Head of Global Procurement

Simpson Booth Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A global procurement firm based in Dubai is seeking a Procurement Leader to oversee the procurement function, ensuring efficient sourcing of goods and services while leading a team and managing supplier relationships. The ideal candidate has significant experience in procurement within various sectors and is skilled in managing contracts and driving cost savings. International travel may be required. Competitive compensation is offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in procurement and sourcing roles.
• Experience managing large-scale, high-value contracts.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and analytics tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global procurement function for cost and quality.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and contracts.
• Drive digital transformation across procurement processes.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business or equivalent

Professional qualification in Procurement (e.g. CIPS Level 6)

Post-graduate qualification (e.g. MBA or master’s)

Tools

SAP

IFS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client specializes in delivering expert welding and coating services.

The Role

Responsible for leading the global procurement function to ensure the Client sources goods and services in the most efficient, cost‑effective, quality‑driven, sustainable, and risk‑controlled way. This role sets global procurement strategies, builds high‑performing supplier networks, negotiates optimal commercial terms, and delivers measurable value through cost savings, cash flow optimisation, risk reduction, improved lead times, and enhanced supply‑chain resilience to support the Client’s operations worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and executing the global procurement strategy aligned to company objectives for cost, quality, sustainability, and risk.
• Leading and mentoring a global procurement leadership team, including direct supervision of the EMEAA procurement team.
• Managing strategic supplier relationships and high‑value contracts across multiple regions.
• Ensuring compliance with procurement governance, policies, and legal requirements.
• Driving digital transformation and continuous improvement across procurement processes and systems.
• Deliver measurable cost savings and total cost‑of‑ownership improvements through effective sourcing and supplier management.
• Establish and manage a global supplier base to support operational performance, quality, and delivery standards.
• Implement and maintain procurement governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
• Lead transformation projects, including system implementation (SAP/IFS) and process optimisation.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Engineering, Operations, Finance, Legal, HSE, and Supply Chain to ensure procurement fully supports project delivery and regulatory requirements.
• Integrate sustainability, ESG, and ethical sourcing practices into procurement decisions.
• Define and report procurement KPIs (cost savings, supplier performance, risk metrics) to executive leadership.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Teamwork – Provide guidance, coaching and support to team members, empowering them to take ownership, deliver results, and grow.
• Performance – Lead by monitoring team performance, facilitating development and feedback conversations, setting clear objectives, and driving improvement initiatives to achieve results.
• Integrity – Foster a culture of open communication and collaboration to maintain a positive work environment, while ensuring all team members complete required compliance training.
• Expertise – Drive career progression and develop future leaders, while enhancing both your own and the team’s commercial and strategic awareness.
• Evolving – Champion continuous improvement, lead change initiatives, and support the team in navigating transformation successfully.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Responsibilities

• All employees have a duty to take care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions at work.
• Employees must conduct assigned tasks and duties in a safe manner, in accordance with instructions, and comply with all Health, Safety & Environmental rules, policies, procedures, regulations and codes of practice.
• Employees must co‑operate with management and co‑workers to help everyone meet their legal obligations.
• Employees must follow any instructions or HSE training provided by the Company and report any hazards, injuries or ill health that present a serious and imminent risk.
• Promote a strong safety culture through supplier selection and management processes.
• Ensure all procurement activities consider product safety, quality and compliance with HSE standards.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business or equivalent discipline.
• Professional qualification in Procurement (e.g. CIPS Level 6 or equivalent).
• Post‑graduate qualification (e.g. MBA or master’s in supply chain management).

Work Experience Required

• Significant experience (10+ years) in procurement and sourcing roles within industrial, construction, energy or infrastructure sectors.
• Proven success leading global procurement teams across direct and indirect categories.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver cost savings, supplier consolidation and process improvements.
• Experience of managing large‑scale, high‑value contracts and multi‑region suppliers.
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic mindset.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP or IFS preferred) and analytics tools.
• Experience implementing digital procurement transformation or ERP system rollouts.

Skills & Knowledge Required

• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Strong analytical and data‑driven approach with attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Global mindset, capable of managing complexity across cultures and geographies.
• Resilient, adaptable and able to lead change effectively.
• High integrity with commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.
• Advanced presentation and influencing skills for senior leadership engagement.

Requirement to Travel

Up to 25% international business travel as required to meet suppliers, support projects and attend global meetings.

Internal Communications Requirement

Collaborates with Global Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, Finance, Legal, HSE and regional management teams through meetings, reports, ERP dashboards and presentations to ensure procurement alignment with project and business objectives.

External Communications Requirement

Liaises with global suppliers, service providers and auditors through meetings, supplier reviews, contract negotiations and performance assessments to ensure delivery, quality and compliance with the Client’s standards.

Other Requirements

• May require a satisfactory criminal background check (e.g. Standard or Enhanced DBS).
• Must comply with confidentiality agreements and data‑protection requirements.
• Expected to uphold the Client’s ethical and anti‑bribery policies in all procurement activities.