Food Procurement Manager

Keeta; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Keeta in Dubai is seeking an experienced procurement leader in the food sector to source ambient products, manage international supplier relations, and negotiate favorable terms aligned with halal standards and GCC regulations.

You will collaborate with operations and marketing to shape product launches, oversee the procurement budget, drive cost savings, and ensure compliance with Halal certification, labeling rules, and cross-border logistics using Incoterms.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of procurement experience in the food industry.
• Halal certification knowledge and Middle East labeling regulations preferred.
• Familiarity with GCC regulations and Incoterms.

Responsibilities

• Source ambient food products and manage supplier evaluation and negotiation.
• Ensure compliance with UAE/GCC safety standards and Halal requirements.
• Oversee cross-border logistics, Incoterms, and customs clearance.
• Manage procurement budget and report savings and performance to leadership.

Skills

Procurement experience

Negotiation skills

Cross-border logistics

Market research

English fluency

Job description

• Responsible for the development, evaluation, and negotiation with suppliers for designated food categories (excluding fresh produce and fruits/vegetables), including international brand agency, OEM/ODM collaboration, and local supplier management.
• Deeply explore high-quality food manufacturing resources in China and globally, selecting products tailored to Middle Eastern market tastes (Halal certification, sweetness levels, spice preferences, etc.).
• Formulate and execute procurement strategies to ensure competitive purchasing costs and achieve the company's gross margin targets.

Supply Chain & Compliance Management:

• Ensure all imported food products comply with UAE and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) food safety standards (e.g., ESMA, SFDA, GSO, etc.).
• Lead the acquisition and maintenance of Halal certification, and handle related customs clearance documents and label reviews.
• Monitor international logistics and customs clearance progress, optimize inventory turnover, and manage strategies for near-expiry and slow-moving products.

Market Insights & Product Selection:

• Analyze food consumption trends in the Middle East market and identify emerging category opportunities (e.g., health foods, functional beverages, Asian specialty condiments, etc.).
• Conduct regular visits to supermarkets (e.g., Carrefour, Lulu, Spinneys), wholesale markets, and trade shows (e.g., Gulfood) for competitor research and price benchmarking.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with operations and marketing teams to develop new product launch plans and promotional strategies.
• Manage the procurement budget, and regularly report on procurement performance and cost savings.

Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years of procurement experience in the food industry. Background in imported food, cross-border e-commerce, or large-scale retail enterprises is preferred.
• Location: Familiarity with Middle East (GCC) food regulations and consumer habits; local work experience in Dubai or current residency in Dubai is preferred.
• Category: Experience in procuring ambient food categories such as snacks, condiments, beverages, grains, and cooking oils (no involvement with fresh produce or fruits/vegetables).
• Language Skills: Fluent English communication skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing); proficiency in Arabic or Chinese is a plus.
• Core Skills:Familiar with Incoterms and cross-border logistics processes.
• Possess excellent negotiation skills and cost analysis capabilities.
• Hands-on experience with Halal certification processes and Middle East food labeling regulations.