Senior Specialist - Procurement & Contract

Job Purpose

• Develop & Implement procurement strategies to optimize efficiency and cost effectiveness including overseeing the end-to-end procurement lifecycle, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with school policies and relevant regulations.
• Analyze industry and demand trends and support senior management with the development and implementation of sourcing strategies.
• Ensuring effective procurement activities which will contribute on to cost savings, quality assurance, risk management, vendor relationship and overall efficiency within school operations.

Specific Duties

• Contract Development: Overseeing the entire lifecycle of contracts, from the initial negotiation phase to contract execution and compliance monitoring. Draft and review contracts, including terms and conditions, specifications, and pricing details. In addition, collaborate with legal to ensure the term and condition of the contract are concise and in compliance with school procurement policies.
• Supplier Relationship Management & Negotiation: Responsible in building and maintaining effective relationships with suppliers/incumbent service providers, evaluate supplier performance based on the past procurement business relationships and negotiating to secure favorable terms and prices.
• Negotiation: Participate in contract negotiations with vendors to secure favorable terms and conditions for the organization. Negotiate with the vendor and addresses any potential challenges before the finalization of the contract.
• Compliance Management: Ensure contracts comply with applicable laws, regulations, and school policies. Conduct periodic reviews to ensure no disputes or discrepancies from the contract terms. Manage and monitor contract performance, ensuring adherence to established SLA’s and KPI’s.
• Vendor Relationship Management: Address and resolve issues that may arise during the contract period, fostering collaboration and effective communication and monitor vendor performance.
• Documentation and Recordkeeping: Maintain accurate and organized contract documentation, including versions, amendments, and correspondence which will assist on audit and compliance purposes.
• Policy Adherence: Ensure that all contracting activities align with school policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Ethical Procurement: Ensure to Adhere to ethical standards and ensure transparency in all negotiation processes.
• Sustainable Procurement: Responsible in accounting for environmental and social factors in procurement decisions where applicable.

Qualifications, Experience & Skills Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field, Certificates, Advanced certificate, Diploma from chartered institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Qualifications 

Minimum Experience

5+ years’ experience in a similar role as a procurement officer in an educational institution

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in procurement software and tools.
• Knowledge of procurement laws and regulations.
• Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.
• Leadership skills with experience managing a team.