Procurement Manager

ABOUT ALU

ALU provides higher education for a higher purpose. Our students declare missions, not majors.
They develop the real-world skills to take on the world’s most pressing challenges. And they take ownership of their learning from day one through our peer and student-led approach – because ALU believes in the power and agency of young people to start shaping the future right now.
Together with a world-class faculty and staff, our students are igniting a ripple of positive impact across Africa and the world.

We are dedicated to fostering an open yet secure environment, balancing the safety of students, staff, and visitors with respect for individual rights, and safeguarding responsibilities.

HOW WE WORK

As a high-growth start-up, the ALU Team works in starkly different ways to traditional academic bureaucracies. We approach education from first principles, empower individuals to design, test, and implement creative new ideas, and work closely together to craft transformative learning experiences. We are deeply passionate about our students and excited by the challenge of building something entirely new.

The African Leadership University is committed to ensuring the safety and Well-being of all students under our care. As part of this commitment , we have a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place , which outlines our Zero-tolerance approach to any violation of safeguarding.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Procurement Manager is a key role responsible for overseeing all procurement activities for ALU Rwanda. This role involves developing and implementing procurement strategies, managing vendor relationships, ensuring compliance with procurement policies, and optimizing procurement processes to achieve cost savings and efficiency. The Procurement Manager will play a critical role in establishing a robust and transparent procurement framework that supports ALU Rwanda's strategic objectives.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Vendor Management:

• Identify and evaluate potential vendors based on quality, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.
• Develop and maintain a database of approved vendors.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors to secure favorable terms and conditions.
• Manage vendor performance and resolve any issues or disputes.

Procurement Process Design and Implementation:

• Design, document, and implement comprehensive procurement policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement processes for engaging with vendors, including RFQ/RFP processes, bidding, and contract management.
• Ensure that procurement processes are efficient, transparent, and compliant with ethical standards.
• Establish and maintain a system for tracking and reporting on procurement activities.

Process Utilization and Compliance:

• Ensure that all employees who engage vendors adhere to established procurement policies and procedures.
• Provide training and support to employees on procurement best practices.
• Monitor compliance with procurement policies and identify areas for improvement.

Checks and Balances:

• Implement internal controls to ensure the integrity of the procurement process.
• Conduct regular audits of procurement activities to identify and mitigate risks.
• Establish a system for approving and authorizing purchases.
• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for all procurement transactions.

Strategic Procurement:

• Develop and implement procurement strategies to achieve cost savings and improve efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to leverage economies of scale and negotiate better pricing.
• Analyze procurement data to identify trends and opportunities for optimization.
• Stay abreast of best practices and emerging trends in procurement.
• Such other duties in respect of the Company as may be reasonably assigned by your team manager.

Ensure the safety and well-being of all young persons and vulnerable adults with whom we deal,  by adhering to ALU’s comprehensive safeguarding policy, maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to any violations of safeguarding standards. 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in procurement and vendor management, preferably in an educational institution or non-profit organization.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing procurement policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated success in negotiating contracts and managing vendor relationships.
• Experience in implementing checks and balances and ensuring compliance with procurement regulations.
• A verifiable track record of achieving cost savings and improving procurement efficiency.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Functional Skills:

• Strong knowledge of procurement principles, practices, and procedures.
• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.  
• Proficiency in procurement software and systems.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Financial acumen and budgeting skills.
• Strong understanding of risk management and internal controls.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations related to procurement.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders.  
• Ethical and professional conduct.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.