Category Manager

Etihad Airways; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airline in the UAE is seeking a procurement professional to manage ground handling categories, ensuring value in pricing, service, and supply chain reliability. Candidates should have a degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience in procurement or supply chain management. The role includes developing sourcing strategies, executing contracts, and managing supplier relationships, contributing to the airline's ambitious growth plans as part of the Journey 2030 strategy.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in procurement or supply chain.
• Strong understanding of category management and sourcing strategies.
• Proficient in supplier relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop category plans and sourcing strategies.
• Lead high value sourcing projects and complex negotiations.
• Ensure accurate contract documentation and supplier performance management.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation strategies

Supplier relationship management

Education

Degree level qualification

CIPS or relevant professional qualification

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a UAE National procurement professional to join our Team! This purpose of the role is to manage the ground handling category to deliver best value for Etihad in terms of price/savings, service, supply chain reliability and Local Content objectives - delivered in line with governance, policy & compliance requirements. In addition, liaise with business users to review and challenge work scopes/specifications bringing commercial perspectives on supply market standards and benchmarks.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the development of category plans, translating these into sourcing strategies, leading sourcing execution through to contract award and post contract management/supplier relationship management. Personally leads & delivers high value/complex projects.

• Plan, deliver & update Category Strategies, including demand & supply market analysis, market innovation opportunities, Local Content targets, savings targets & best commercial approaches
• Develop & maintain Category & Sub-Category level Demand Plans, ensuring a ‘handshake’ with relevant end users, monitor & update plans to track expiring contracts & new requirements
• Lead the development and execution of Sourcing Strategies, ensuring appropriate work scope challenge and all relevant sourcing levers and commercial options are applied using suitable procurement channels, with Local Content fully considered and using financial analyses / TCO
• Develop & apply Negotiation Strategies & commercial discussions to extract best value
• Liaise daily with Procurement Operations Team to monitor ongoing planning and execution of sourcing transactions
• Take leading role in key aspects of high value sourcing transactions (eg complex scopes work, complex negotiations)
• Ensure Contract Documentation and systems records are accurate, fully reflect all relevant work scopes and commercial terms, utilizing standard contract types where possible
• Lead effective Supplier Relationship Management for strategic vendors and support the business in Contract Performance Management
• Liaise with Procurement Operations Teams, supporting the development of the Procurement Operations Teams, guiding and supporting capability development to enhance category expertise

Education & Experience

• Degree level qualification preferred, CIPS or other relevant professional qualification / certification / membership desirable

• At least 5 years relevant experience in the Category, or relevant procurement/supply chain experience

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world’s leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Together with Etihad’s codeshare partners, Etihad’s network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more.All this ties into Etihad’s ambitious Journey 2030 strategy. The airline plans to double its fleet size and triple the number of customers over the next six years as it sets out to be the airline everyone wants to fly!

To learn more, visit etihad.com

Recruitment Fraud Alert

Beware of fraudulent job offers from individuals or organizations claiming to represent the Etihad group. We will never ask for personal information, bank details, or payment during the recruitment process. Interviews are conducted face-to-face or via video/telephone before any formal offer. If you are asked for money, please treat it as fraudulent.