Principal Supply Chain Analyst at Netcom Africa

Objective and Summary

• The Principal Supply Chain Analyst is a non-managerial senior technical role responsible for owning and improving internal supply chain processes, systems, standards, and analytics. The role supports excellence in procurement operations, vendor governance, and cross-functional efficiency, working closely with the Supply Chain Team Lead and COO to align internal processes with broader operational strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute and continuously improve internal procurement and supply chain processes, ensuring compliance with approved SOPs and operational efficiency.
• Manage end-to-end procurement workflows, including requisition validation, sourcing, quotation review, and purchase order issuance.
• Conduct technical reviews and quality assurance of procurement documentation, vendor quotations, and transaction records.
• Resolve day-to-day procurement issues, such as incomplete requests, vendor clarifications, and documentation gaps, escalating where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate procurement trackers, records, and reports to support team visibility, audit readiness, and compliance.
• Participate in vendor assessments and contract reviews by providing technical input on specifications, performance, and cost considerations.
• Support ERP/procurement system usage, including transaction execution, data validation, and participation in system enhancements.
• Develop and maintain procurement templates, guides, and checklists for consistent execution across the team.
• Provide informal training and process guidance to junior procurement staff to strengthen team-wide adherence to standards.
• Contribute expert insight to internal procurement reviews, working groups, or improvement initiatives based on hands-on execution experience.

Essential Skills and Capabilities

• Expert knowledge of technical procurement and supply chain workflows (esp. within IT/telecom environments).
• Strong analytical, systems-thinking, and data interpretation skills.
• In-depth knowledge of vendor qualification, sourcing strategies, and procurement lifecycle management.
• Advanced document management, workflow design, and internal policy interpretation.
• High attention to detail, with ability to maintain clarity on broader operational goals.
• Proven ability to work independently and lead by influence. Desirable Skills and Capabilities
• ERP systems familiarity (e.g., MS Dynamics, SAP, or custom procurement tools).
• Business process mapping and improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Understanding of finance, cost accounting, and budget controls in procurement.
• Exposure to project-based procurement or client-facing service delivery.
• Comfort working in cross-departmental initiatives and process integration.

Requirements

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• Postgraduate diploma or relevant training in Supply Chain, Procurement, or Operations is advantageous.

Experience Requirements

• 5–7 years in procurement or supply chain roles with progressive responsibilities.
• Proven track record in managing complex sourcing processes, particularly in IT, technical services, or telecom.
• Demonstrated success in developing, documenting, and improving internal operational processes.