About the Role
The Head of Strategic Procurement / Category Management is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that align with business objectives. This role focuses on creating value through strategic sourcing, cost optimization, revenue enhancement, supplier relationship management, and risk mitigation. The Head of Strategic Procurement oversees the full procurement lifecycle, leads category management activities, manages sourcing teams, negotiates and approves contracts, and ensures compliance with company policies, procedures, and delegation of authority.
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Responsibilities
Procurement Strategy & Planning
- Develop and manage the annual procurement plan for assigned categories.
- Ensure sourcing requirements are delivered efficiently, within budget, and according to planned timelines.
- Monitor and report progress of procurement initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and industry best practices.
- Develop strategic sourcing strategies to optimize costs, increase revenue, and minimize risks.
Category Management & Analysis
- Conduct spend analysis, revenue analysis, market analysis, and benchmarking.
- Utilize strategic procurement tools and methodologies to support sourcing decisions.
- Identify and implement cost-saving, revenue-generating, and process improvement opportunities.
- Prepare and present sourcing strategies and recommendations to executive management for approvals.
Procurement & Contract Management
- Manage the complete procurement lifecycle from tender preparation to contract execution.
- Lead tendering processes, commercial evaluations, and supplier negotiations.
- Negotiate contracts that deliver optimal cost, service, and revenue outcomes while minimizing business risk.
- Review contract amendments and variations to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Maintain proper documentation and storage of contracts within approved systems.
- Achieve assigned savings, revenue, and procurement cycle-time targets.
Team Leadership & People Management
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of procurement professionals.
- Identify training and development requirements, with a focus on Emiratization.
- Manage workforce planning, attendance, and leave schedules.
- Conduct performance management and provide regular feedback.
- Ensure delivery of high-quality and timely outcomes by the procurement team.
Stakeholder & Supplier Management
- Lead and manage cross-functional sourcing teams.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including Legal, Finance, Risk, HR, IT, Operations, Commercial, and CP&C teams.
- Advise business units on sourcing requirements and procurement-related issues.
- Establish and maintain effective supplier and concessionaire relationships.
- Support resolution of supplier performance and contractual matters.
Governance, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure team compliance with company policies, legal requirements, risk management, quality standards, and delegated authority.
- Support internal and external audits.
- Lead initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce costs, increase revenues, and enhance procurement processes.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by management.
Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
- Support safe working practices in collaboration with HSE and relevant teams.
- Ensure team participation in mandatory HSE training and awareness programs.
- Encourage reporting of incidents, hazards, and unsafe conditions.
- Monitor and ensure timely closure of corrective actions related to HSE and Quality requirements.
Requirements and Skills
Education & Qualifications
- Master's Degree or equivalent professional qualification in:
- Strategic Procurement
- Supply Chain Management
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Data Science
- Business Administration
- Law
- MCIPS certification or equivalent professional certification.
Experience
- Minimum 10 years of strategic procurement experience.
- Minimum 3 years in a leadership or management role.
- Experience within aviation or similar industry sectors relevant to assigned categories.
- Proven experience in developing and implementing strategic procurement initiatives.
- Strong background in data analytics and procurement decision-making.
- Extensive experience in category management and procurement best practices.
- Strong commercial and contractual negotiation experience.
- Experience leading and managing large procurement teams.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and manage senior stakeholders.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent decision-making capabilities.
- Ability to manage complex and ambiguous situations.
- Strong stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
- Advanced knowledge of procurement principles, processes, and tools.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience using ERP and sourcing/procurement systems.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Contract negotiation and supplier relationship management expertise.
- Project management and continuous improvement capabilities.
