Pharma Procurement lead (Wholesale/procurement/importation)

About Kasha

Kasha will disrupt the way that people in emerging markets get the health products they need by turning global health supply chains upside down. We are on our way to becoming Africa’s leading platform for last-mile access to health products and services used by enterprises, consumers, resellers, and health facilities. Kasha focuses on the lower-income mass market population, selling health and household goods and delivering those products to the last mile through our Kasha Agents and logistics networks. Customers can order using an omnichannel mobile platform that is built to be highly accessible around the country, reaching even typically offline customers via our digital channels. Kasha also works with manufacturers and global health organizations, operating as a service channel for visibility on distribution, performance data, consumer insights, and last-mile access. Kasha was founded in July 2016 in Rwanda, and operates in East, South, Central, and West Africa. You can learn more about us at Kasha Global Inc.

About the Role

The Pharma Procurement Lead role exists to oversee the sourcing and procurement of pharmaceutical products, ensuring they are acquired cost-effectively, timely, and in compliance with local regulations. This role is crucial in maintaining a seamless supply chain, managing vendor relationships, and driving cost-efficiency while ensuring the quality and availability of products. By strategically selecting suppliers, negotiating favorable terms, and mitigating procurement risks, the Pharma Procurement Lead supports the organization's goal of delivering reliable, high-quality pharmaceutical products to meet customer demands and regulatory standards.

Roles and Responsibilities

Pharmaceutical Procurement & Supplier Management

• Identify, evaluate, and engage with pharmaceutical manufacturers and local suppliers for optimal sourcing.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and payment terms to ensure cost-effective procurement.
• Manage supplier relationships to secure a reliable supply chain and maintain quality standards.

Importation & Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee the importation process, ensuring compliance with Rwanda FDA and other regulatory bodies.
• Prepare and submit necessary documentation for import permits, product registration, and regulatory approvals.
• Ensure all procured products meet national quality and safety standards

Inventory & Supply Chain Optimization

• Work closely with warehouse and inventory teams to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Ensure timely procurement to prevent stockouts while minimizing overstocking and wastage.
• Analyze sales trends and demand forecasts to align procurement with business needs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with sales, finance, and operations teams to ensure smooth product availability and distribution.
• Provide procurement insights to support business strategy and market expansion.
• Work with warehouse teams to optimize storage and inventory tracking systems.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Track procurement efficiency, supplier performance, and cost savings initiatives.
• Generate regular reports on procurement activities, cost analysis, and market trends.
• Identify areas for improvement and implement procurement best practices.

Risk Management & Quality Assurance

• Assess risks related to supplier reliability, market fluctuations, and regulatory changes.
• Ensure proper due diligence and quality checks on all pharmaceutical products before procurement.
• Implement strategies to mitigate procurement-related risks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field.
• A valid Rwanda Pharmacy Council (NPC) license (if a pharmacist).
• Additional certification in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Logistics is an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in pharmaceutical procurement, supply chain, or wholesale pharmacy operations.
• Proven experience in pharmaceutical products  procurement processes and supplier relationship management.
• Experience working in a fast-paced retail, wholesale, or distribution environment is an advantage.
• Prior experience managing procurement budgets and optimizing cost-efficiency.

Knowledge & Skills

• In-depth understanding of pharmaceutical procurement, supplier engagement, and inventory management.
• Strong knowledge of Rwanda FDA regulations, importation procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Experience in negotiating contracts, pricing, and supplier agreements.
• Ability to analyze market trends, sales data, and procurement metrics to make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.