Procurement Manager (1) Full Time

Job Title: Procurement Manager

Department: Operations (Supply Chain)

Report to: Head of Operations

Duration: Full-time

Job Location: Kampala, Uganda

About CRS:

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion, or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

Job Summary:

The Procurement Manager will oversee all procurement systems and processes for the Country Program, covering both local and international sourcing of goods and services. The role ensures efficient, high-quality procurement operations that support program delivery for the poor and vulnerable. The incumbent will apply strong knowledge and experience to manage procurement quality, drive efficiency, and uphold stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability across all purchasing activities.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Manage fully compliant procurement systems, procedures, and operations. Assess efficiency, implement improvements, and ensure adherence to CRS procurement principles, donor regulations, and local statutory requirements.
• Coordinate with departments to forecast goods and services needs, determine specifications, and maintain an up-to-date procurement plan. Work with budget holders to develop annual budgets aligned with procurement requirements.
• Lead the analyse-to-contract process, including market research, specifications development, supplier evaluation, solicitation, bidding, and contract preparation, ensuring strategic sourcing and value for money.
• Promote transparency and integrity throughout the procurement cycle and implement fraud-prevention measures. Conduct periodic risk assessments to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
• Supervise and develop procurement staff, manage team dynamics, provide coaching, tailor development plans, and conduct performance management to ensure strong capacity and high-quality support to programs.
• Oversee supplier relationships, monitor contractual performance, and ensure fulfilment of terms and conditions. Address contractual issues and inefficiencies and recommend contract or purchase order modifications as needed.
• Monitor payment terms and schedules, maintain the open order report, and coordinate with Finance to ensure timely vendor payments.
• Maintain a reliable documentation and database management system to support accuracy, accountability, and inventory input. Ensure all procurement records are complete, current, and properly filed. Oversee report preparation, consolidate information, and analyse data to inform decision-making.

Basic Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as procurement and supply chain management, business administration, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in procurement/purchasing management, logistics, or administration, with progressively increasing responsibilities. Experience working with an international organisation is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in business administration or another relevant field.
• Professional certification in procurement or supply chain management is an added advantage.
• Experience managing staff and fostering a learning-oriented work environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good knowledge of donor procurement regulations (e.g., USAID, EU, UN).
• Strong understanding of international and national procurement regulations and local market conditions.
• Solid knowledge of contract terms and demonstrated ability to negotiate agreements and build/maintain strong supplier networks.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with database management systems (e.g., MS Access) is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions.
• High ethical standards aligned with professional and organizational codes of conduct.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented, and results-driven.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.

Competencies:

• Excellent planning, coordination, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Excellent leadership, coordination, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Required Languages: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required.

Travel: Must be willing and able to travel up to 10% in the CRS field location.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Personal Accountability—consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity—consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust—shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others—works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn—seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change—continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others—builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset—understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team principles.

Key Working Relationships:

Supervisory Responsibilities: Senior Procurement Officer, Procurement Assistant.

Internal: Head of Programs; Chiefs of Party; Country Representative; Uganda Country Office staff.

External: vendors, service providers, partners.

“Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.”

Tagged as: Catholic Relief Services, Uganda