Simon Gwegweduka

Managed and negotiated all international contracts and agreements, ensuring comprehensive coverage for critical commodities and overseeing delegated sourcing processes.

Defined, monitored, and analyzed key procurement indicators to identify improvements, optimizing freight management for lead time, cost, and environmental impact.

Ensured stringent compliance with UK Government, USAID, BIS, EU, and UN Export Controls, sanctions, embargoes, and ISO standards across all international programs.

Acted as the departmental focal point and export control manager, supporting senior stakeholders with licensing needs and ensuring information tracking and archiving per donor standards.

Managed supplier relations, negotiated contracts, drove sustainability initiatives, and mitigated supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks.

Provided expertise in global procurement and contracting to programmatic teams, negotiating contracts and supporting international programs funded by UKAID, USAID, and GIZ.

Led the development and strengthening of a robust global procurement manual and country-specific policies, ensuring compliance and operational excellence.

Identified and managed commercial, contractual, operational, financial, reputational, ethical, and supply chain risks, while fostering innovation and opportunity.

Developed and delivered procurement training plans for global operations teams, enhancing team capabilities and promoting best practices.

Led the procurement of strategic goods, services, and technical consultants, providing expert advice to stakeholders on supply chain best practices.

Managed the supply chain to improve quality, cost, and delivery performance, adding value through market research and price analysis for competitive contracts.

Designed and implemented operational strategies for warehousing and distribution of pharma and non-pharma products, optimizing vehicle routing for maximum efficiency.

Developed long-term demand plans, increasing product availability while reducing distribution costs and ensuring competitiveness of prices and contracts.

Reviewed and improved existing systems, making strategic recommendations for order management, supplier management, inventory, and distribution services.

Identified and managed commercial, contractual, operational, financial, reputational, ethical, and supply chain risks to minimize negative organizational impact.

Ensured centralized procurement and contracting activities adhered to funder requirements (FAR, PPFMA, PPFM Act, BBBEE, USAID, CDC, Global Fund) and SA Treasury regulations.

Managed BEE audits and monthly measurement of BBBEE scores, ensuring staff collected sufficient certificates and affidavits.

Designed and implemented operational strategies for warehousing and distribution of pharma and non-pharma products, optimizing vehicle routing for maximum efficiency.

Drafted and reviewed supplier contracts and sub-contracts, ensuring sound terms and conditions aligned with best practices.

Identified and implemented cost-saving opportunities while ensuring strict quality standards for purchased products.

Provided leadership and strategic direction for world-class supply chain services, ensuring procurement adherence to ISO9001, ISO13485, FDA Regulations/QSRs, and corporate policies.

Led and developed robust negotiations for complex procurement categories, establishing effective communication channels with internal and external stakeholders.

Developed and implemented category management plans, identifying value-adding suppliers and establishing long-term business partnerships.

Managed all operational, tactical, and strategic procurement activities to support the timely manufacturing of enzymes.

Implemented metrics to measure performance and enhance the effectiveness of the procurement organization, influencing decision-making in process re-engineering and supply chain strategies.

Oversaw commercial contracts, sub-contracts, and sub-awardee activities, ensuring compliance with USAID, CDC, and other applicable regulations.

Reviewed strategic supplier contract terms and conditions for complex services, ensuring sound practices and adherence to legal standards.

Designed strategies to improve inventory management, warehousing, procurement, and logistics, aligning with modern management trends and best practices.

Managed and updated preferred/approved supplier lists, focusing on supplier development, relations, and leverage.

Identified and implemented proactive company-wide methods for cost reduction, achieving financial goals and continuously reviewing processes for global platform alignment.

Led sourcing activities for large and complex projects, implementing strategies to leverage market opportunities and optimize value for money.

Developed and executed detailed Contract Management Plans with emphasis on performance review, KPIs, tracking, and reporting.

Developed and implemented an organizational risk register, tools, and techniques to identify and mitigate supply chain risks.

Provided expert advice to internal and external stakeholders on pharma and non-pharma procurement, encouraging innovative, technology-based solutions.

Managed import and export processes for complex pharma products and equipment, consulting with key state and private partners.

Coordinated and managed all supply chain activities, including planning, sourcing, transport, shipping, customs clearance, warehousing, and asset management, optimizing stock levels through distribution control.

Identified, assessed, and selected vendors based on capability, negotiated prices and contract terms, and conducted regular project visits to support supply chain activities.

Managed import and export processes and procurement of HIV, TB drugs, medical devices, equipment, and other pharmaceuticals as requested by the Head of Mission.

Generated Purchase Orders and conducted supplier evaluations, maintaining an approved list of medicines and manufacturers in South Africa.

Ensured compliance with South African laws regarding procurement of goods and services and provided training to new SAP software users.

Procured pharmaceuticals, medical devices, equipment, and general non-medical materials, preparing tender documents in consultation with the State Procurement Board.

Managed compliance and collaborated with business partners to minimize non-compliance, negotiating material prices and contract terms.

Managed RFI, RFQ, and RFP processes for complex technical equipment procurement, assisting the legal department in drafting service level agreements.

Compiled monthly procurement data to measure effectiveness and support decision-making, and managed inbound/outbound warehouse services.

Conducted staff training and development, including providing training to new SAP software users.