Manager, Strategic Procurement

Area: Finance

Department: Procurement Services

Position: Manager, Strategic Procurement

Reports to: Director, Strategic Procurement

Purpose: The job holder is responsible for the sourcing and procurement process of the University projects and facilities requirements from goods and services from any point on globe in the most competitive and timely manner, assist in handling the administrative functions related to the processing of the university needs and requirements. Achieving cost savings and maintaining quality performance. Also, participate in supplier selection and negotiation processes. Plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of the buying team, and related workers, involved in the procurement process of the University projects and the facilities requirements purchases of materials and services. He/she will assist in developing and implementing the University purchasing policies and procedures. Also, assist in the budget process, the encumbrance management, and related functions, initiates, drafts, negotiate and administer the contracts related to the purchasing process. Analyze market and delivery systems in order to assess present and future material availability and sources. The position requires a high degree of maturity, being conscientious and ethical to ensure control and the proper responsible expenditure of university funds.

Responsibilities:

• Develop first-class service organizations that respond effectively to inquiries and engenders trust from the University community
• Ensure providing best customer service to internal clients of the procurement services unit in terms of quality, price and timely supply
• Determine proper sources of supply for most economical purchases from most competitive locally or international markets and to develop and maintain high level contact with key suppliers and service personnel
• Work with the procurement director and executive director in remapping of suppliers’ portfolios to increase the quality of the vendors per each cluster
• Prepare weekly, monthly and quarterly reports for all handled purchases
• Lead, manage and direct group of buyers who are responsible for top quality purchasing process
• Support in developing and implementing the purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures
• Manages and coordinates daily activities of personnel engaged in buying equipment, machinery, and supplies for projects and facility management
• Reviews, analyzes and recommends solutions to complicated purchasing problems and transactions. Professionally resolve problems, both internal and external, in a fair and ethical manner while protecting the long-term interests of the University
• Maintain all necessary records of local, international projects and facility management related purchases and Grants, quotations, prices, policies, procedures for the purchasing function and deliveries
• Work with auditors, prepare and file the contracts and grants required papers regarding AID, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)and other grants
• Maintain records of all projects and facility management orders and contracts. Effective proactive liaison with other departments as necessary to forecast. Plan to meet, and to supply demand on relevant quality.
• Reviews and analyzes purchase requisitions and contracts, and ensures they are in accordance with relevant laws, policies and requirements.
• Participate in the development of specifications for equipment, products or substitute materials. Review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids
• Assist in evaluating competitive offerings to determine the overall best offer for a product/service and the appropriate methods of procurement; conduct negotiation with potential suppliers to obtain agreement on pricing, delivery and other terms
• Prepare and analysis contracts, bids and agreements and work with legal office to draft proper contracts
• Prepare bid awards requiring senior administrators' approval
• Locate vendors of materials, equipment, supplies and services, and interview them in order to determine product availability and terms of sales
• Negotiate and administer the purchasing contracts
• Represent the university in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers
• Prepare reports regarding market conditions and merchandise costs
• Review purchase orders claims and contracts for conformance to university policy
• Resolve vendor or contractor grievances and claims against the American University in Cairo (AUC).
• Prepare reports, investigate complaints and secure adjustments, ensure standard compliance with legal requirements and make recommendations as to commodities which can be economically purchased on a contract basis
• Ensure a proper filing system of all local/International purchasing related documentation. May be responsible for preparing, overseeing and providing documents for audit purposes
• Supervise the follow-up and expediting of supplier deliveries to ensure orders/contracts timely fulfillment
• Effective proactive liaison with other departments as necessary to have a proactive plan.
• Support in leading any new internal initiative project
• Responsible of internal project implementation to increase buying efficiency, including planning, implementation and execution phases
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements:

Minimum Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• MBA in Supply Chain Management (SCM) is an asset.
• C.I.P.S procurement certification or C.S.C.P certification is an asset

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience within corporate and multinational companies

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of Supply chain management best practices.
• Strong Communication skills, analytical skills, leadership skills, working under stress, high level of tolerance, problem solving, and diplomatic, strategic thinking
• Professional user of E.R.P, knowledge of SAP is an advantage
• Detailed oriented with high numerical skills
• High organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Extensive negotiation skills
• High capability to manage multitasks simultaneously
• Must have a demonstrated passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality

This position is open until March 22, 2023

Placement is based on the candidate’s experience and skills. Only candidates who make it to the short list will be contacted.

"The American University in Cairo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply."

“We thank all individuals who have expressed interest in working at The American University in Cairo.”