensure effective and efficient procurement processes in the company and to assure seamless procurement services as the company’s procurement demand grows
• Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with suppliers, contractors and other partners within the procurement services chain to create a partnership that adds value to Bridge International Academies
• Negotiation of prices, lead times and other contractual terms with suppliers in Kenya and other parts of the world as may be required
• Reviewing and embedding with user departments the technical specifications for production materials required for school operations, equipment or construction requirements
• Closely overseeing the acquisition of materials needed for production of learning and training requirements, general supplies for offices and facilities, equipment, and construction contracts 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
• Creating and fostering relationships with diverse logistics and purchasing professional associations to ensure gainful experience and knowledge sharing
• Seek, evaluate and recommend reliable vendors or suppliers to provide quality goods or services at reasonable prices
• Determining quantity and timing of deliveries and keeping track of lead times throughout the procurement process
• Working with department managers and other staff to forecast demand of procurement services and to ascertain that goods are received as ordered and payments processed only for certified confirmations of deliveries or service
• Budgeting, reporting and analysis of procurement costs to ensure high visibility and control of procurement related expenses
• Periodic reporting of procurement activities and projects
• Training and developing of best practice procurement knowledge across the company management team
• Supervision of procurement project staff in other departments to ensure standard practice and knowledge transfer.
• 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, Technology, Land 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 6 to 10 years experience in full lifecycle procurement management preferably for a large fast growing service or trading 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 management of construction materials in a large scale environment where both formal and informal vendors operate will be a definite advantage.
• Hands on knowledge of warehousing, inventory management and dealing with printers for multiple jobs is desirable
• Professional qualifications in purchasing and supplies management
• 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 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 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

Deadline for applications: 22nd February 2011

If you meet the above requirements send your CV and application letter to info@byappointmentafrica.com.

ONLY short listed candidates will be contacted.

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