Purchasing Manager

Role Purpose

As Purchasing Manager, you will lead and manage Operational Purchasing to ensure optimal inventory and availability of Raw Materials (RM), Purchased Finished Goods (PFG), and Direct Packaging Materials (DPM). You will operate in line with Group Purchasings regional and global agreements—or delegated local agreements—while adhering to all policies and procedures. Your work ensures the company meets its customer delivery service targets.

This position is based in Addis Ababa and reports to the Operation Manager.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the local purchasing team to ensure a competent, engaged, and future-ready workforce.
• Drive cross‑functional coordination to plan and order RM, PFG, and packaging materials in line with agreed prices and allocations.
• Continuously follow up on purchase orders and escalate issues when necessary.
• Report on local KPIs for Indirect and Raw Materials to management and support local management meetings as required.
• Evaluate and recommend optimal logistics solutions for all raw materials, considering packaging, transport, regulations, and costs.
• Support Group Purchasing by identifying and managing local suppliers, overseeing IM spending, and securing optimal agreements for designated Indirect Material categories.

Qualification and Experience

• Bachelors degree or higher within a relevant field
• 3 - 6 years of relevant experience in purchasing in a manufacturing company

Competence requirements

• Builds a useful network of contacts and relationships and utilizes it to achieve objectives

• Uses a methodical and systematic approach; plans ahead, defines clear priorities and allocates resources effectively

• Co-operates well with others; shares knowledge, experience and information; supports others in the pursuit of team goals

• Quickly understands and analyzes complex issues and problems; comes up with sound and rational judgments

• Acts on own initiative, makes things happen and accepts responsibility for the results

• Makes an impact; convinces and persuades others; promotes plans and ideas successfully

Additional Requirements

• Leadership experience is essential

• Project Management experience is essential.

• Willing to travel frequently as part of the job requirements.

• Experience with, and good understanding of, ERP and planning processes

• Experience in extracting and analyzing large amounts of data using excel or similar applications