Senior Specialist, Procurement

About the role

First Quantum is looking for a Senior Specialist, Procurement to lead its sourcing and procurement team in supplying stock, non-stock and critical operating requirements for fixed plant operations. The role coordinates sourcing, negotiations, order execution and supplier performance to protect operational continuity, achieve value for money and support working capital objectives, and works closely with Process, Engineering, Inventory, Warehouse, Logistics, Contracts and Finance.

Key responsibilities

• Sourcing and commercial negotiations: lead sourcing for fixed plant spares, reagents, grinding media and operating consumables, evaluate total cost, technical compliance, delivery and supply risk, and negotiate terms.
• Order execution: ensure accurate, approved purchase orders, timely supplier acknowledgements and effective management of RFQ and order backlogs, expediting critical supplies and escalating shortages.
• Inventory and working capital: review replenishment with Inventory, support min/max levels, and coordinate consignment, VMI and phased supply arrangements.
• Supplier performance: lead supplier reviews, agree corrective actions and resolve delivery, quality and commercial issues.
• Contracts and controls: support supply agreements, FPAs and stocking arrangements with Contracts and Legal, validate pricing and additional charges against agreed terms.
• Team leadership: allocate workloads, coach team members, set objectives, manage performance and support the Superintendent.
• Reporting and improvement: use Pronto and Excel to analyse spend and report on backlogs, commitments and supply risks, and close audit actions.
• Health, safety, environment and ethics: apply FQM safety and environmental requirements and keep confidential and ethical supplier relationships.

Required profile

• At least five years of relevant procurement and sourcing experience, preferably in mining, mineral processing or a comparable industrial operation, including at least two years leading or supervising a procurement team.
• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Law, Engineering or a related discipline.
• CIPS studies commenced or an equivalent professional qualification; completed CIPS qualifications are an advantage.
• Current membership of the Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) with professional standing maintained.

Required skills

• Practical experience with ERP purchasing and inventory processes, preferably Pronto.
• Strong Excel analysis and management reporting skills.
• Experience with consignment or VMI is an advantage.