Procurement Specialist (6-Month Contract) at West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC)

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement procurement policies, procedures and plans to ensure the timely acquisition of quality goods, works and services in line with business requirements
• Collaborate with internal departments to understand procurement needs, define specifications, confirm budgets and support accurate demand planning
• Undertake local and international sourcing while ensuring compliance with applicable policies, trade regulations and procurement best practices
• Identify, prequalify and onboard compliant suppliers across relevant markets to maintain a competitive, reliable and sustainable supplier base
• Develop go-to-market sourcing approaches, conduct supplier benchmarking and market surveys, and recommend strategies to diversify and strengthen the supplier database
• Coordinate tendering and bidding processes, including preparation of RFQs, RFPs and TORs, supplier clarifications, evaluations and award recommendations
• Conduct commercial analysis of supplier proposals and support technical and financial evaluations in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Negotiate pricing, purchase terms, service levels and contractual provisions to achieve value for money while mitigating commercial and operational risk
• Prepare, issue and track purchase orders and approvals in NetSuite, ensuring timely processing, accurate documentation and compliance with internal controls
• Follow up on countersigned purchase orders, delivery and documentation (proof of delivery) GRNs and billing start dates, particularly for network and recurring services
• Support cost optimisation initiatives through supplier negotiations, spend analysis, demand reviews and collaboration with internal stakeholders
• Analyse market, industry and demand trends and provide insights to support sourcing strategies and management decision-making
• Prepare and maintain procurement reports, trackers covering sourcing activities, supplier performance, savings, risk and compliance
• Monitor supplier performance against agreed requirements, service levels and delivery timelines, and support corrective actions where required
• Build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support service delivery, issue resolution and continuous improvement

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management or a related field
• Professional certification such as CIPS or equivalent is highly desirable
• Strong proficiency in ERP systems; NetSuite experience is an advantage

Experience and Skills

• At least 5 years’ experience in procurement and supply chain management, preferably within a multinational, telecommunications, technology, infrastructure or large corporate environment
• Strong knowledge of end-to-end procurement processes, including sourcing, tendering, supplier evaluation, negotiation, purchase order management, contract administration and supplier performance management
• Proven experience in local and international sourcing, with exposure to suppliers across African, European and Asian markets
• Good understanding of procurement compliance, import/export procedures, logistics, global shipping practices and relevant regulatory requirements
• Working knowledge of standard contractual terms and conditions, including commercial, service level and risk mitigation provisions
• Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships, develop sourcing strategies and support cost optimisation initiatives
• Experience in telecom-related procurement is highly desirable, including CAPEX for connectivity services, fibre builds, capacity, colocation, network equipment and accessories; data centre infrastructure such as MEPF and fit-out; OPEX categories including operations, administration, IT, marketing, finance and legal services; and logistics services
• Proficiency in procurement reporting, spend analysis and use of ERP systems, with NetSuite experience considered an advantage
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multicultural and cross-functional environment

Attributes

• Client focused, relationship builder
• Integrity, honest with high ethical standards
• Boundless, passionate and flexible
• Personal excellence, accuracy and attention to detail
• Collaborative, achieve results through teamwork