Ass. Category Manager(Vendor Mgt&Contract Administration) at Equity Bank Kenya

Job Purpose 

This role is responsible for overseeing the entire contract lifecycle, from drafting and reviewing agreements to monitoring and ensuring compliance with contractual terms. The role will require careful attention to detail in negotiating favorable terms, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring contracts align with organizational objectives and legal requirements. Additionally, the role holder will play a key role in managing procurement activities related to these contracts, ensuring timely execution, optimal performance, and fostering strong, ongoing partnerships with vendors

Key Responsibilities

Governance

• Consistency in adherence to and application of established vendor relationship and contract policies, processes and tools to achieve optimal efficiency & compliance
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory legislation as applies to supply chain management and contract management
• Maintain an audit ready environment for both internal and external audits.
• Develop and maintain Business Continuity, Risk, and Compliance Management & Regulatory Controls for the supply chain team.
• Ensure compliance to the SLA and KPIs by both internal and external stakeholders

Contract and Vendor management roles 

• The selected individual will act as a primary liaison between the bank vendors and a variety of internal stakeholders and shall foster a culture of compliance within the contract management environment Assist in the drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts with vendors and suppliers. Ensure that contracts align with organizational policies and legal requirements.
• Collaborate with the procurement team to identify and engage suppliers and assist with the purchasing process to ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of goods and services.
• Help maintain positive relationships with existing suppliers, resolve disputes, and ensure all contract terms are met.
• Monitor the performance of contracts and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. Assist in identifying and mitigating potential risks in contracts and procurement processes.
• Maintain accurate records of contracts, amendments, and associated documents. Assist in the preparation of reports on contract performance, procurement activities, and savings analysis.
• Support the development of procurement strategies and assist in implementing sourcing and procurement plans to improve cost savings and efficiency.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including legal, finance, SLA, to ensure smooth execution of contracts and supply chain processes.
• Assist in managing contract renewals, extensions, and amendments in a timely and efficient manner.

Supply Chain Management Reporting/Internal Processes

• Ensure Compliance to the laid downturn around Times for all contract management activities. 
• Maintain an up-to-date contract database. Ensure vendors onboarding have contracts and renewals are undertaken on time preferably 3 months before expiry. 
• Keep abreast of the latest market trends and developments as relates to supply chain management.
• Undertaking market research / intelligence in supply chain management 

Stakeholder Engagement (Supply performance; Customer satisfaction)

• Manages preparation of all supply chain related correspondence 
• Schedules stakeholder training and engagements regularly
• Enhance internal and external customer relationships and ensure the customer is satisfied with our support.
• Monitor the performance of suppliers and liaise with the sourcing team to take corrective actions where necessary.
• Manage and mitigate associated risks to enable the organization to meet its obligations and maximize business opportunity.
• Promote positive Net promoter score. 
• Engage stakeholders to ensure 100% compliance to procurement policy and procedures. 

Qualifications

Qualifications, Experience

•  A university degree in Supply Chain or business-related field. A master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Member of KISM/ CIPS
• 3 - 5 years’ experience in a similar role in medium or large size organization.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Strong knowledge of contract law and procurement processes.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Attention to detail with the ability to identify discrepancies and resolve issues efficiently.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with procurement and contract management software is a plus.
• Ability to research and evaluate vendors using both publicly available information as well as resources provided internally.
• Ability to make recommendations to optimize supplier relationship structures.
• The ability to excel in an environment that is dynamic and with high ambiguity.