Job Description – Procurement Executive

About Kabadiwalla Connect

Kabadiwalla Connect is an award-winning company that provides smart waste collection and processing solutions for cities in the developing world. Through pioneering business processes and ICT-based technology, Kabadiwalla Connect integrates the informal recycling ecosystem into the reverse-logistics supply chain, helping brands and waste management companies recover post-consumer waste efficiently, cost-effectively and inclusively.

With recognition from MIT, The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, The World Bank, The World Economic Forum, Dubai Expo 2020 and the Launch Circular Innovation Ecosystem, our work strongly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by diverting waste from landfills and improving livelihood opportunities in the informal sector.

Role Overview

Kabadiwalla Connect is looking to hire a Procurement Executive responsible for developing and expanding the organisation's procurement network across the informal recycling ecosystem and industrial sector.

The role will focus on identifying potential suppliers, building relationships, converting them into active procurement partners and ensuring a consistent supply of recyclable materials at competitive prices and required quality standards.

The candidate will work closely with waste pickers, scrap shops, aggregators, informal material recovery facilities (MRFs), industries, commercial establishments, recyclers and other material suppliers. The role requires extensive field engagement, supplier acquisition, business development, price negotiation and end-to-end procurement coordination.

The candidate will be expected to take ownership of supplier onboarding and conversion, develop new procurement channels, maintain strong supplier relationships and achieve material procurement targets in terms of quantity, quality, pricing and consistency.

Key Responsibilities1. Supplier Identification & Business Development

- Identify and map potential suppliers of recyclable materials across the informal sector and industrial ecosystem.
- Conduct regular field visits to scrap shops, waste pickers, aggregators, informal MRFs, industries, factories, commercial establishments and other material-generating locations.
- Identify potential suppliers based on material availability, quality, quantity, pricing and supply consistency.
- Approach and engage new suppliers to introduce KC's procurement model and establish business relationships.
- Convert prospective suppliers into active procurement partners and develop a consistent supplier network.
- Explore new geographies, industrial clusters and material procurement opportunities to expand KC's sourcing network.
- Build and maintain long-term relationships with suppliers to ensure recurring material supply.

2. Procurement & Material Sourcing

- Procure recyclable materials such as paper, plastics,



metals and other identified material categories from informal-sector suppliers and industries.
- Understand material availability, generation patterns, market prices and supplier requirements.
- Ensure procurement targets are achieved in terms of material quantity, quality, pricing and timelines.
- Coordinate with suppliers to plan material collection, aggregation and delivery.
- Identify opportunities to procure materials directly from industries and bulk waste generators.
- Develop procurement channels for post-industrial and post-consumer recyclable materials.
- Ensure a consistent and reliable supply of materials to meet KC's project and business requirements.

3. Supplier Conversion & Relationship Management

- Regularly engage with existing and prospective suppliers to understand their business operations and procurement expectations.
- Negotiate material prices, payment terms, supply volumes and other commercial conditions.
- Explain KC's procurement processes, quality requirements, traceability systems and business arrangements to suppliers.
- Onboard suppliers by completing the required documentation and registration processes.
- Maintain regular communication and follow up with suppliers to ensure continued participation and material supply.
- Resolve supplier-related concerns, including pricing disagreements, quality issues, payment follow-ups and logistical challenges.
- Develop supplier relationships that encourage long-term engagement and repeat transactions.

4. Material Quality, Pricing & Supply Chain Coordination

- Assess material quality, segregation levels, contamination, moisture and other relevant specifications before procurement.
- Coordinate material sampling and quality assessments wherever required.
- Monitor market price fluctuations and benchmark procurement prices across different suppliers and locations.
- Ensure procurement is undertaken at commercially competitive rates while maintaining supplier relationships.
- Coordinate with transporters, aggregators, processing facilities and buyers to ensure timely material movement.
- Monitor material quantities, weighment, dispatch, receipt and delivery confirmations.
- Identify and address discrepancies in material quality, quantity, pricing and delivery.
- Work closely with the operations team to ensure that procured materials meet buyer and project specifications.

5. Procurement Data, Documentation & Reporting

- Maintain an updated database of existing and prospective suppliers, including their locations, contact details, material categories and procurement potential.
- Maintain supplier onboarding records, procurement registers,



price trackers and transaction documentation.
- Track supplier-wise procurement volumes, purchase prices, material quality and supply frequency.
- Monitor conversion of prospective suppliers into active suppliers and track repeat procurement.
- Prepare regular reports on procurement performance, supplier acquisition, material availability and market developments.
- Maintain purchase records, weighment slips, invoices, bills and other supporting documents.
- Provide regular updates to the management team on procurement performance, challenges and new business opportunities.

6. Coordination with Internal Teams

- Coordinate with project, operations, finance and sales teams to align procurement activities with organisational requirements.
- Work with the operations team to plan collection, transportation, aggregation and material handling.
- Coordinate with the finance team on supplier payments, purchase documentation and transaction reconciliation.
- Work with the sales and project teams to understand buyer requirements and ensure procurement aligns with material demand.
- Provide field-level feedback on supplier behaviour, market pricing, material availability and operational challenges.
- Support the development and implementation of procurement strategies across KC's projects.

Qualifications & Skills

- 1–3 years of experience in procurement, purchase, sales, business development, supply chain, field operations or a related role.
- Experience in the waste management, recycling, scrap trading, plastics, paper or circular economy sectors is preferred.
- Experience in supplier acquisition, business conversion, field sales or vendor development will be an advantage.
- Ability to identify, approach and convert new suppliers into active business partners.
- Comfortable conducting extensive field visits and engaging with informal-sector stakeholders, including waste pickers, scrap dealers and aggregators.
- Ability to engage with industrial establishments, factories and commercial organisations to develop procurement partnerships.
- Good negotiation, relationship management and business development skills.
- Understanding of recyclable materials, material quality, market pricing and procurement processes is preferred.
- Robust communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to converse effectively in Tamil and English.
- Good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently, manage field activities, and achieve procurement targets.
- Strong follow-up skills and ability to work within deadlines.
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other standard office tools.
- Ability to maintain accurate procurement records and prepare reports.

Job Type

Full-time

Salary

₹30,000 – ₹40,000 per month, depending on experience and suitability for the role

Pay: ₹30,000.00 - ₹40,000.00 per month

Benefits:

- Commuter assistance

Work Location: In person

📌 Procurement Executive (Chennai)
🏢 Kabadiwalla Connect
📍 Chennai