Procurement Strategy Manager

Procurement Strategy Manager

DUBAI, UAE · GROUP-LEVEL CORPORATE · FULL-TIME

We are looking for a procurement leader who thinks like a business partner — someone who can architect a best-in-class procurement function, influence at the executive level, and create measurable commercial value across a diversified group of businesses.

A prominent UAE-based business group is building a centralized, strategic procurement capability from the inside out. The person who leads this function will sit at the intersection of commercial strategy, supplier intelligence, and operational governance — acting as a true architect of the group's sourcing ecosystem rather than a manager of purchase orders.

If you have built procurement functions, driven transformation mandates, and operated as a trusted commercial advisor to senior leadership — this role was designed for you.

THE OPPORTUNITY

• Procurement architecture: Design and enforce a group-wide sourcing strategy that consolidates spend, eliminates redundancy, and positions procurement as a strategic lever — not an administrative function.
• Commercial leadership: Lead high-stakes supplier negotiations and long-term contract structures. Build preferred supplier frameworks that deliver sustained value beyond one-off savings.
• Executive stakeholder influence: Partner with CFO, COO, and business unit heads to align procurement strategy with group-level growth objectives. Shape investment decisions before they happen.
• Governance and risk leadership: Own the procurement risk register. Ensure regulatory compliance across UAE and GCC jurisdictions while proactively identifying and mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Function building: Lead, develop, and elevate a team of 4–5 procurement professionals. Cultivate a culture of strategic thinking, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Data-driven transformation: Leverage ERP and procurement analytics to move the function from reactive to anticipatory — using spend visibility and market intelligence to drive decisions.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Demonstrable savings and value creation across consolidated group spend
• A procurement function that business units actively seek out as a strategic partner
• Supplier relationships that are assets — not just transactional dependencies
• A governance and compliance framework that holds up to internal audit and board-level scrutiny
• A team that is growing in capability and commercial sophistication

YOUR PROFILE

• 7–10 years of procurement experience, with meaningful tenure in a group-level, multi-entity, or holding company context
• Proven track record of building or transforming a centralized procurement function — not just running one
• Deep commercial acumen: you understand P&L, can construct a business case, and are credible in the boardroom
• Strong expertise in supplier strategy, contract structuring, and negotiation at a senior level across UAE and GCC markets
• Experience navigating UAE regulatory frameworks, customs, and free zone requirements
• Professional certification (CIPS, CPSM or equivalent) strongly preferred
• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced qualification in supply chain or business preferred

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• You are known for being a thought leader in your organisation — people seek your perspective on business decisions, not just procurement ones
• You are comfortable with ambiguity and energised by building — this role has genuine whitespace and will reward initiative
• You communicate with executive presence: structured, concise, commercially grounded
• You have strong UAE/GCC market knowledge and can navigate the cultural and regulatory nuances of doing business in this region