Responsible for leading tactical operational procurement activities and managing the end-to-end purchasing execution of engineering, maintenance, shutdown and project-related requirements across AECI Mining operations. Serves as the primary procurement interface between the business and Procurement, ensuring the efficient execution of sourcing strategies, contract utilisation, supplier performance management and uninterrupted supply of engineering goods and services required to support safe and reliable operations. Leading and directing a team of Buyers, driving procurement service excellence, ensuring compliance to procurement policies and contracts and supporting operational, maintenance and project teams through effective purchasing execution and supplier engagement
Job Summary
- Employer: AECI Mining
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Supply Chain
- Closing Date: 2026-10-23
Key Responsibilities
- Early engagement with Engineering, Maintenance and Planning on upcoming work / projects
- Participation in plant shutdown, outage and project planning meetings
- Forward visibility of critical spares, long-lead items and recurring service needs
- Lead and manage end-to-end purchasing execution (requisition → PO → delivery → issue resolution)
- Ensure timely procurement of engineering materials, spares, services and contractor requirements
- Execute procurement activities in accordance with approved category strategies and sourcing decisions
- Execute procurement activities in accordance with approved category strategies and sourcing decisions
- Monitor open purchase orders and expedite critical deliveries
- Manage procurement service levels and ensure responsiveness to operational requirements
- Support maintenance shutdowns and planned outages through effective procurement planning and execution
- Coordinate procurement support for operational and project-related requirements
- Ensure continuity of supply for critical operational materials and services
- Drive contract compliance and maverick spend reduction
- Ensure accurate and timely procurement transactions in SAP/Coupa
- Manage expediting and resolution of supply disruptions
- Lead supplier negotiations to achieve optimal commercial outcomes
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of Buyers
- 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
- Monitor supplier performance across cost, quality and delivery reliability
- Manage supplier issue resolution and escalation
- Identify and mitigate supply and operational risks
- Conduct critical supplier / material risk monitoring
- Support supplier reviews in collaboration with Strategic Sourcing and/or Category Managers
- 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
- Support the negotiation and implementation of supplier agreements
- Track and report on purchase price variance, savings realization and Budget adherence
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes
- Ensure cost discipline and value delivery
- Ensure payment term compliance
- Ensure invoice query resolution support
- Avoidance of duplicate, incorrect or non-compliant purchases
- Working capital awareness linked to inventory, lead times and supplier terms
- 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
- Supplier ethics, anti-bribery and anti-corruption compliance
- Conflict of interest declaration and management
- Fair and transparent procurement practices
- Confidential handling of commercial and supplier information
- Identify opportunities for process optimization, automation and digital adoption / reduction of manual interventions
- Preferential procurement and BBBEE supplier development alignment
- Localisation opportunities where relevant
- Enterprise and supplier development support, where applicable
- Transformation objectives aligned to company procurement policy
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree / BTech in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Supply Chain or related field
- Postgraduate qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Business Management will be advantageous
- At least 5-7 years proven experience in procurement, category management, supply chain or operations
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in engineering, maintenance, manufacturing, mining, chemicals or industrial environments
- Experience managing operational procurement activities and supplier performance
- Experience supervising or leading procurement teams
- Strong ERP and eProcurement experience (SAP & Coupa)
- Solid commercial and analytical capability
- Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Experience supporting maintenance, shutdown and operational procurement requirements
- Experience working in matrix and multi-site operating environments
How to Apply
REF Code: 2226
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 Specialist in engineering and mining in Botswana?
Most employers require a diploma or degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or Business Administration. Professional certifications like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or SAPICS are highly valued. Experience in engineering or mining procurement is often preferred given Botswana's resource-based economy.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Purchasing Specialist in this field?
Daily tasks include sourcing engineering equipment and spares, negotiating with suppliers, processing purchase orders, and ensuring compliance with mining safety standards. You'll also manage vendor relationships, track deliveries to remote sites like Orapa or Jwaneng, and resolve supply chain disruptions. Strong coordination with engineering and warehouse teams is essential.
How does workplace culture in Botswana's mining sector affect this role?
The culture emphasizes hierarchy and respect for seniority, so clear communication channels matter. Punctuality and reliability are critical given the high cost of operational downtime in mining. Many workplaces blend Setswana values of consensus-building with formal corporate policies from South African or international parent companies.
What career progression opportunities exist for Purchasing Specialists in Botswana's mining industry?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Buyer, Procurement Manager, or Supply Chain Manager roles. Some professionals transition into contract management or logistics director positions. Cross-border opportunities with regional operations in South Africa, Namibia, or Zambia are common for those with proven track records.
What benefits are typically offered for this type of position in Botswana?
Standard packages usually include medical aid coverage, pension contributions often through the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund or private schemes, and annual leave of 15–25 days. Mining employers may offer housing allowances, transport to remote sites, and performance bonuses. Specific benefits vary significantly by employer size and whether the company is local or multinational.
How should I apply for Purchasing Specialist roles in Botswana's mining sector, and what do employers prioritize?
Apply through company career portals, local job boards like CareerPool Botswana, and recruitment agencies specializing in mining. Employers prioritize candidates with SAP or ERP system experience, knowledge of mining equipment, and clean criminal records due to security-sensitive environments. Tailor your CV to highlight measurable cost savings and vendor management achievements.
