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 or certifications are typically required for a Purchasing Lead role in Botswana?
Most employers require a diploma or degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or Business Administration. Professional certifications such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or MCIPS are highly valued and can improve career prospects. Relevant experience in procurement or purchasing is often essential.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Purchasing Lead?
Daily tasks include managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, processing purchase orders, and ensuring timely delivery of goods. You will also monitor inventory levels, resolve procurement issues, and ensure compliance with company policies. Reporting and forecasting procurement needs are also common responsibilities.
How does workplace culture in Botswana typically affect procurement roles?
Botswana workplaces value respect for hierarchy, punctuality, and strong interpersonal relationships. Building trust with local and international suppliers through face-to-face meetings is often important. Employers also expect professionalism, integrity, and adherence to ethical procurement practices.
What career progression opportunities exist for Purchasing Leads in Botswana?
With experience, you can advance to Procurement Manager, Supply Chain Manager, or Head of Procurement roles. Some professionals move into strategic sourcing, operations management, or consulting. Continuous professional development and networking through organizations like CIPS Botswana can accelerate growth.
What benefits are typically offered for full-time procurement roles in Botswana?
Standard benefits usually include annual leave, medical aid, and pension contributions as required by Botswana labour law. Some employers may offer performance bonuses, training allowances, or housing assistance. Benefits vary by employer and should be confirmed during the interview process.
What do employers in Botswana look for when hiring for Purchasing Lead positions?
Employers seek candidates with proven negotiation skills, attention to detail, and experience with procurement software. Knowledge of local suppliers, mining industry experience, and strong communication abilities are often advantageous. A clean criminal record and references verifying integrity are typically required.
