Category Manager (Construction)

Al Ghurair; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Dubai is seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to develop sourcing strategies and manage supplier relations. The ideal candidate will have 7-12 years of experience in strategic procurement, particularly in construction materials, and proven leadership skills. This role offers competitive compensation and the opportunity to work on landmark projects in the region.

Qualifications

• 7-12 years of experience in strategic procurement or category management in construction materials.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Proven track record in bulk sourcing and vendor management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a category strategy.
• Conduct spend analysis and lead procurement agreements.
• Monitor commodity pricing and manage supplier pipelines.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Negotiation skills

Commodity market analysis

Vendor performance management

Team leadership

Tools

ERP platforms (Oracle, SAP, MS Dynamics)

Job description

Al Ghurair’s Construction business is a long-standing leader in the UAE’s building and infrastructure sector, with core capabilities in ready-mix concrete, masonry and block manufacturing, and aluminium engineering and façades. Known for delivering landmark projects such as the Dubai Metro, Burj Khalifa, and Emirates Towers, the division integrates material production with advanced construction technologies to support large-scale residential, commercial, and infrastructure developments. Its in-house expertise, scalable operations, and market credibility position it as a strategic construction partner across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a category strategy aligned with project demands, market trends, and long-term cost goals. Regularly review performance and re-align sourcing levers.
• Conduct spend analysis to identify sourcing priorities, initiate long-term procurement agreements, and lead high-volume tenders for materials exceeding 1,000 tonnes.
• Continuously monitor commodity pricing, particularly metals and aggregates, to optimize timing of purchases and mitigate risk exposure.
• Identify, assess, and engage qualified vendors; lead contract negotiations and performance evaluations to maintain strong supplier pipelines across geographies.
• Collaborate with planning and operations to forecast material requirements for upcoming projects, ensuring proactive sourcing aligned with budget and mobilization timelines.
• Manage and mentor a procurement team, fostering accountability, process discipline, and cross-functional alignment.
• Ensure adherence to internal controls, procurement policies, and audit standards. Oversee approval workflows, ARFs, POs, and transport documentation.
• Deliver insights to management through dashboards and reports on spend patterns, supplier performance, open commitments, and realized savings.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 7-12 years of progressive experience in strategic procurement or category management, specifically in construction materials.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to analyze commodity markets and leverage pricing cycles.
• Proven track record in bulk sourcing, vendor performance management, and contract lifecycle oversight.
• Proficiency with ERP platforms such as Oracle, SAP, or MS Dynamics.
• Leadership ability to manage a small team and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Exceptional negotiation, planning, and data interpretation skills.