Thomas Thindwa

Results-driven procurement and supply chain professional with over eight years of progressive experience in mining procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, inventory control and asset verification. Progressed from Intern Buyer to Graduate Trainee Buyer and Group Buyer at RioZim Ltd before joining Kant Consulting as Asset Verification Team Leader. Experienced in procurement supporting Dalny Mine operations and the BioX Project, local and international sourcing across Zimbabwe, South Africa and China, supplier negotiations, freight coordination with FreightWorld, and Syspro ERP.

Currently pursuing the CIPS Level 4 Diploma.

Asset Verification Team Leader at Kant Consulting (2025-09 – Present)

• Led asset verification projects for Tshwane TVET College, Vuselela TVET College and NHLS.
• Supervised verification teams, coordinated tagging, reconciliation and reporting.
• Maintained accurate asset registers and ensured audit readiness.

Group Buyer at RioZim Ltd (2020-02)

• Managed the full procurement lifecycle for mining equipment, engineering spares, plant consumables, PPE, explosives, and operational services, ensuring uninterrupted mining operations.
• Utilised SYSPRO ERP to process purchase requisitions, generate purchase orders, monitor order status, maintain supplier records, and track procurement activities.
• Sourced and evaluated local and international suppliers across Zimbabwe, South Africa, and China, ensuring competitive pricing, quality products, and reliable delivery.
• Prepared and managed RFQs, evaluated supplier quotations, conducted commercial negotiations, and recommended supplier awards based on quality, cost, lead time, and service capability.
• Negotiated pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules, contributing to cost savings and improved procurement efficiency.
• Coordinated import procurement activities by working closely with FreightWorld for customs clearing and an appointed expeditor to ensure timely delivery of imported materials.
• Selected and managed transport providers for local and cross-border deliveries, ensuring safe, cost-effective, and on-time transportation of goods.
• Maintained strong supplier relationships through regular performance monitoring and supplier engagement, improving service levels and supply reliability.
• Worked closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Stores, Finance, and Operations teams to forecast procurement requirements and minimise production downtime.
• Ensured compliance with company procurement policies, governance standards, and audit requirements throughout the procurement process.
• Supported inventory optimisation by balancing stock availability with operational demand while reducing excess inventory and preventing stock-outs.
• Identified and implemented continuous process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency and supplier performance.
• Successfully maintained the availability of critical mining materials, supporting uninterrupted production and maintenance activities.
• Achieved procurement cost savings through effective supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Improved supplier performance by building long-term relationships and implementing consistent supplier performance monitoring.
• Enhanced procurement efficiency through the effective utilisation of the SYSPRO ERP system and improved procurement planning.
• Successfully coordinated local and international procurement activities, ensuring timely delivery of materials for operational and capital projects.

Graduate Trainee Buyer at RioZim Ltd (2018-02 – 2020-02)

• Procured consumables, spare parts and services.
• Coordinated deliveries, maintained supplier relationships and supported inventory planning.

Intern Buyer at RioZim Ltd (2016-02 – 2017-02)

• Raised purchase orders, expedited deliveries, resolved invoice discrepancies and prepared purchasing reports.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Business Management and Entrepreneurship – Chinhoyi University of Technology (2014 – 2017)

CIPS Level 4 Diploma (2024)