Head of Procurement

Head of Procurement

Summit Recruitment & Search Africa

Our client in the aviation sector is looking to recruit a Head of Procurement to lead and drive the organization’s procurement strategy. The role will focus on ensuring cost-effective sourcing, strong supplier performance, and full compliance with aviation industry standards and regulations.

The successful candidate will oversee all procurement and purchasing activities, including bonded stores operations, vendor management, contract negotiations, and inventory optimization—ensuring that all functions effectively support safe, efficient, and compliant aviation operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with business goals while leading, mentoring, and building a high-performing procurement and stores team.

• Identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers; lead contract negotiations; and monitor performance through KPIs and SLAs to ensure quality, reliability, and value.

• Oversee end-to-end procurement processes and bonded stores operations, ensuring timely availability of aircraft parts, maintenance supplies, and operational materials.

• Manage inventory across all locations, including outstations, by implementing standardized controls, optimizing stock levels, and ensuring accurate stock-taking and reconciliation.

• Work closely with Finance, Technical Records, Maintenance, and Operations teams to align procurement with operational needs, compliance requirements, and financial controls.

• Ensure adherence to aviation regulations and internal policies, manage procurement budgets and cost optimization initiatives, mitigate risks, and drive process improvements through strong systems, controls, and performance tracking.

• Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field, with a Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) considered an added advantage.

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in procurement, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.

• Experience within the aviation sector or other highly regulated industries such as oil & gas, logistics, or manufacturing.

• Strong knowledge of aviation procurement requirements, including aircraft parts sourcing and maintenance support.

• Proven leadership, negotiation, and contract management skills, with the ability to manage teams and drive supplier performance.

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills, coupled with high integrity and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, regulated environment

• Summit Recruitment and Search Africa is a leading Recruitment and Executive Search agency headquartered in Kenya providing outstanding talent to a wide range of companies and NGOs in various business sectors across Africa.