The Company invites applications from dynamic, suitably qualified, and experienced professionals to join the Transaction Buyer team within the BI Function – Twazabuka Project.

The Transaction & Contract Buyer will play a critical role in supporting the successful delivery of the Twazabuka Project by managing end‑to‑end procurement activities, including commercial negotiations, contract drafting support, and contract execution. The role goes beyond traditional transactional buying and requires strong commercial acumen, stakeholder engagement, and hands‑on involvement throughout the procurement and contracting lifecycle.

TRANSACTIONAL BUYER - Projects x1

Duration – 2 Years

This position reports to the Major Project Finance Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

·        Actively manage and drive effective local procurement to support the Project’s cost, schedule, and delivery objectives.

·        Execute end‑to‑end buying activities, including requisition, sourcing, negotiation, PO creation, and execution.

·        Manage day‑to‑day transactional procurement activities, prioritizing purchases based on project criticality.

·        Execute off‑contract transactions and identify opportunities to convert repeated purchases into formal contracts.

·        Implement a responsive three‑quote sourcing process through to PO placement and execution.

·        Ensure accurate and timely entry of procurement data to enable reliable reporting and analytics.

·        Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers to secure optimal pricing, terms, and conditions aligned to project requirements.

·        Support the drafting, review, and finalization of supplier contracts, including scope, pricing mechanisms, delivery terms, KPIs, and risk allocation.

·        Take ownership of contracts from award through to execution, ensuring contractual obligations are clearly understood and met by suppliers and internal stakeholders.

·        Work closely with Legal, Finance, and Project teams to ensure contracts are compliant, executable, and commercially sound.

·        Source local suppliers and ensure effective application of approved contracts.

·        Build and maintain a reliable supplier database aligned to project needs.

·        Lead supplier performance management for non‑contracted vendors, working collaboratively with contract management, buyers, and expeditors.

·        Establish and sustain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure seamless procurement delivery.

·        Communicate procurement requirements, expectations, and timelines with suppliers and line managers.

·        Monitor contract performance post‑award and proactively address deviations, risks, or claims.

·        Ensure full compliance with procurement policies, controls, governance standards, and approval frameworks.

·        Maintain complete and auditable procurement and contract documentation for audit and SHERQ purposes.

·        Promote and adhere to Illovo procedures, policies, and guidelines, including SHERQ, Competition Law, and Anti‑Bribery and Corruption (ABC).

·        Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities within procurement and contract execution processes.

·        Leverage spends and performance data to recommend optimization opportunities and improved contracting strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

·        Full Grade Twelve (12) Certificate.

·        Relevant Degree in Procurement, Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Commercial Management, or a related field.

·        Minimum 3+ years’ experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain, or commercial contracting roles.

·        Demonstrated experience in supplier negotiations and contract execution (contract drafting exposure is a strong advantage).

·        Sound understanding of procurement processes, contracting principles, and supply chain management.

·        Exposure to a project or capital project environment will be a distinct advantage.

·        Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and analytical skills.

·        Prominent level of organisation, ownership, and commercial judgement.

·        Suitably qualified applicants must submit certificates verified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).

 All interested in applying for this position, please submit your detailed CV & copies of relevant qualifications, ID/ Passports in PDF format as a single document, for the attention of HR Business Partner: Nakambala to careers@zamsugar.zm stating clearly the position applied for. Transactional Buyer – Twazabuka Project.

Closing date for applications: 21st April 2026 at 17:00hrs.

All applicants may be required to complete pre-employment checks (qualification, credit, security, background, and medical assessments) as part of the recruitment process where applicable.

If you have not been contacted within 4 weeks after the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.