Procurement Specialist – China

Tatu City, developed by Rendeavour — Africa's largest urban land developer — is seeking an experienced Procurement Specialist – China to anchor its China-to-Africa sourcing and supply chain function. Based at Tatu City in Kenya, this role is the critical bridge between Rendeavour's fast-growing African project portfolio and the vast manufacturing and supplier ecosystem in China.

The successful candidate will own end-to-end procurement activities — from supplier identification and contract negotiation in China, through logistics and customs clearance, to timely delivery at African project sites. This is a senior, high-impact role requiring fluency in both Mandarin and English, deep knowledge of Chinese export markets, and hands-on experience managing complex cross-border supply chains.

• Identify, prequalify, and maintain a vetted pool of Chinese suppliers and manufacturers across construction materials, equipment, IT, marketing items, and operational goods.
• Lead price negotiations, contract drafting, and bid evaluations to secure competitive terms without compromising quality.
• Conduct factory visits, supplier audits, and due diligence checks to enforce quality and ethical sourcing standards.
• Manage the full procurement cycle — RFQ issuance, order placement, shipment tracking, and delivery confirmation — for all China-sourced goods.
• Oversee export documentation, customs clearance, and logistics coordination with freight forwarders, shipping agents, and clearing firms across African destinations.
• Monitor and apply appropriate Incoterms (FOB, CIF, EXW, etc.) and ensure full compliance with international trade and export regulations.
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks including delays, quality defects, and regulatory non-compliance.
• Collaborate with Rendeavour's Africa-based procurement, construction, project, marketing, and farm teams to align China sourcing with live demand forecasts.
• Report regularly to the Group Head of Procurement on order status, supplier performance, and emerging market trends.
• Support the Finance team with payment documentation, invoices, and reconciliation records.
• Drive ESG compliance and sustainability principles throughout the China supply chain.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready procurement records in ERP and supply chain management systems.

• Must hold a Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Must communicate fluently in both Mandarin and English — spoken and written — to negotiate directly with Chinese suppliers and report to English-speaking leadership.
• Must demonstrate at least 7 years of procurement and international sourcing experience, with 3–5 of those years specifically in China-Africa trade corridors.
• Must be able to independently navigate Chinese supplier markets, factory environments, and export procedures without requiring local guidance.
• Must understand African import requirements, port clearance processes, and last-mile delivery logistics across multiple African countries.
• Must be proficient in ERP and procurement management systems, and able to use supply chain analytics to inform sourcing decisions.
• Should hold or be working towards a professional certification such as CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent.
• Must demonstrate strong contract management, risk assessment, and stakeholder communication skills in a multicultural environment.

Tatu City offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with the seniority and international scope of this role. The estimated monthly salary range is KES 250,000 – 400,000, reflecting the specialised Mandarin language requirement, cross-border expertise, and 7+ years of experience expected. Actual offer will depend on qualifications and experience. Benefits are expected to include medical cover, opportunities for international travel to China and across Rendeavour's African operations, and exposure to one of Africa's most ambitious urban development projects.

Ideal candidate: A Kenya-based or China-based procurement professional with proven China-Africa sourcing experience, native or professional Mandarin fluency, and a track record of managing high-value cross-border supply chains. You are detail-oriented, a strong negotiator, and comfortable working across time zones and cultures. You understand both Chinese business etiquette and African project realities.

Do NOT apply if: You do not speak Mandarin, you have fewer than 7 years of relevant procurement experience, or your background is limited to domestic Kenyan procurement with no exposure to Chinese supplier markets or international logistics. This role is not entry-level and requires immediate autonomy.

• Prepare an updated CV clearly highlighting your China-Africa procurement experience and Mandarin language proficiency.
• Write a concise cover letter (no more than one page) explaining your specific experience with Chinese suppliers and African import/export logistics.
• Submit your application through the Tatu City careers portal or the job platform where you found this listing.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial screening interview, followed by a technical assessment and panel interview.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.