Thato Champane
Supply Chain Management And Procurement Specialist
Gaborone
Summary
Experienced supply chain specialist with extensive procurement and professional experience in diverse supply chain environments. A first-rate planner, manager, and communicator. I have received comprehensive training in procurement and supply chain management. Expertise lies in effectively managing purchasing needs in high-volume business operations, whether in the private or public sector. Strong skills in public procurement, ensuring compliance with the Botswana Public Procurement Act and regulations, Tenders, asset disposal, price increases, managing and negotiating contracts,fostering cross-functional collaboration and managing supplier performance.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Coordinator - Procurement Oversight
BOTSWANA PRISON SERVICE
05.2024 - Current
- Oversee procurement activities, ensuring compliance with the Public Procurement Act,2021 and Public Procurement Regulations, 2023
- Coordinates the implementation of procurement operational strategy within Procurement Oversight
- Conducts pre-adjudication, adjudication, and recommendation of award, rejection, or cancellation
- Conducts market intelligence and manages supplier relationships
- Contract management-overseeing and ensuring that all parties to a contract meet their agreed deliverables within specified timelines, while managing risks, compliance, and performance throughout the contract lifecycle
- Provides guidance to departments to ensure consistent application of procurement law and regulations
- Facilitates operational oversight through procurement systems and performance reports
- Advises Director Procurement on policy changes, procedures, and latest Public Procurement regulatory authority (PPRA) circulars
- Promotes transparency and accountability in procurement operations
- Leads initiatives to achieve sustainable procurement objectives (economic, social, and environmental)
- Ensures independence in execution of Procurement Oversight functions
- Identifying and mitigating risks associated with procurement activities
- Vetting and approval of Invitation to tender (ITT)-ensuring efficient processing and decision making, contributing to the department's goal of streamlined operations
- Ensuring that all tenders are opened on time according to schedule
- Adjudicating complaints regarding tenders and preparing adjudication summaries for the Accounting Officer final decision making.
- Conduct, together with Procurement Oversight Director, Fair hearing, review audience with Bidders and PE for the final decision to be undertaken by the board (advisory) and the Accounting Officer.
- Works with Botswana Prisons Service warehouse on disposal of assets ensuring that all processes and documentation have been completed prior Auctions.
- Increased client satisfaction by facilitating clear and consistent communication between project teams and stakeholders.
Divisional Buyer
RETAIL HOLDINGS (Pty) Ltd
03.2021 - 04.2024
- Managed supplier performance, negotiated regional cycle and promotional deals
- Conducted strategic sourcing and managed procurement for multiple categories
- Updated supplier listings and enforced compliance checks
- Analyzed inventory and category-specific inflation; initiated new product development
- Led cost negotiations and contractual term improvements
- Conducted supplier reviews using monthly KPIs and performance reports
- Collaborated with logistics, sales, and inventory teams to support regional operations
- Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring vendor performance and addressing any issues promptly
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing
- Reduced procurement costs through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, and effective negotiations
- Provided training and guidance to junior team members on best practices in purchasing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement department
- Continuously monitored industry trends to identify new supply sources that could potentially improve overall procurement efficiency
- Participated in trade shows and conferences to stay informed of the latest industry developments and maintain a strong professional network
- Achieved cost savings by identifying opportunities for consolidation and bulk purchasing across departments
- Reviewed legal documents such as contracts and non-disclosure agreements to ensure compliance with company policies
Regional Buyer
TRIDENT HOLDINGS (Pty) Ltd
04.2017 - 02.2021
- Prepared procurement and stock control reports, sales forecasting, and budgeting
- Developed cost-effective strategies, sourced and evaluated new vendors
- Managed regional buyers and vendor ratings
- Handled assortment strategy, promotions, transport arrangements, and category sourcing
- Implemented procurement policies in line with global standards
- Tracked inventory, negotiated deals, and streamlined processes
- Conducted field coordination with inventory and store management teams
- Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring vendor performance and addressing any issues promptly
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing
- Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies
- Managed portfolio of suppliers to diversify sourcing options and mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure product specifications were met, enhancing customer satisfaction
- Prepared and analyzed reports to track inventory and purchasing trends
- Monitored and analyzed sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns
- Cultivated relationships with wholesalers and distributors to increase inventory availability
Cost Accountant
THE BUTCHER SHOP (Ultimate Ostriches) (Pty) Ltd
02.2014 - 03.2017
- Maximized profitability with detailed product costing analysis, enabling data-driven decision making for pricing strategies
- Managed month-end closing activities efficiently, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing processes and recommending enhancements to safeguard company assets
- Conducted in-depth variance analysis to identify root causes of discrepancies between actual results versus projections, informing corrective actions as necessary
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify areas for operational improvements, resulting in significant cost reductions
- Optimized inventory management by conducting regular audits and implementing lean inventory practices
- Coordinated physical inventory counts and cycle counts across warehouses
- Supervised warehouse staff and monitored stock management procedures
- Calculated product costs and evaluated production efficiency
- Prepared figures for future costing and pricing policies
- Investigated stock count variances and reported on periodic cost deviations
- Updated standard costs and validated cost of goods sold
- Assisted in financial reporting, journal reviews, and balance sheet analysis
- Collaborated with materials review board to eliminate obsolete inventory
- Monitored and audited stock, shrinkages, damages, and expiries
- Recommended strategies to reduce waste and improve inventory flow
- Assisted procurement team in evaluating supplier contracts to ensure the best possible terms were negotiated while minimizing risk exposure.
Senior Buyer
BIDVEST FOODSERVICE BOTSWANA
11.2009 - 01.2014
- Received, inspected, and reconciled stock deliveries against purchase orders
- Achieved cost savings by implementing strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
- Reduced lead times by closely monitoring inventory levels and forecasting demand accurately.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of products, ensuring timely delivery and quality control.
- Reviewed each store location's buying trends to ascertain correct assortment of apparel for maximum sales and profits.
- Performed extensive vendor and supplier research to identify cost-effective options and product availability.
- Devised and implemented policies and procedures for purchasing and inventory control.
- Managed warehouse staff, receiving, dispatch, and stock security
- Oversaw and streamlined daily operations of purchasing department to maximize productivity and revenue.
- Prepared and tracked local and international purchase orders
- Documented purchasing information in IMS to maintain detailed and accurate records.
- Negotiated trading terms with suppliers to improve margins
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, fostering collaboration and mutual growth.
- Coordinated logistics with transport companies for inbound/outbound deliveries
- Led procurement documentation, supplier contracts, rebate tracking, and audit readiness
- Conducted monthly stock takes and implemented rotation policies
- Trained staff and collaborated with finance on creditor reconciliations and timely payments
- Resolved invoice queries, managed obsolete stock, and improved service level agreements
Education
Master of Science (MSc) - Logistics & Supply Chain Management
University of Bolton
01.2019 - 03.2022
CIPS Level 6 (MCIPS) - Procurement & Contracts Management
Institute of Development Management (IDM)
06.2016 - 09.2018
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) - HR Management & Industrial Psychology
Botswana Open University (BOU)
04.2017 - 03.2021
Postgraduate Certificate - Public Sector Procurement & Tender Process Management
Botswana Accountancy College (BAC)
09.2022 - 03.2023
Skills
- Effective supply chain management
- Contract management
- Tender Adjudication/Evaluation
- Effective negotiation skills
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Regulatory compliance
- SAP & Procurement Systems
- Process Improvement & Cost Control
- Contract & Tender Management
- Retail/Wholesale Procurement
- Forecasting & Category Analysis
- Market Intelligence
Certification
Occupational Health & Safety Lead Auditor, BOBS, 09/01/15
Occupational Health & Safety Assessment Series, BOBS, 07/01/15
Microsoft Excel 2010, Expert Rating, 07/01/16
Accomplishments
- Achieved 92% in KVI stockholding through supplier rationalization and process monitoring.
- Saved 20% in procurement costs via strategic sourcing and contract renegotiations.
- Oversaw 50+ procurement projects with 100% on-time delivery.
- Implemented Excel-based inventory systems to track and control stock movement.
- Built long-term supplier relationships contributing to consistent pricing and timely deliveries.
Additional Information
Actively uses the Botswana Public Procurement Act, 2021 and Regulations, 2023 in public procurement advisory and tender processing., Works with government agencies on import permits (Poultry, Fish, Baked Goods)., Liaised with LEA to support local manufacturers on product development and procurement compliance., Participates in organizational social responsibility programs and donations., Experienced in both private sector retail procurement and public sector procurement oversight.
Affiliations
- Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS), Full Member, 005368423
- Ministry of Agriculture Poultry Import Committee, Botswana, Member
- Botswana Competition and Consumer Authority, Contributor
Timeline
Coordinator - Procurement Oversight
BOTSWANA PRISON SERVICE
05.2024 - Current
Postgraduate Certificate - Public Sector Procurement & Tender Process Management
Botswana Accountancy College (BAC)
09.2022 - 03.2023
Divisional Buyer
RETAIL HOLDINGS (Pty) Ltd
03.2021 - 04.2024
Master of Science (MSc) - Logistics & Supply Chain Management
University of Bolton
01.2019 - 03.2022
Regional Buyer
TRIDENT HOLDINGS (Pty) Ltd
04.2017 - 02.2021
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) - HR Management & Industrial Psychology
Botswana Open University (BOU)
04.2017 - 03.2021
CIPS Level 6 (MCIPS) - Procurement & Contracts Management
Institute of Development Management (IDM)
06.2016 - 09.2018
Cost Accountant
THE BUTCHER SHOP (Ultimate Ostriches) (Pty) Ltd
02.2014 - 03.2017
Senior Buyer
BIDVEST FOODSERVICE BOTSWANA
11.2009 - 01.2014
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