Head, Procurement

Job Title: Head, Procurement

Reports to: Chief Finance Officer

Department: FINANCE

Duty Station: Kigali International Airport (KIA)

The Role:

The Head of Procurement is responsible to lead and transform RwandAir’s procurement function to ensure transparent, cost-effective, and strategic sourcing of goods and services across the organization. The role ensures alignment of procurement activities with corporate strategy, optimizes vendor performance, and supports cost discipline within a regulated and safety-sensitive aviation environment. The role plays a key operational and advisory function within the Procurement team during a period of organizational transformation.

As Head of Procurement, you will lead a dynamic portfolio spanning with clear focus on:

• Lead end-to-end procurement transformation across all categories — direct and indirect.
• Shape and execute procurement strategy aligned with enterprise-wide cost and value objectives.
• Build and empower a lean, agile, and accountable procurement team.
• Redesign procurement processes and governance in line with global standards.
• Partner closely with Finance, Operations, Legal, and Commercial teams to drive value and compliance.
• Bring strategic thinking, negotiation mastery, and a sharp eye for risk and opportunity.

1. Key Duties and Responsibilities;

• Develop and execute a strategic procurement roadmap aligned with RwandAir’s transformation, growth, and operational excellence objectives.
• Establish robust governance, policies, and compliance mechanisms to ensure transparent, ethical, and audit-compliant procurement processes.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives to deliver value for money, long-term supplier partnerships, and total cost of ownership optimization.
• Advise executive management and the Board on procurement trends, risks, and opportunities impacting operational sustainability.
• Manage all procurement activities including tendering, vendor selection, contract negotiation, and performance management.
• Direct the development and negotiation of complex agreements with suppliers encompassing key program specifications and functional objectives.
• Implement category management and spend analysis frameworks to optimize sourcing and supplier consolidation.
• Ensure compliance with national and international procurement regulations, especially in aviation safety and technical sourcing.
• Lead procurement digitization and ERP integration to improve process efficiency and visibility.
• Oversee high-value and strategic contracts, ensuring favorable terms and risk mitigation.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships, driving performance, innovation, and cost savings.
• Manage performance scorecards, SLA tracking, and supplier audits.
• Enforce procurement governance frameworks and internal controls to minimize fraud and regulatory risk.
• Ensure ethical procurement practices and compliance with RwandAir’s financial and procurement policies.
• Provide input into audit and regulatory reviews, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Ensure full compliance of procurement activities with the existing rules, regulations, policies, and strategies.
• Establish and maintain a supplier database and introduce cost-effective and transparent bid collection practices.
• Ensure that the Procurement Monitoring Plan is often updated and communicated.
• Perform other department duties related to his/her position as directed by the Head of the Department.

2. About You – Minimum Standard Qualifications;

• A Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) preferred.
• 10+ of progressive experience in procurement, including 3+ years in a leadership role.of job-related experience.
• PMP and Six Sigma designations will be assets.
• Prior experience in aviation, transport, or multinational business environments is an asset
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving airline environment and drive strategic initiatives.
   

3. About You – Other Desired Competencies & Skills;

• Strong strategic thinking and commercial negotiation skills.
• Deep understanding of public procurement laws, contract law, and vendor governance.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Proficiency in ERP procurement modules (e.g., Oracle, SAP, or similar platforms).
• Strong ethical judgment and risk awareness.
• Strong Analytical and Reporting Abilities
• Attention to Compliance and Controls
• People Management and Stakeholder Communication
• High Integrity and Professionalism
• Leadership presence — confident, credible, and collaborative.
• Strong mentoring and coaching skills.
• Managerial skills – Ability to delegate work, set clear direction and manage workflow. Strong mentoring and coaching skills. Ability to train and develop subordinate’s skills. Ability to foster teamwork among team members.
• Excellent command of English language.

4. How to Apply:

• An application letter addressed to the Chief HR & Administration Officer;
• Recent Curriculum Vitae.
• A photocopy of the Passport/National ID.
• Copies of Degree/Diploma certificates
• Copies of relevant certificates
• Three referees