The Purchasing Lead is responsible for leading and coordinating operational procurement execution and business-facing purchasing activities for AECI Head Office and for Indirect spend on behalf of other AECI businesses in the region. The role provides a central purchasing interface for property-related and indirect requirements, ensuring that business demand is translated into compliant, efficient and value-driven procurement execution.
The role leads the end-to-end purchasing process, from approved requisition through purchase order placement, delivery follow-up and issue resolution, including all finance invoice related queries and workflows from the ERP System. The incumbent is responsible for the monitoring and reporting on compliance with approved category strategies, negotiated contracts, preferred supplier arrangements, procurement policies and Delegation of Authority requirements and for implementing corrective actions where deviations are identified.
Working closely with internal stakeholders, Strategic Sourcing and Category management, the role consolidates demand, improves contract utilisation, reduces fragmented and maverick spend, strengthens supplier performance and drives consistent purchasing practices across AECI Head Office functions and the groupwide indirects portfolio.
Job Summary
- Employer: AECI Mining
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Procurement
- Closing Date: 2026-10-02
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage end-to-end purchasing execution (requisition → PO → delivery → issue resolution).
- Ensure all purchasing transactions comply with procurement policy and financial controls.
- Translate approved category strategies, contracts and supplier panels into property-level buying plans.
- Ensure approved requisitions are converted into complete and accurate purchase orders within agreed service levels.
- Ensure adherence to approved contracts, catalogues, supplier panels and preferred supplier arrangements.
- Drive contract compliance and maverick spend reduction.
- Ensure accurate and timely procurement transactions in SAP/Coupa and drive improvements in ERP and e-Procurement system usage.
- Coordinate expediting, delivery follow-up, service-entry issues, invoice exceptions and operational escalations.
- Maintain visibility of open purchase orders, overdue deliveries and unresolved purchasing issues across the portfolio.
- Manage the resolution and escalation of supply or service disruptions that could impact AECI operations.
- Monitor transaction backlogs, ageing purchase requests and unresolved purchasing matters.
- Monitor policy exceptions and implement corrective actions.
- Report on open orders, supplier performance, compliance levels and spend trends.
- Establish forward visibility of recurring and planned portfolio requirements.
- Work with property managers, business stakeholders and budget owners to understand purchasing requirements, service priorities and anticipated demand.
- Identify recurring, fragmented and emergency purchases that should be addressed through demand consolidation, sourcing or contracting interventions.
- Provide consolidated demand information and purchasing insights to Strategic Sourcing and Category Management teams.
- Improve ordering disciplines by ensuring that requirements are submitted with sufficient specifications, approvals and lead times.
- Lead, coach and develop a team of Buyers.
- Allocate purchasing requirements across the buying team based on category, property, complexity and urgency.
- Establish clear roles, responsibilities, service standards and performance expectations for the buying team.
- Set clear KPIs (OTIF delivery, cost savings, compliance, cycle time).
- Drive a high-performance, service-oriented culture.
- Support capability building across tactical and operational buying.
- Manage team performance and development in line with AECI people-management requirements.
- Monitor supplier performance across cost, quality and delivery reliability.
- Manage supplier issue resolution and escalation.
- Monitor procurement-related payment issues impacting supplier relationships.
- Identify and mitigate supply and operational risks.
- Support supplier reviews in collaboration with Strategic Sourcing and/or Category Managers.
- Escalate strategic, commercial or persistent supplier failures to the relevant Strategic Sourcing or Category Manager.
- Identify and mitigate operational supply and service continuity risks.
- Act as the primary procurement interface for the assigned business unit.
- Translate business requirements into clear purchasing plans.
- Ensure alignment between business demand and procurement execution.
- Provide input on cost drivers, price movements, and supply risks.
- Build effective working relationships with key stakeholders.
- Track and report on purchase price variance, savings realization and Budget adherence.
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes.
- Ensure cost discipline and value delivery.
- Monitor spend against approved contracts, supplier panels and preferred supplier arrangements.
- Identify opportunities for demand consolidation, specification optimisation and improved supplier utilisation.
- Ensure full compliance with procurement policies, Delegation of authority (DoA) and Contracting standards.
- Maintain audit-ready procurement records.
- Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, system utilisation (SAP, Coupa), data quality and reporting.
- Ensure ethical procurement practices are maintained throughout the purchasing process.
- Identify opportunities for process optimization, automation and digital adoption / reduction of manual interventions.
- Support procurement transformation initiatives led at higher levels.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Commerce, Business Management, Finance, Engineering, Information Technology or related discipline.
- A recognised procurement or supply chain professional qualification will be advantageous.
- Postgraduate qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Business Management will be advantageous.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: jobs.aeciworld.com
REF Code: 2147
About the Company
AECI Mining operates in Botswana through its key subsidiaries, AECI Mining Explosives Botswana (Pty) Ltd and AECI Mining Chemicals Botswana (Pty) Ltd. Based in Gaborone, these entities provide a comprehensive suite of products crucial for the nation's mining industry. The company specialises in advanced mining explosives and essential chemicals, supporting the full value chain from raw material processing to blasting solutions. AECI Mining often engages in a collaborative three-way partnership with its customers, delivering integrated and tailored support to enhance operational efficiency and safety. This strategic presence underscores its commitment to Botswana's significant mining landscape.
Innovative blasting and chemical solutions, empowering Botswana's mining sector.
Website: https://www.aeciworld.com/mining
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Purchasing Lead role in Botswana's mining sector?
Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or Business Administration. Professional certifications such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or SAPICS are highly valued and often preferred. Mining-specific experience and knowledge of ERP systems like SAP are frequently sought after.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Purchasing Lead in Botswana's mining industry?
Daily tasks include managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, processing purchase orders, and ensuring timely delivery of critical mining equipment and consumables. You will also monitor inventory levels, resolve supply chain disruptions, and ensure compliance with procurement policies and mining regulations. Regular coordination with engineering and operations teams is essential to align procurement with production needs.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ in Botswana compared to other regions?
Botswana's mining sector emphasizes respect for hierarchy and collaborative decision-making, with strong adherence to safety protocols and regulatory compliance. Employers value punctuality, reliability, and community engagement, reflecting the country's emphasis on citizen economic empowerment and local supplier development. Building long-term relationships with stakeholders, including government and local communities, is often expected.
What career progression opportunities exist for Purchasing Leads in Botswana's mining sector?
With experience, you can advance to Procurement Manager, Supply Chain Director, or Head of Commercial roles within mining houses or related industries. Some professionals transition into consulting or join the Botswana Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board at senior levels. Cross-functional moves into operations or project management are also viable paths given the integrated nature of mining operations.
What employee benefits are commonly offered for senior procurement roles in Botswana?
Standard packages typically include medical aid coverage, pension contributions, and annual leave aligned with Botswana's Labour Act. Mining companies often provide housing allowances, transport benefits, and performance bonuses. Some employers offer additional incentives such as share schemes or retention bonuses for critical skills.
How should I apply for a Purchasing Lead position in Botswana, and what do employers prioritize in candidates?
Apply through company career portals, local job boards like CareerPool Botswana, or recruitment agencies specializing in mining. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing, cost reduction achievements, and familiarity with Botswana's mining regulatory environment. Strong references, a clean compliance record, and evidence of local supplier development initiatives will strengthen your application.
