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PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Strategic Sourcing Specialist: Logistics & Warehousing is responsible for developing and executing category sourcing strategies that deliver sustainable value across logistics, transportation, warehousing, distribution and supply chain service portfolios. The role drives cost competitiveness, supply continuity, supplier performance, risk mitigation and innovation while supporting operational excellence, customer service and business growth objectives across AECI Mining operations.
Working closely with Supply Chain Operations, Planning, Commercial, SHEQ, Legal, Finance and Logistics stakeholders, the incumbent acts as a trusted business partner to ensure the optimal sourcing of logistics services through effective category management, strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management and commercial governance. The role is accountable for delivering measurable value through cost optimization, supplier innovation, contract coverage, supply risk mitigation, inventory optimization, localization initiatives and total cost of ownership improvements.
Job Summary
- Employer: AECI Mining
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Procurement
- Closing Date: 2026-10-14
Key Responsibilities
- Develop strategic sourcing approaches for transportation, warehousing and logistics services to improve cost competitiveness and service reliability
- Lead sourcing activities for logistics and freight-related categories
- Drive end-to-end sourcing activities, including RFx processes, supplier evaluations, commercial negotiations, and supplier selection
- Support the development and continuous refinement of logistics category strategies through market intelligence and demand insights
- Conduct ongoing spend analysis, market and supplier research to identify opportunities, risks, and alternative supply sources
- Monitor logistics market conditions and capacity constraints
- Identify alternative logistics providers and routing opportunities
- Provide input into Procurement dashboards and tracking tools
- Support procurement planning through analysis and demand forecasting of routes, transportation and logistics requirements
- Contribute to budgeting and forecasting processes through spend and cost analysis
- Proactively identify and mitigate logistics and supply chain risks
- Ensure sourcing activities align with operational and customer service requirements
- Conduct detailed spend analysis across managed logistics categories
- 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 freight cost modelling and market benchmarking
- Drive logistics network optimisation initiatives
- Track and report savings delivery and realised benefits
- Support working capital and inventory optimisation initiatives
- Drive standardisation of logistics service models and commercial structures
- Build and maintain a qualified supplier base
- Manage supplier performance across cost, safety, service delivery and responsiveness
- Support supplier segmentation activities
- Monitor supplier performance through agreed KPIs
- Lead supplier performance reviews and corrective action initiatives
- Develop strategic relationships with key logistics providers
- Drive supplier innovation and continuous improvement
- Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Planning, Commercial and Finance stakeholders
- Support logistics planning and transportation continuity initiatives
- Provide procurement support and commercial guidance on logistics requirements
- Support S&OP and supply chain planning processes
- Provide data-driven logistics insights and recommendations
- Ensure alignment between sourcing decisions and operational requirements
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes
- Act as a trusted advisor on logistics sourcing matters
- Champion procurement improvement and digitisation initiatives
- Develop and execute negotiations strategies for new and existing logistics providers to achieve optimal commercial outcomes and lowest total cost of ownership, and meet savings targets
- Lead commercial negotiations for transportation and logistics agreements
- 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
- Support carrier performance governance and contract optimisation initiatives
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, 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
- Contract Management Qualification
- Lean, Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement certification
- Minimum 8-10 years’ experience in Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, Category Management or Supply Chain
- Minimum 5 years’ experience within logistics, transportation, mining, explosives manufacturing, chemicals, engineering or heavy industrial environments
- Proven experience managing logistics and transportation categories
- Proven experience in developing and implementing category strategies
- Demonstrated experience managing strategic logistics providers
- Experience negotiating transportation and logistics agreements
- Experience managing logistics tenders and large spend portfolios
- Experience conducting supplier performance management and governance reviews
- Experience with ERP systems, preferably SAP
- Experience using eProcurement platforms and sourcing tools
- Experience working in multi-site and multi-regional business environments
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: jobs.aeciworld.com
REF Code: 2138
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 Strategic Sourcing & Contract Specialist in Botswana?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, or Business Administration. Professional certifications such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or SAPICS are highly valued and often preferred. Experience with ERP systems and contract management software is increasingly expected in the Botswana market.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
Daily tasks include negotiating contracts with logistics providers, managing supplier relationships, analyzing freight and warehousing costs, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies. You will also coordinate with mining operations to align supply chain activities with production schedules. Regular reporting on cost savings and risk mitigation forms a key part of the job.
How does workplace culture in Botswana mining companies typically affect procurement professionals?
Botswana's mining sector emphasizes safety, punctuality, and respect for hierarchy. Procurement roles require strong relationship-building skills, as personal connections and trust matter in business dealings. You will likely work within diverse teams and should be comfortable collaborating across departments and with international stakeholders.
What career progression opportunities exist for procurement specialists in Botswana's mining sector?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Buyer, Procurement Manager, or Supply Chain Director roles. Some professionals transition into commercial management or operations roles. Continuous professional development through CIPS and industry networking significantly improves promotion prospects in Botswana.
What benefits are typically offered for full-time procurement roles in Botswana mining companies?
Standard benefits usually include medical aid, pension contributions, annual leave, and performance bonuses. Mining companies often provide additional allowances such as housing or transport support. Specific packages vary by employer and seniority level.
How should I apply for this role and what do Botswana employers prioritize in candidates?
Apply through company career portals, LinkedIn, or reputable recruitment agencies operating in Botswana. Employers prioritize demonstrated negotiation experience, knowledge of local and regional logistics networks, and strong ethical standards. Tailor your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements in cost reduction and supplier management.
