Procurement Specialist

Position: Procurement Specialist

Reporting to:  Head of Supply Chain Management

Location: Lilongwe

Helios Towers is a leading independent telecommunications infrastructure company, having established one of the most extensive tower portfolios across Africa. It builds, owns and operates telecom passive infrastructure, providing services to mobile network operators. Helios Towers currently operates in 8 markets in Africa and Oman in the Middle East.

Overview

The Procurement Specialist will play a pivotal role in driving the transformation of the Supply Chain function by leading strategic sourcing initiatives and managing complex procurement processes. This role will be instrumental in the development and implementation of a comprehensive Price Book through the execution of multiple RFQs and RFPs. The Procurement Specialist will build strong relationships with both national and international suppliers, as well as internal stakeholders, to ensure effective supplier management, contract execution, and continuous improvement in equipment and service delivery. The role demands independent ownership of quarterly price reviews, performance evaluations, and negotiation strategies, with a focus on aligning procurement outcomes with raw material market dynamics and operational efficiency goals

The role is based in Lilongwe, Malawi 

Key Role Responsibilities

1. Operational Delivery

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and manage multiple RFQs and RFPs to support the development of a comprehensive Price Book.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with national and international suppliers, ensuring alignment with business needs and compliance standards.
• Conduct supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract management using total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis and performance scorecards.
• Coordinate quarterly price reviews based on raw material cost trends and market dynamics.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers and integrate enhancements into operational workflows.
• Oversee monthly and quarterly supplier performance reviews and ensure timely reporting of cost savings at both group and local levels.
• Manage the full procure-to-pay (P2P) process, including purchase order placement and supplier list optimization.
• Collaborate with legal and internal stakeholders to finalize contracts and ensure legislative compliance.
• Support governance through adherence to procurement policies, escalation procedures, and operational meeting structures.

2. Staff Leadership and Management

• Take ownership of personal development and contribute to team learning and cohesion.
• Lead team meetings and offer expertise in procurement and sourcing strategies.
• Communicate progress, challenges, and achievements to the Head of Supply Chain.

3. SHEQ

• Ensure health, safety, environmental, and quality standards are upheld across procurement activities and supplier engagements.
• Conduct site inspections and hazard assessments and recommend improvements to working processes.
• Advise internal teams and supply chain partners on best practices and compliance with SHEQ expectations.

Requirements for the Role

• A minimum of bachelor’s degree in Procurement, business management or any related field, professional certification in procurement/contracts e.g. CIPS will be an added advantage
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in SCM, process or performance engineering, with significant exposure to direct procurement.
• Member of the Malawi Institute of Procurement and Supply.
• Experience working in Africa or emerging markets.
• Experience in large or publicly listed organizations.
• Fluency in English.
• Willingness to travel based on business needs.

Competency

1. Knowledge

• Governance, compliance, project delivery, resource and budget management.
• Inventory and supply chain sourcing, vendor and relationship management.
• SAP proficiency.

2. Skills

• Attention to detail, analytical thinking, planning and organizing.
• Complex problem solving, results orientation.
• Change and culture championing.

3. Behavioral Qualities

• Effective time management and prioritization.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

Helios Towers is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. You and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief.