Senior Buyer, Purchasing

Entity: Aga Khan University

Location: Karachi

Introduction to the Aga Khan University:

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries distributed across three continents. As an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in several disciplines, carries out research pertinent to the countries in which it exists and has campuses, programs and/or teaching hospitals in Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the UK. As an international institution, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access; and AKU is a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change.
As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

Job Role / Responsibilities:

The Senior Buyer, Purchasing is responsible for executing the procurement of goods and services in accordance with organizational policies, quality standards, and budgetary constraints. This role involves managing the end-to-end procurement process, including sourcing, bidding, negotiation, and purchase order issuance, to ensure timely availability of required items at optimal cost and quality.

Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible to:

• Procurement Execution (KPI: Issuance of POs within set targets):

  • Review and process purchase requisitions in line with procurement policies.
  • Source suppliers and obtain competitive quotations for required goods/services.
  • Prepare and issue purchase orders ensuring compliance with internal controls.
• Supplier Management (KPI: Follow-up with suppliers to meet committed delivery timelines):
  • Develop and maintain professional relationships with key suppliers.
  • Evaluate supplier performance based on quality, cost, delivery, and service.
  • Resolve supply issues, including late deliveries or quality concerns.
• Price Negotiation & Cost Control (KPI: Keep prices within set goals):
  • Negotiate prices, terms, and conditions with suppliers to achieve savings and added value.
  • Monitor market trends and price fluctuations to optimize procurement strategy.
• Documentation & ERP Usage (KPI: Ensure archival of all necessary documentation):
  • Maintain accurate procurement records, contracts, and correspondence.
  • Use ERP systems to manage procurement transactions and reporting.
• Internal Collaboration (KPI: Meet internal customer satisfaction goals):
  • Coordinate with requestors/end-users to clarify requirements and delivery expectations.
  • Work closely with finance, warehouse, and inventory teams to ensure seamless flow of materials.
  • Coordinate with AKDN Group Purchasing Office to obtain reference prices and best deals
• Compliance & Risk Management (KPI: Avoid policy breaches and ensure compliances):
  • Ensure all procurement activities follow PSCMD’s and AKU’s policies, ethical practices, and legal standards.
  • Support audits and documentation requests.
• Continuous Improvement (KPI: Initiate or participate in atleast one quality project per year):
  • Participate in initiatives for process / quality improvement and automation in procurement.
  • Identify opportunities for vendor consolidation and standardization.

Eligibility Criteria / Requirements:

• Master’s degree OR 16 Years of Education (preferably in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field)
• Professional certification in supply chain/ inventory / logistics management is a plus.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience (preferably in purchasing or supply chain management)
• Previous experience of using ERP systems or inventory management software
• Expertise in end-to-end procurement, category management, sourcing strategies, and market intelligence to drive cost efficiency, compliance, and value creation.
• Leadership, analytical, negotiation, ERP, and reporting capabilities to optimize procurement performance and support strategic decision-making.

• Knowledge of sustainable procurement practices and emerging digital technologies to enhance efficiency, manage risks, and support organizational transformation.

  Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.