Sourcing Specialist
We want you!
The Sourcing Specialist is responsible for strategically sourcing and procuring all goods and services—covering both direct materials critical to the core printing business and indirect spending across Skanem Africa (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania). This role manages the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for the organization, ensuring cost-effectiveness, quality, compliance, and supply chain continuity across all procurement activities.
Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Market Analysis:
• Direct Spend (Printing Focus): Identify, evaluate, and secure suppliers for core printing materials, including paper stocks, inks, plates, toners, and finishing supplies.
• Indirect Spend (Organizational Focus): Lead sourcing efforts for non-production goods and services, such as IT hardware/software, professional services (consulting, legal), facilities maintenance, office supplies, utilities etc
• Conduct market research to analyze trends, commodity price changes, and supplier landscapes for both direct and indirect categories.
Cross-Border Procurement & Compliance:
• Manage and coordinate procurement needs for the Skanem companies in East Africa, ensuring processes align with local regulations, tax structures, and import/export requirements.
• Establish regional sourcing strategies to leverage volume across both geographical locations where feasible.
• Work with East Africa operations to identify local suppliers and mitigate cross-border supply chain risks.
Supplier Management & Negotiation:
• Develop and execute competitive sourcing (RFPs, RFQs) for all procurement categories.
• Lead negotiations for pricing, terms, conditions, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to achieve optimal Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
• Establish and manage key supplier relationships, driving performance improvement in terms of quality, delivery, and cost.
• Monitor and manage supplier contracts for compliance, expiration, and renewal.
Stakeholder Collaboration & Process Management:
• Collaborate closely with internal departments (Production, Planning, Finance, HR, IT) to understand their unique needs, define specifications, and manage demand forecasts effectively.
• Ensure all sourcing and procurement activities comply with company policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards across East Africa operating countries.
• Maintain accurate records and utilize ERP/procurement systems for efficient P2P (Procure-to-Pay) process execution.
Person Specifications
Academic Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Industry-recognized certifications are a plus.
Experience
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in strategic sourcing or procurement, with experience managing both direct and indirect spend categories. Experience in the printing/manufacturing sector is a strong asset.
• Demonstrated experience in managing procurement activities across different geographical locations, ideally within East Africa or managing similar cross-border supply chains.
Skills and Attributes
Technical Skills:
• Working knowledge of print production materials and processes is highly beneficial.
• Familiarity with procurement best practices for corporate functions.
• Exceptional negotiation, contract management, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in financial analysis (cost modelling, variance analysis).
• Strong ability to manage complex logistics and regulatory requirements related to cross-border procurement.
Soft Skills:
• Exceptional Negotiation Skills: Ability to achieve favourable terms while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
• Analytical and Critical Thinking: Skill in evaluating complex market data, RFPs, and supplier risks to make strategic decisions.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Clear and effective communication with diverse internal teams (HR, Finance, Production etc) and external partners.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to contract language, material specifications, and regulatory documentation, especially for cross-border transactions.
• Adaptability: Proven ability to manage supply chain disruptions and rapidly changing business requirements.
Strong preferences will be given to candidates with the requisite qualifications, skills and experience.
The title should be clearly indicated as email reference. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Details
Sourcing Specialist
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Published: Dec 10, 2025
Deadline: Dec 19, 2025
Start date: Flexible
Apply now
