Supply Chain Manager At Village Health Works

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Job Title: Supply Chain Manager
Location: Kigutu, Burundi
Reports to: Director of Operations
Type: Full-Time
About Village Health Works (VHW)
Village Health Works is a 501(c) (3) social justice organization founded on the belief that health equity is not a commodity, but a right. VHW’s mission is to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare and education to the most vulnerable populations, based on critical thinking, in a dignified environment. Rooted in the communities it serves, VHW employs a holistic model that integrates clinical services with education, food security, economic development, environmental protection, music, and the arts. With an 85,000 sq. ft. teaching hospital, a comprehensive health system, and the Kigutu International Academy, VHW addresses the root causes of poverty and promotes long-term, sustainable change.
VHW Core Values:

  • Dignity: Every member of VHW’s team must value the inherent dignity in each individual.
  • Excellence: We aspire to excellence in all we do and hold ourselves to the highest standards.
  • Compassion and Justice: These are the heart of our mission and guide all of our actions.
  • Boldness and Perseverance: We are courageous in addressing challenges and persistent in pursuing our goals.
  • Accountability: We are accountable to each other, our community, and those we serve.

Position Overview:
The Supply Chain Manager will be based at the central level, and will be responsible for envisioning,
implementing, and continuously improving VHW’s supply chain activities. He/she will also ensure that
inventory management and ordering processes are established and maintained, and will oversee the activity of all supply chain staff.
The Supply Chain Manager will oversee VHW’s end-to-end supply chain operations, including strategic planning (demand planning and supply planning), procurement, logistics, inventory management, and distribution to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and goal attainment. Key responsibilities involve developing and implementing supply chain strategies, managing supplier relationships and contracts, monitoring performance metrics, reducing costs, and collaborating with the EMR/ERP implementation team and other departments. This role requires strong leadership, negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
Liaises primarily with: Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, Director of Finance, Director of Operations, Program Directors for Health, Education, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development, Clinical Director of the Women’s Health Pavilion, Internal Local and International procurement staff members
Specific Responsibilities:
1. Strategy (25%)

  • Create a global supply chain strategy that addresses VHW’s short-term and long-term needs along the entire product lifecycle, from procurement planning to distribution. Objectives should include increasing efficiency, reducing stock-outs, and standardizing elements of the supply chain.
  • Design, test, and implement improved business processes and tools based upon ambitiously set key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Continue implementing VHW’s electronic inventory management system or LMIS. Provide leadership around change management and ensure uptake and integration of any system changes.

2. Implementation (50%)

  • Revise and continuously improve the standard method for product forecasting and reordering. Establish reorder and procurement cycles and inventory review procedures.
  • Review vendor relationships, existing contracts, and VHW procurement policies and those of VHW’s donors. Through management of key vendors, explore options for pooled procurement,
  • long term agreements, vendor managed inventories, volume price reductions, and other cost-
    management strategies.
  • Reassign, train or recruit staff necessary to complete the desired staffing structure. Working with
    site-based leadership, determine and document roles and responsibilities of both NYC and Kigutu
    based supply chain teams.
  • Develop and implement a strategic approach to demand planning, purchasing, logistics and
    distribution. Ensure that all elements of the supply chain are functioning properly; assess and
    adjust practices as needed.
  • Identify areas for training and skill-building to strengthen supply chain operations. Develop or
    share methods and materials for site-based staff. Provide on-site training when necessary, and
    oversee any external consultants or volunteers engaged for training opportunities.
  • Lead program managers on all things material’s planning – from quantification and
    budgeting to specification and installation/utilization.
  • Support programs in uptake of improved business processes and tools.
  • Collaborate with program managers on financial approvals, from budget implementation to
    special requests.

3. Management (25%)

  • Establish key performance indicators to measure the supply chain improvements and overall
    performance. Communicate KPIs and ensure that team members are achieving desired
    results.
  • Manage customs clearance, warehousing, and internal logistics and distribution processes.
  • Manage daily activities of the entire supply chain team (transport, procurement,
    maintenance). Meet regularly with each direct report; help to prioritize activities,
    troubleshoot and respond to emergencies.
  • Create development plans for staff; provide mentorship and identify relevant training
    opportunities for the SC team.

4. Qualifications:

  • 5 years of relevant experience: logistics, procurement, warehousing/inventory management,
    and systems design and implementation in a developing country or post-conflict
    environment.
  • 2-3 years of supervision and management experience required.
    Master’s Degree and/or Lean Six Sigma training preferred; ISO 9001:2008 background
    considered an asset.
  • Electrical or mechanical engineering, IT/communications, or other technical background considered an asset.
  • Strong analytical skills. Ability to synthesize and organize data and report on findings.
  • Strong time management skills and high level of integrity.
  • Ability to think strategically and plan for long-term initiatives. Able to implement change
    and demonstrate to others the value of improved processes.
  • Good communication skills. Comfortable working with colleagues from different cultures
    and collaborating across departmental boundaries.
  • Management skills. Comfortable managing remote employees.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills (in English and preferably French) and
    ability to professionally communicate in a multicultural environment.
  • Preference for teamwork and a collaborative working environment.
  • Commitment to social justice and mission-driven organizations.
  • Able to function with a high level of independence, flexibility, and good humor.
  • Ability to live and work full-time at VHW’s main campus, in rural S. Burundi.

How to apply

How to Apply
Please email the following documents to both jobs@villagehealthworks.org and jobs_a@villagehealthworks.org with the subject line: Supply Chain Manager.

  1. A cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the position
  2. Your current resume/CV
  3. Contact details for three professional references (including one former supervisor) Deadline
  4. Certified copy of diplomas and training certificates
  5. Job Certificates

Equal Opportunity Statement
Village Health Works is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from
women, Burundian nationals, and individuals from underrepresented communities.