What is your role?
You oversee the purchasing team and responsible for keeping on top of De Heus raw materials and office needs. Seek out reliable and quality suppliers and negotiates reasonable prices on orders. Communicates pro-actively with the formulations team in the head-office in Netherlands and the local team members from different departments like quality, production and sales. This role involves strategic planning, supplier relationship management, cost control, and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality materials.

As this company is just starting up, the role will shift from laying the groundwork and recruit team members to the day-to-day management of the purchasing cycle.
This role reports to the Managing Director of Uganda and works closely with the formulations team based in the Netherlands.

Your key responsibilities are to:
• Develop and implement effective purchasing strategies to ensure a reliable supply of raw materials.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers based on quality, cost, reliability, and service.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with suppliers to secure the best possible deals.
• Monitor market trends and conditions to anticipate price fluctuations and supply risks.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Conduct regular supplier audits together with quality team to ensure compliance with company standards and expectations.
• Address and resolve any issues or disputes with suppliers promptly regarding differences in payment, quantities, quality etc.

Analyze procurement data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Prepare and present regular reports on procurement performance, cost savings, and supplier performance.
• Develop and implement inventory control procedures to ensure accurate tracking and reporting.
• Contracting transporters for raw material pick-up and delivery to factory

What do we expect from you?
You need to be structured, highly motivated, and good with people. This job demands strong communication skills and attention to detail.

Our ideal candidate:
• Has a degree in purchasing & logistics, supply chain management or a related field, with at least five (5) years’ experience in a similar role, of which three should have been in a senior office or management role
• Is knowledgeable in market research, data analysis, and forecasting techniques.
• Is highly organized, efficient, and proactive. Committed to ethical purchasing practices and sustainability.
• Is confident and an assertive self-starter. Has strong problem-solving, conflict-handling, and negotiation skills.
• Has a working knowledge of current legislation on purchasing
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Power BI