Procurement Manager – Zormelo & Associates

Job Description

Our client is looking to recruit an experienced Procurement Manager to oversee procurement and supply chain operations in West Africa, supporting growth in the C&I renewable energy sector. The role will focus on sourcing clean energy equipment, promoting sustainable practices, optimizing costs, and ensuring delivery excellence for our solar development and EPC projects.

Scope of Work

Strategic Supply Chain Management & Sustainable Procurement

• Use best in class sourcing methods for renewable energy equipment.
• Align procurement with clean energy and sustainability goals.
• Minimize lifecycle costs of renewable energy assets.
• Track global market trends and pricing to guide procurement.
• Update on key equipment prices for budgeting and costing.
• Maintain resilient, flexible supply chains for quick deployment.
• Uphold ethical, sustainable sourcing per ESG standards.
• Encourage innovation and integrity while meeting international norms.

Supplier Management & Clean Energy Supplier Network

• Build and maintain a robust supplier database for renewable energy equipment, construction materials, and EPC services across West African markets
• Develop partnerships with Tier 1 solar module manufacturers, inverter suppliers, and battery storage providers
• Qualify and onboard local and international suppliers that meet quality, certification, and delivery standards
• Develop and apply supplier scorecards to track quality, delivery, warranty, support, and ESG performance
• Conduct quarterly reviews with key suppliers to optimize terms and align on technology roadmaps
• Develop contingency supplier strategies to minimize supply chain disruptions

Procurement & Contract Negotiation for Clean Energy Projects

• Negotiate competitive terms and framework agreements with preferred suppliers to secure savings and rapid deployment
• Secure favorable warranties, payment terms, and technical support with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
• Manage export credit insurance arrangements (Sinosure, UKEF, etc.) with manufacturers to unlock credit terms
• Support contract negotiations for EPC services, installation materials, and balance of plant components Manage procurement of services including but not limited to civil works, electrical installations, grid connection equipment, and monitoring systems
• Partner with Finance teams to structure payment terms that improve cash flow
• Ensure contracts meet international certification standards (IEC, UL, TÜV) and warranty requirements

Project Procurement & Materials Management

• Oversee end-to-end procurement for C&I solar, EV, energy efficiency projects
• Coordinate the preparation of Bill of Materials (BOMs) and Bill of Quantities (BOQs), and procurement schedules to align with project timelines, ensuring specifications and costs remain within budget
• Manage procurement of hybrid system equipment (e.g. diesel generators, switchgear, and energy management systems, etc.)
• Oversee inventory management for commonly used components to enable rapid project deployment
• Verify that procured costs align with project budgets and pricing assumptions

Logistics, Shipping & Multi-Country Operations

• Manage logistics and warehousing for imports, customs, equipment staging, and spare parts across multiple countries
• Work with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics partners for timely delivery to remote project sites
• Minimize import duties, taxes, and levies through proper classification and available incentives for renewable energy equipment
• Ensure safe handling, storage, and transportation of sensitive equipment (solar modules, inverters, batteries)
• Design logistics strategies to support multi-country operations across West and Pan-Africa
• Manage reverse logistics for defective equipment returns and warranty claims

Systems, Compliance & Sustainability Reporting

• Implement and manage ERP/supply chain systems tailored to renewable energy business
• Keep clear documentation of equipment specifications, certifications, and warranties
• Ensure compliance with international quality standards (IEC, ISO) and local regulations
• Prepare reports on spend, savings, supplier performance, ESG, and compliance
• Contribute to impact reporting on local procurement, job creation, and supply chain localization

Cost Optimization & Value Engineering

• Monitor markets to identify cost-saving opportunities without sacrificing quality
• Lead value engineering initiatives to optimize equipment selection and system design
• Develop spend analytics and category management strategies for key procurement areas
• Identify economies of scale through portfolio-level procurement
• Provide accurate cost assumptions and risk assessments for project development
• Track and report savings achieved through sourcing and negotiation

Team Development & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build and mentor a high-performing procurement team capable of supporting rapid business growth
• Work closely with Technical, Commercial, and Project Management teams to match procurement with project needs
• Partner with Finance to ensure procurement practices support project financing requirements and financial close conditions
• Collaborate with Legal and management on contract terms, risk allocation, and dispute resolution mechanisms
• Support Business Development with procurement insights for proposals and feasibility studies
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence

Experience, Qualifications, and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Purchasing and Supply, Logistics, Engineering, or equivalent professional qualification such as Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, UK
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in procurement and supply chain management, preferably in renewable energy, solar PV, cleantech, infrastructure development, or EPC operations
• Demonstrated experience procuring renewable energy equipment (solar modules, inverters, batteries, balance of system) and managing relationships with international manufacturers, particularly Chinese suppliers
• Understanding of clean energy business models and experience with export credit insurance mechanisms (Sinosure, UKEF, etc.) and supplier financing arrangements would be a strong advantage
• Familiarity with West African markets, import/export procedures, and multi-country logistics in the region
• Experience with project-based procurement and understanding of construction/EPC procurement cycles
• Knowledge of renewable energy equipment standards, certifications (IEC, UL, TÜV), and quality requirements
• Proficiency with ERP systems, modern procurement platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong negotiation skills with proven track record of achieving significant cost savings
• Exceptional organizational and analytical skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, combined with results-oriented mindset and strong accountability for outcomes
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English; French language proficiency highly desirable for Francophone West Africa operations
• Entrepreneurial self-starter with ability to work independently while building collaborative relationships across functions, demonstrating sound judgement and discretion in handling confidential commercial information
• Commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainability principles, and ESG best practices
• Cultural awareness and ability to work effectively in diverse, multi-cultural environments