Head of Category Management Construction

Abu Dhabi Airports Company; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Abu Dhabi Airports Company seeks a Head of Strategic Procurement Category Management to lead development and execution of procurement strategies across assigned categories, driving value through strategic sourcing, cost optimization and supplier management.

The role oversees the full procurement lifecycle, leads category management, negotiates contracts and ensures compliance with company policies and governance. Strong leadership and data analytics are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree or equivalent in Strategic Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, IT, Data Science, Business Administration, Law or MCIPS or equivalent.
• Minimum 10 years of strategic procurement experience.
• Minimum 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Experience within aviation or related industry sectors.
• Strong background in data analytics and procurement decision-making.
• Extensive experience in category management and procurement best practices.
• Strong commercial and contractual negotiation experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the annual procurement plan for assigned categories.
• Lead category management and analysis, benchmarking and sourcing decisions.
• Manage the complete procurement lifecycle from tender to contract execution.
• Lead tendering processes, commercial evaluations and supplier negotiations.
• Negotiate contracts delivering optimal cost, service and revenue outcomes while mitigating risk.
• Maintain contract documentation within approved systems and ensure compliance.
• Lead and coach a team of procurement professionals with a focus on Emiratization.
• Manage stakeholder and supplier relationships across Legal, Finance, Risk, HR and IT.
• Ensure governance, compliance with policies, and drive continuous improvement.
• Support audits and lead initiatives to improve efficiency and savings.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Category management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Data analytics

Contract management

Team leadership

Sourcing strategies

Education

Master's degree or equivalent in Strategic Procurement / Supply Chain Management

Tools

ERP systems

Sourcing tools

MS Office

Job description

The Head of Strategic Procurement Category Management

The Head of Strategic Procurement Category Management is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that align with Abu Dhabi Airports business objectives The role focuses on creating value through strategic sourcing cost optimization revenue enhancement supplier relationship management and risk mitigation The position oversees the full procurement lifecycle leads category management activities manages sourcing teams negotiates and approves contracts and ensures compliance with company policies procedures and delegation of authority

Responsibilities

Procurement Strategy amp Planning

• Develop and manage the annual procurement plan for assigned categories
• Ensure sourcing requirements are delivered efficiently within budget and according to planned timelines
• Monitor and report progress of procurement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies procedures and industry best practices
• Develop strategic sourcing strategies to optimize costs increase revenue and minimize risks

Category Management amp Analysis

• Conduct spend analysis revenue analysis market analysis and benchmarking
• Utilize strategic procurement tools and methodologies to support sourcing decisions
• Identify and implement cost-saving revenue-generating and process improvement opportunities
• Prepare and present sourcing strategies and recommendations to executive management for approvals

Procurement amp Contract Management

• Manage the complete procurement lifecycle from tender preparation to contract execution
• Lead tendering processes commercial evaluations and supplier negotiations
• Negotiate contracts that deliver optimal cost service and revenue outcomes while minimizing business risk
• Review contract amendments and variations to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Maintain proper documentation and storage of contracts within approved systems
• Achieve assigned savings revenue and procurement cycle-time targets

Team Leadership amp People Management

• Lead coach and develop a team of procurement professionals
• Identify training and development requirements with a focus on Emiratization
• Manage workforce planning attendance and leave schedules
• Conduct performance management and provide regular feedback
• Ensure delivery of high-quality and timely outcomes by the procurement team

Stakeholder amp Supplier Management

• Lead and manage cross-functional sourcing teams
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders including Legal Finance Risk HR IT Operations Commercial and CP amp C teams
• Advise business units on sourcing requirements and procurement-related issues
• Establish and maintain effective supplier and concessionaire relationships
• Support resolution of supplier performance and contractual matters

Governance Compliance amp Continuous Improvement

• Ensure team compliance with company policies legal requirements risk management quality standards and delegated authority
• Support internal and external audits
• Lead initiatives to improve efficiency reduce costs increase revenues and enhance procurement processes
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management

Health Safety amp Environment HSE

• Support safe working practices in collaboration with HSE and relevant teams
• Ensure team participation in mandatory HSE training and awareness programs
• Encourage reporting of incidents hazards and unsafe conditions
• Monitor and ensure timely closure of corrective actions related to HSE and Quality requirements

Requirements and Skills

Education amp Qualifications

• Master s Degree or equivalent professional qualification in Strategic Procurement Supply Chain Management Engineering Information Technology Data Science Business Administration Law MCIPS certification or equivalent professional certification

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of strategic procurement experience
• Minimum 3 years in a leadership or management role
• Experience within aviation or similar industry sectors relevant to assigned categories
• Proven experience in developing and implementing strategic procurement initiatives
• Strong background in data analytics and procurement decision-making
• Extensive experience in category management and procurement best practices
• Strong commercial and contractual negotiation experience
• Experience leading and managing large procurement teams
• Demonstrated ability to influence and manage senior stakeholders
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Skills amp Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent decision-making capabilities
• Ability to manage complex and ambiguous situations
• Strong stakeholder management skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication and presentation skills
• Advanced knowledge of procurement principles processes and tools
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Experience using ERP and sourcing procurement systems
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Contract negotiation and supplier relationship management expertise
• Project management and continuous improvement capabilities

Experience Minimum 10 years of strategic procurement experience. Minimum 3 years in a leadership or management role. Experience within aviation or similar industry sectors relevant to assigned categories. Proven experience in developing and implementing strategic procurement initiatives. Strong background in data analytics and procurement decision-making. Extensive experience in category management and procurement best practices. Strong commercial and contractual negotiation experience. Experience leading and managing large procurement teams. Demonstrated ability to influence and manage senior stakeholders. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Skills & Competencies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent decision-making capabilities. Ability to manage complex and ambiguous situations. Strong stakeholder management skills. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills. Advanced knowledge of procurement principles, processes, and tools. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Experience using ERP and sourcing/procurement systems. Strong leadership and people management skills. Contract negotiation and supplier relationship management expertise. Project management and continuous improvement capabilities.