Category Manager - General Services and Marketing (UAE National)

Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation; Dubai; On-site; AED 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) invites applications for a senior procurement professional to lead category strategies and end-to-end sourcing efforts. The role focuses on aligning procurement plans with organizational objectives, driving cost savings, and strengthening supplier relationships.

You will oversee tendering, negotiations, contract awards, supplier performance, and governance, ensuring compliance, risk management, and achievement of KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Supply Chain, Procurement, or Business).
• MCIPS or CPSM certification preferred.
• Minimum 7 years in procurement with 4+ years in strategic sourcing or category management.
• Experience supervising procurement teams and managing complex tenders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of category strategies and sourcing plans aligned with organizational objectives and procurement priorities.
• Oversee end-to-end procurement activities, including tendering, evaluations, negotiations, contract awards, and procurement planning.
• Identify cost savings, cost avoidance, and value creation opportunities through market analysis, demand consolidation, and strategic sourcing.
• Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to enhance competitiveness and procurement outcomes.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders to understand requirements, align procurement strategies, and ensure timely delivery.
• Oversee supplier performance within assigned categories, coordinating with Procurement Governance & Excellence on supplier evaluations and improvement initiatives.
• Lead commercial negotiations and manage strategic supplier relationships to achieve optimal commercial and contractual outcomes.
• Oversee contract management activities, including contract performance, renewals, variations, and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with approved policies, procedures, delegation of authority, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Identify and mitigate procurement-related risks, ensuring appropriate controls, documentation, and timely escalation of issues.
• Monitor section KPIs, procurement cycle times, savings, and operational performance, ensuring achievement of departmental targets.
• Drive continuous improvement, digitalization, automation, and procurement best practices to enhance operational efficiency.
• Prepare and present procurement reports, recommendations, and performance updates to management and relevant committees.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Tendering

Contract negotiations

Supplier relationship management

Cost optimization

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

MCIPS

CPSM

Job description

Port, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) is a Government of Dubai organization which unifies and consolidates the role of its constituent subsidiaries and entities, namely, Dubai Customs, Trakhees, Dubai Ports Authority, JAFZA, Dubai Maritime Authority, and PCFC Investment. Officially established in 2001, the entities under the PCFC umbrella include some of the longest serving and commercially successful government departments.

PCFC is one of the key government bodies that contributes and drives Dubai’s economic, social, geographical and political vision. PCFC has been a pioneer of trade, customs and logistics not only in Dubai but across the region. It has ignited businesses that have created some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, reinvented the concept of Free Zones and continues to be the catalyst in an ever-changing business landscape. As a holding corporation with a history of defining the future, PCFC continues to live up to its motto of “Prosperity through Progress” by enabling trade and logistics industry to drive Dubai’s economic growth forward.

About the Role

• Lead the development and implementation of category strategies and sourcing plans aligned with organizational objectives and procurement priorities.
• Oversee end-to-end procurement activities, including tendering, evaluations, negotiations, contract awards, and procurement planning.
• Identify cost savings, cost avoidance, and value creation opportunities through market analysis, demand consolidation, and strategic sourcing.
• Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to enhance competitiveness and procurement outcomes.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders to understand requirements, align procurement strategies, and ensure timely delivery.
• Oversee supplier performance within assigned categories, coordinating with Procurement Governance & Excellence on supplier evaluations and improvement initiatives.
• Ensure a competitive and qualified supplier base within assigned categories, identifying market gaps and potential suppliers in coordination with the supplier registration team.
• Lead commercial negotiations and manage strategic supplier relationships to achieve optimal commercial and contractual outcomes.
• Oversee contract management activities, including contract performance, renewals, variations, and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with approved policies, procedures, delegation of authority, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Identify and mitigate procurement-related risks, ensuring appropriate controls, documentation, and timely escalation of issues.
• Monitor section KPIs, procurement cycle times, savings, and operational performance, ensuring achievement of departmental targets.
• Drive continuous improvement, digitalization, automation, and procurement best practices to enhance operational efficiency.
• Prepare and present procurement reports, recommendations, and performance updates to management and relevant committees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• Preferably having MCIPS, CPSM, or equivalent recognized procurement certification.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management, including at least 4 years across General Services, Construction, Fit-Out, Marketing, or related categories.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a supervisory or managerial role, with demonstrated responsibility for leading, managing, and developing procurement teams.
• Proven experience managing complex tenders, supplier negotiations, contract awards, and high-value procurement activities.
• Demonstrated experience in construction and fit-out procurement, including contractor sourcing, tender evaluations, and project-related commercial negotiations.
• Experience procuring general services, outsourced services, facilities management, marketing, advertising, events, and related services.