The Category Specialist: Engineering supports the development and execution of category strategies for engineering-related goods, services, projects, maintenance requirements, and technical solutions across AECI operations.

The role is responsible for supporting strategic sourcing activities, supplier relationship management, market intelligence gathering, contract administration, spend analysis, and value delivery initiatives within the Engineering category portfolio.

Working closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, Projects, Supply Chain, SHEQ, Commercial and Finance stakeholders, the incumbent contributes to delivering cost-effective, safe, reliable and sustainable supply solutions that support operational excellence, plant reliability and business growth objectives.

The role supports key categories including:
– Engineering contractors
– Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) supplies
– Mechanical equipment
– Electrical equipment
– Instrumentation and control systems
– Capital project procurement
– Technical and consulting services
– Fabrication and construction services
– Reliability and condition-monitoring services

Job Summary

Employer: AECI Corporate
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Category: Procurement
Closing Date: 2026-10-21

Key Responsibilities

Support the development of strategic sourcing approaches for critical mechanical equipment, engineering spares and maintenance services to improve plant reliability and operational continuity
Manage sourcing activities for engineering spares, maintenance services and operational requirements
Drive end-to-end sourcing activities, including RFx processes, supplier evaluations, commercial negotiations, and supplier selection.
Support the development and continuous refinement of category strategies through market intelligence and demand insights.
Conduct ongoing spend analysis, market and supplier research to identify opportunities, risks, and alternative supply sources.
Continuously monitor supplier markets, risks and availability to support operational continuity
Identify alternative suppliers and sourcing opportunities to improve reliability and responsiveness
Provide input into Procurement dashboards and tracking tools.
Support procurement planning through spend analysis, demand forecasting and supplier insights
Contribute to budgeting and forecasting processes through spend and cost analysis.
Proactively identify and mitigate supply and commercial risks within assigned categories.
Ensure procurement activities align with operational, maintenance and shutdown requirements
Conduct detailed spend analysis across managed categories to identify cost-saving opportunities, demand drivers, and initiatives to reduce operational inefficiencies and procurement lead times. Identify, develop, and implement cost-saving and value-creation initiatives aligned to procurement targets
Support the implementation of category-led initiatives, to ensure value delivery and in line with procurement targets
Apply total cost of ownership (TCO) principles to enable optimal sourcing decisions
Perform cost modelling, scenario analysis, and should-cost modelling using market and supplier data.
Support standardisation and optimisation initiatives across engineering and maintenance procurement
Track and report on savings delivery and benefits realisation
Support optimisation of engineering inventory and critical spare holdings to balance operational reliability and working capital requirements
Identify opportunities to reduce emergency procurement through improved planning, supplier alignment and sourcing strategies
Drive standardisation initiatives across engineering and maintenance categories to reduce complexity and improve procurement efficiency
Build and maintain a qualified supplier base for assigned categories
Manage supplier performance across quality, cost, service delivery and responsiveness
Support supplier segmentation and contribute to supplier category and/ or diversification strategies
Monitor supplier performance through defined KPIs (cost, quality, delivery, service, sustainability) and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Lead supplier performance reviews and implement corrective actions where required
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with OEMs and specialised engineering suppliers to improve technical support, responsiveness and lifecycle value
Drive supplier innovation and continuous improvement
Partner with internal stakeholders (Operations, Commercial, Finance, S&OP, R&D) to support plant reliability and operational continuity
Support shutdown and turnaround planning through sourcing readiness, supplier coordination and critical spares availability
Provide procurement support and commercial guidance on engineering and CAPEX requirements
Contribute to S&OP processes and support demand planning inputs for key suppliers
Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to support business needs
Continuously ensure alignment between procurement activities and operational requirements
Support budgeting processes through accurate spend and cost analysis
Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders on sourcing and supplier-related matters on managed categories
Champion all procurement improvement programs / initiatives E.g. Digitisation, Policy Rollout
Develop and execute negotiations strategies for new and existing suppliers to achieve optimal commercial outcomes and lowest total cost of ownership, and meet savings targets
Lead commercial negotiations within delegated authority to achieve optimal pricing and contractual outcomes
Support the drafting, review, and management of contracts, ensuring alignment with business requirements and risk mitigation principles
Monitor contract compliance and utilisation, identifying risks and improvement opportunities
Ensure all procurement activities comply with internal governance frameworks and policies

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement or related discipline
Postgraduate qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain or Business Management – advantageous
Professional procurement certification (for example CIPS) – advantageous
Project Management certification (PMP, Prince2 or equivalent) – advantageous
Minimum of 5 years proven experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, engineering procurement, supply chain or operations
Experience within manufacturing, industrial chemicals, engineering or maintenance environments
Proven experience managing engineering spares, maintenance services, CAPEX procurement and mechanical equipment sourcing
Experience in supplier negotiations, contract management and sourcing strategy development
Exposure to SAP ERP systems and eProcurement platforms (Coupa advantageous)
Experience working in cross-functional operational environments
Demonstrated capability to operate in a multi-regional environment, ensuring alignment, consistency, and effective stakeholder engagement.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit: jobs.aeciworld.com

REF Code: 2085

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Category Specialist in Engineering Procurement in Botswana?

Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or Commerce. Professional certifications such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) or MCIPS are highly valued. Practical experience in technical procurement within mining, manufacturing, or construction sectors strengthens your candidacy significantly.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Category Specialist in Engineering Procurement?

You will manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts for engineering goods and services, and conduct market analysis for your category. Daily tasks include sourcing technical equipment, managing tender processes, and collaborating with engineering teams to ensure specifications are met. You will also monitor supplier performance and identify cost-saving opportunities.

How does workplace culture in Botswana typically affect procurement roles, and what expectations should I prepare for?

Botswana's workplace culture emphasizes respect for hierarchy and relationship-building with stakeholders and suppliers. Punctuality and professionalism are expected, though meetings may start with personal greetings. Understanding local Setswana customs and building trust over time is essential for successful negotiations.

What career progression opportunities exist for Category Specialists in Engineering Procurement in Botswana?

With experience, you can advance to Senior Category Manager, Procurement Manager, or Head of Supply Chain roles. Specializing in high-value categories like mining equipment or renewable energy engineering can accelerate growth. Some professionals transition into commercial management or operations leadership within industrial sectors.

What benefits are typically offered for procurement roles at this level in Botswana?

Standard packages usually include medical aid coverage, pension contributions, and annual leave of 20-25 days. Many employers in the mining and industrial sectors provide housing allowances or subsidies and performance bonuses. Relocation support may be offered for roles in remote locations like Selebi-Phikwe or the Kalahari.

How should I apply for Category Specialist roles in Botswana, and what do employers prioritize in candidates?

Apply through company career portals, local job boards like CareerPool Botswana, and recruitment agencies specializing in mining and engineering. Employers prioritize candidates with demonstrable cost-saving achievements, technical knowledge of engineering specifications, and experience with ERP systems like SAP. Strong references from previous procurement roles and CIPS membership significantly improve your prospects.