Manager - Purchasing

About the role

Aga Khan University (AKU), a private international university with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries, is hiring a Manager - Purchasing. Reporting to the Director/Senior Manager, PSCMD, the role leads and executes procurement of medical, non-medical, general goods and services in line with organizational policies, regulatory requirements and international standards. It calls for strong analytical, negotiation and stakeholder management skills and deep knowledge of healthcare supply chains.

Key responsibilities

• Procurement strategy and execution: lead review and approval of high-value and critical purchase requisitions, oversee sourcing and vendor selection, monitor the purchase order lifecycle for policy compliance and user alignment.
• Supplier relationship and performance management: build strategic supplier relationships, implement performance frameworks, resolve escalated supplier issues and disputes.
• Cost optimization and strategic sourcing: negotiate high-value and long-term contracts, use market intelligence to mitigate inflation, drive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reduction.
• Governance and documentation: ensure accurate and complete procurement documentation, enforce internal controls and segregation of duties, and ensure ERP use for procurement, analytics and contract management.
• Stakeholder engagement: act as liaison with internal departments, coordinate with AKDN's Group Purchasing and global sourcing teams, and prepare audit documentation.
• Policy compliance and risk mitigation: comply with PSCMD, AKU, donor and legal guidelines, identify and mitigate supply chain risks such as vendor concentration and market volatility.
• Innovation, sustainability and quality improvement: support Net Zero and Scope 3 goals, promote AI, digital tools and e-sourcing, and pursue vendor consolidation and process improvements.

Required profile

• Master's degree in business, Supply Chain, Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in procurement or supply chain management, preferably in a hospital environment.
• Proven experience managing procurement of medical, non-medical, pharmaceutical and general supplies and services.
• Certification in Supply Chain (e.g., CIPS, CSCP, CPSM) is an added advantage.

Required skills

• Advanced procurement expertise, strategic sourcing and contract negotiation.
• Leadership in digital transformation, sustainable procurement and stakeholder management.