General Manager, Procurement

How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the SBM Bank career portal at www.sbmbank.co.ke.

Show You Can Run a Bank-Grade Procurement Desk

Procurement leadership in a bank is about more than buying well — it's about protecting the institution from risk, keeping suppliers accountable, and aligning every purchase with strategy. The panel will be looking for evidence that you can handle KYC, contracts, and committee-level reporting with confidence.

1. Lead with your supervisory track record: The role demands at least 2 years in a supervisory position, so your CV must show clear examples of leading a procurement team. Quantify your team size, the value of contracts you managed, and any process improvements you introduced. Avoid vague statements like 'managed procurement' — instead, say 'led a team of 5, handling annual spend of KES 200M.'

2. Prove your KYC and risk management muscle: Banks are heavily regulated, and the panel will probe how you vet suppliers for money laundering and fraud risks. Prepare a concise example of a time you conducted KYC on a high-risk supplier or developed a risk mitigation plan. Mention any familiarity with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, even if it's from a procurement perspective.

3. Show you can negotiate and draft contracts: You'll work with Legal to review supplier contracts, so highlight your negotiation wins and any experience with contract law. Bring a sample of a contract clause you improved or a negotiation where you saved costs. Be ready to discuss how you balance supplier relationships with the bank's interests.

4. Demonstrate stakeholder management finesse: Procurement sits between user departments and suppliers, so you need to show you can manage internal expectations and external relationships. Share an example of resolving a conflict between a department's needs and budget constraints. Emphasize your communication skills, both written and verbal, as they are listed as essential.

5. Prepare for the Procurement Committee secretariat role: You'll be the secretary to the Procurement Committee, so expect questions on how you handle meeting logistics, minutes, and follow-ups. Highlight any experience with board or committee support, and show you can maintain confidentiality and attention to detail. Bring an example of a complex meeting you coordinated.

6. Know the bank's products and services: The requirements mention knowledge of the bank's products, so research SBM Bank's offerings before the interview. Understand how procurement supports retail banking, corporate banking, and treasury operations. This shows you're not just a procurement specialist but a business partner.

7. Show you can align procurement with strategy: The role requires aligning procurement plans with the bank's overall strategy, so be ready to discuss how you've done this before. Prepare a story about how you linked procurement goals to business objectives, such as cost reduction or supplier innovation. Use metrics like savings percentage or supplier performance scores.

8. Highlight your KISM membership and education: Membership in the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management is mandatory, so ensure your CV and application clearly state your membership number. If you have a Bachelor's in Procurement or a related degree with a Diploma, emphasize that. Also, mention any continuous learning in procurement best practices to show you stay current.