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Head of Procurement

Talent Grid Africa

Nairobifull time~KES 400k – 450k/mo1d ago

Quick Take

The Role

Lead end-to-end procurement strategy, supplier negotiations, and supply chain operations for a premium retail and furniture company, reporting directly to executive leadership.

You Need

4+ years leading procurement teams, proven ability to negotiate high-value contracts with local and international suppliers, and expertise in import logistics and customs compliance.

You Get

Senior leadership role with strategic impact, competitive salary of KES 400,000–450,000/month, and opportunity to drive cost efficiency and supply chain resilience in the premium retail sector.

Job Description

Role Overview

Our client, a leading player in the premium retail, furniture, and interiors sector, is seeking a seasoned and strategic Head of Procurement to join their senior leadership team. This is a high-impact role designed for a procurement professional who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments and can balance operational excellence with long-term strategic thinking.

Reporting directly to executive leadership, the successful candidate will take full ownership of the procurement function — from policy development and supplier negotiations to inventory planning and import logistics. You will play a pivotal role in driving cost efficiency, supply chain resilience, and business growth through smart sourcing and supplier partnerships, both locally and internationally.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop, implement, and continuously refine the organisation's end-to-end procurement strategy aligned with business growth objectives.
  • Lead and manage both local and international supplier relationships, ensuring quality, reliability, and value for money across all categories.
  • Oversee contract negotiations, vendor due diligence, and supplier performance evaluations to maintain a competitive and compliant supply base.
  • Drive optimisation of sourcing processes, including category management, spend analysis, and procurement planning cycles.
  • Manage inventory planning in collaboration with operations and finance teams to minimise stockouts and excess inventory costs.
  • Oversee import processes, customs compliance, and logistics coordination for international shipments.
  • Implement and manage procurement systems and tools that improve visibility, efficiency, and reporting across the supply chain.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the procurement team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure full compliance with procurement policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical sourcing standards.
  • Provide regular reporting and insights to senior leadership on procurement performance, risks, and opportunities.
Required Skills & Experience
  • Must be able to design and execute multi-category procurement strategies that align sourcing decisions with business priorities and budget targets.
  • Must demonstrate proven ability to negotiate high-value contracts with local and international suppliers, achieving measurable cost savings and service improvements.
  • Must be capable of managing complex import processes end-to-end, including customs clearance, freight coordination, and regulatory compliance.
  • Must have successfully led and developed procurement teams in a senior leadership capacity for at least 4 years.
  • Must be able to leverage procurement systems (ERP or similar) to generate data-driven insights and improve supply chain decision-making.
  • Must hold a Bachelor's Degree in Procurement & Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Commerce, Logistics, or a related field.
  • Must hold a professional certification: CPSP(K), CIPS, KISM, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
  • Must bring a minimum of 8 years of progressive procurement and supply chain experience, with at least 4 years in a senior leadership role.
  • Candidates with experience in premium retail, furniture, interiors, luxury goods, or related high-value consumer sectors will have a distinct advantage.
Salary & Benefits

The successful candidate will earn a competitive monthly gross salary of KES 400,000 – 450,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This package reflects the seniority and strategic importance of the role within the organisation.

  • Competitive senior-level salary (KES 400K – 450K gross per month)
  • Opportunity to shape and lead a strategic function within a growing premium brand
  • Exposure to both local and international supply chain operations
Who Should Apply

Ideal candidate: You are a results-driven procurement leader with deep expertise across the full supply chain spectrum. You have a strong commercial mindset, are comfortable operating at the intersection of strategy and execution, and have a track record of delivering measurable value through procurement excellence. You understand the nuances of sourcing premium or luxury products and can build supplier relationships that reflect the brand's standards.

Please do NOT apply if: You have fewer than 8 years of procurement experience, have not held a formal senior leadership role, lack the required professional certification, or have no experience managing international sourcing and import logistics. This is not an entry or mid-level role.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please follow the steps below:

  • Prepare an updated CV highlighting your procurement leadership experience, key achievements, and professional certifications.
  • Submit your application through the Talent Grid Africa recruitment portal or the job board where this listing is published.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for an initial screening interview.
  • Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted applicants will receive feedback.

Requirements Breakdown

Must Have

  • Bachelor's Degree in Procurement & Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Commerce, Logistics, or related field
  • Professional certification: CPSP(K) or equivalent (posting appears incomplete but certification is mandatory)
  • Minimum 4 years experience leading and developing procurement teams in a senior role
  • Proven ability to design and execute multi-category procurement strategies aligned with business priorities
  • Demonstrated expertise in managing complex import processes including customs clearance and freight coordination

Nice to Have

  • Experience with ERP systems or advanced procurement software platforms
  • Track record of achieving measurable cost savings through supplier negotiations
  • Background in premium retail, furniture, or luxury goods sector
  • Experience managing both local and international supplier networks simultaneously

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Salary Context

Competitive senior management salary for Nairobi, positioned at the upper end for experienced procurement leaders.

At KES 400,000–450,000/month, this role sits above average for Head of Procurement positions in Nairobi, reflecting the seniority, strategic scope, and leadership requirements. Senior procurement roles in Kenya typically range from KES 350,000–500,000 depending on industry sector, company size, and candidate experience; premium retail and international logistics exposure commands higher pay.

About Talent Grid Africa

T

Talent Grid Africa is a recruitment and talent solutions firm specializing in senior placements across East Africa. Their client—a leading player in premium retail, furniture, and interiors—represents the high-end commercial segment with significant local and import operations. Working through Talent Grid Africa gives you access to a growth-stage business with international ambitions and direct executive visibility.

Likely Interview Questions

  • 1

    Tell us about a time you designed a procurement strategy that directly contributed to cost savings or supply chain resilience. What was the impact, and how did you measure success?

  • 2

    Walk us through your experience managing international suppliers and import logistics. How have you handled customs compliance issues or supply chain disruptions?

  • 3

    Describe your approach to leading and developing a procurement team. How do you foster accountability and continuous improvement?

  • 4

    This role requires balancing local and international sourcing while managing inventory and cost. How would you approach optimizing our spend across multiple categories in the furniture and retail sector?

  • 5

    What procurement systems or tools have you used to drive visibility and data-driven decision-making? How would you implement improvements in our processes?

Application Tips

  • Lead with quantified procurement wins: include specific examples of cost savings percentages, supplier reductions, or cycle time improvements you've achieved in previous roles.

  • Emphasize your experience with import logistics and customs—this is a differentiator for this role. Mention any exposure to furniture, retail, or high-value goods procurement.

  • Highlight your leadership development impact: mention team size managed, retention rates, or how you've built high-performing procurement functions from scratch or through transformation.

Career Path

Roles that lead here

Senior Procurement Officer or Procurement Manager (3–4 years experience)
Category Manager or Strategic Sourcing Manager
Supply Chain Supervisor with procurement focus

Where this leads

Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) or VP Supply Chain at larger organizations
Director of Operations or Supply Chain Director
Chief Operating Officer (COO) in retail or manufacturing

Skills & Keywords

head of procurementprocurement manager kenyasupply chain jobs nairobisenior procurement rolecpsp-k jobscips certified procurementluxury retail procurementinternational sourcing kenya

Honest Assessment

Green Flags

  • Direct reporting to executive leadership signals genuine strategic influence and C-suite visibility—not a siloed operational role.
  • Salary range is transparent and competitive, showing the employer values senior procurement talent.
  • Role spans both local and international procurement with clear import/logistics scope, offering breadth of experience and market exposure.
  • High-growth sector (premium retail and furniture) with likely expansion opportunities, giving long-term career trajectory.

Watch Out

  • Job posting appears incomplete: the required certification line reads 'CPSP(K), C' and cuts off mid-requirement—clarify what additional certifications (e.g., APICS, SCMG) are mandatory.
  • Recruiter is Talent Grid Africa (placement firm), not the direct employer. Ensure clarity on onboarding, reporting line, and benefits before committing, as these details typically vary by client company.

A Day in the Life

☀️

Your week oscillates between strategic and operational: Monday morning you facilitate a sourcing category review with the finance and operations teams, analysing spend patterns and supplier performance dashboards. Mid-week you conduct a supplier negotiation call with an international furniture manufacturer, refining payment terms and delivery schedules while ensuring compliance with import regulations. You spend 2–3 hours mentoring your procurement team through complex contract negotiations, and by Friday you're preparing a supply chain risk report for the executive team, flagging logistics delays and recommending alternative suppliers. Throughout the week you're leveraging your ERP system to track inventory levels, monitoring customs clearance status on incoming shipments, and reviewing vendor scorecards—balancing the pressure to reduce costs against the need to maintain service quality in a premium retail market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to be a Head of Procurement at Talent Grid Africa?

You'll need a Bachelor's Degree in Procurement & Supply Chain Management or a related field, a professional certification (CPSP(K) or equivalent), and minimum 4 years experience leading procurement teams in a senior role. Proven expertise in multi-category sourcing and import logistics is essential.

Is the Head of Procurement role at Talent Grid Africa remote or office-based?

The posting specifies the location as Nairobi and does not mention remote work options. This is a full-time role, and given the senior leadership nature and need for in-person supplier negotiations and team leadership, on-site presence is likely expected.

How much does a Head of Procurement earn at Talent Grid Africa?

The posted salary is KES 400,000–450,000 per month, which is competitive for an experienced Head of Procurement in Nairobi. This reflects the strategic seniority, leadership scope, and expertise in international procurement required for the role.

What are the career growth opportunities after this role?

This role positions you for advancement into Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), VP of Supply Chain, Director of Operations, or eventually Chief Operating Officer roles, particularly in growing retail or manufacturing sectors. The strategic exposure and executive reporting line accelerate leadership trajectory.

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