Country Procurement Manager - Africa at KONE

Role Overview:

• The Country Procurement Manager Africa leads and oversees procurement activities within South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Morocco & Tunisia. This position requires close coordination with local business operations and alignment with the Procurement leads of the relevant units. The role focuses on implementing global or area-based procurement strategies, managing supplier selection and negotiations, and driving supplier performance and relationship management. Reporting to the Head of Procurement for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, the Country Procurement Manager Africa will be involved in coaching stakeholders on spend optimization and ensuring alignment with broader Procurement objectives and strategies.

Key Responsibilities and Activities:

Leadership and Coordination:

• Act as a key counterpart to other business functions in the country.
• Represent Procurement in cross-functional teams and country management forums.
• Supervise the Procurement team for the above-specified countries.

Strategic and Operational Management:

• Drive the availability, quality, and cost optimization of materials and services.
• Facilitate cross-functional cost management steering in the country.
• Address local procurement requirements and align them with area procurement strategies.

Supplier Management:

• Act as a contract owner for selected suppliers.
• Handle escalated supplier issues.
• Manage supplier selection, tendering, negotiation, and relationship management.

Implementation and Optimization:

• Implement global and area category plans at the country level.
• Coach stakeholders on spend optimization and cost management strategies.

Are you the one?

Educational and Language Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
• Additional qualifications in Supply Chain Management or Procurement are advantageous.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential.

Professional and Technical Skills:

• Strong supply market knowledge in the relevant area of spend.
• Proficiency in supplier tendering, negotiation, and contract management.
• Familiarity with supplier performance, quality management, and relationship management.
• Knowledge of relevant technologies and systems in procurement.

Experience Requirements:

• 8–15 years of experience in procurement and supply chain management.
• Familiarity with local procurement laws and supplier networks is a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership or management experience.
• Experience working in an international/multinational environment is an advantage.

Core Competencies:

• Strong people management skills.
• Effective stakeholder management abilities.
• Expertise in change management processes.
• Strategic and analytical mindset for cost optimization.