Ever wonder how the purchase of goods in large quantity for a large organization is done, the process of ensuring that the right suppliers are identified and contracted. Well it takes the genius brains of a procurement officer to ensure the needs of every department in terms of supply are meant. Victor Tamale shares with us what it takes to be a procurement officer. 

Tell us about Victor

Am open minded, daring, ambitious, adaptive and friendly.

What is an ordinary day like for a procurement officer ?

I rise by 5:30 am, do my devotions and prepare for work.

What are your main tasks and responsibilities at your place of work? 

1)   Receiving requisitions and preparing purchase orders
2)   Source the market and expediting of orders
3)   Evaluate quotations and prepare invoices for payment of suppliers 
4)   Procurement planning and Supervision of the team  
5)   Authorizing the issuing of supplies both medical and non-medical
6)   Direction and advise concerning any procurement decision to be undertaken 
7)   Liaising with URA concerning any imports for tax exemption letters and contributing to quarterly reports.

What are some of the main challenges in your line of work ?

Having to satisfy the needs of multiple user departments adequately without failure, less responsive suppliers slowing operations, Communication lapses with external stakeholders.

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace ?

Coordination, negotiation, analytical thinking, relationship management and team building skills

What personal qualities do you have that help you in your career?

Assertiveness, self expression, easy getting along with, respect for self and colleagues, decisiveness and willingness to learn at all times.

What's cool about your job?

The liberty and space for expression and independent decision making.

What's not cool about your job? 

The pressing demand of fully satisfying every customer both internally and externally.

How did you get your job ? 

I was interviewed and by God's grace edged other 5 procurement practitioners who were vying for the same job.

What subjects did you take in school and how have they influenced your career path ?

I did history, economics, geography and divinity at higher secondary level. The subjects introduced me to analytical and critical thinking which has fundamentally been a part of my career.

What is your Education to date?

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)-Level 4

What aspects of your Education System have proven most important for your job?

The knowledge and usage of information communication technology, Contract management, Self expression, Reporting writing and clear communication.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

Being recognized for making the procurement function of my employer more efficient.

What is your dream job?

Owning a business consultancy on supply chain management, strategic positioning and project management.

What are the most important personal characteristics required for the job?

Honesty, Decisiveness, Knowledgeable, Ability to negotiate and flexibility.

What advise would you give someone considering this job?

Train in procurement at whatever level in order to acquire the work skills and interact with the job market.

What kind of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

Any background with a touch of operations planning and management.

Any concluding remarks ? 

Am elated to the student hub for this opportunity of helping someone out there to make an informed career choice.