Our client is a foremost firm in the Marine Transport Sector of the economy, with local and international repute, situated in Lagos, Nigeria. The organisation has vast experience managing, enhancing, and improving navigation opportunities for the country's waterways.
We are looking to recruit a Head of the Legal department who will lead and manage the procurement function, ensure the strategic sourcing of goods and services, optimise supplier relationships, and control procurement costs across the organisation and will be involved in developing and implementing procurement strategies that align with overall objectives, driving cost savings, improving service quality, and managing supply chain risks of the organisation.

Job Responsibilities
Procurement Strategy Development and Execution

• Developing and executing strategies, policies, and tools to improve procurement processes for goods and services, implementing performance measures against industry benchmarks, and identifying key procurement savings opportunities.
• Establish procurement policies and procedures that enhance operational efficiency and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Supplier Management and Negotiation

• Identify, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, delivery, and cost-efficiency.
• Lead negotiations with key suppliers to secure favourable terms, pricing, and delivery conditions.
• Develop and maintain a robust supplier base, ensuring contingency planning to mitigate supply chain risks.

Contract Management

• Draft, negotiate, execute and manage contracts and other agreements.
• Prepare tender and contract specifications, conduct tender processes, and analyse proposals.
• Manage and maintain a record of all contracts, management reports and other relevant information about procurement and contracts on an accurate and timely basis.
• Review annual procurement and contract activities as part of reviewing the Business Plan and relevant Operating Manuals of the organisation
• Implementing process improvements in all phases of the procurement cycle – vendor registration, supplier rationalisation, management of tender specifications, tender assessment and ensuring probity - to improve the quality and timely delivery of procured goods and services.
• Ensuring effective implementation and management of contracts, including bringing to notice variations by contractors, recommending remedial measures and advising on options available (diligence notice, cancellation of contract, arbitration, etc.
• Ensuring proper and transparent procurement (vendor development, quotations, tenders, evaluation, contract administration, payments, etc.) conforming with all applicable laws, regulations and best practices, including Public Procurement Rules.

Cost Control and Budget Management

• Drive cost-saving initiatives across the procurement function, ensuring budget adherence and improving profitability.
• Develop metrics and benchmarks to track and report on procurement performance and savings.
• Collaborate with finance and operations teams to manage procurement budgets and forecasts.

Process Optimization and Compliance

• Advise on disposing of unrequired stores and equipment in conformity with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Streamline procurement processes and implement best practices to improve efficiency and reduce lead times.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Leverage technology and data analytics to enhance procurement operations, including implementing e-procurement tools and systems.
• Stakeholder Collaboration
• Ensure management, support, guidance and appropriate advice on procurement and contract activities of the organisation

Requirements:
Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s in civil engineering/economics/finance/management or related field with a Bachelor's in Civil engineering from an HEC-recognized university. Foreign qualification will be considered an added advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in procurement, with at least five years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience and knowledge in procurement and contract administration, preferably in the public transport sector;
• Demonstrated experience in effectively implementing procurement in conformity with government regulations and standards
• Demonstrated ability to take responsibility and to deliver procurement and contract administration services.
• Proven experience in negotiating contractual terms and conditions;
• Demonstrated ability to achieve successful and timely outcomes.
• Experience supporting business objectives internationally across multiple countries.

Competencies Required

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Negotiation and persuasion
• Supplier relationship management
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Ethics and integrity
• Financial Acumen
• Adaptability and resilience
• Strategic thinking and Business Acumen
• Cultural Awareness
• Critical thinking
• Conflict Resolution
• Attention to textual details