Head of Purchasing

The Head of Purchasing is responsible for leading the procurement strategy, operations, and vendor management across the organization. This senior role ensures the effective sourcing of goods and services, negotiates supplier contracts, and maintains strong vendor relationships to support business objectives. Operating in compliance with UAE procurement regulations, the Head of Purchasing works closely with internal departments to forecast needs, manage budgets, and optimize supply chain efficiency.

Responsibilities:

1. Developing and implementing purchasing strategies aligned with organizational goals and market trends.
2. Overseeing sourcing, negotiation, and contracting of suppliers to secure favorable terms and consistent quality.
3. Leading the procurement team in day-to-day purchasing operations, ensuring timely delivery of materials and services.
4. Establishing and managing supplier performance metrics, conducting regular reviews, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
5. Collaborating with finance, operations, and inventory teams to forecast purchasing needs and manage budgets effectively.
6. Ensuring adherence to company policies and UAE procurement laws, including ethical sourcing and vendor compliance.
7. Identifying cost-saving initiatives, process improvements, and opportunities to streamline procurement operations.
8. Managing risk in the supply chain by developing alternative sourcing strategies and ensuring business continuity.
9. Reporting on procurement KPIs, cost analysis, and market trends to senior management for strategic planning.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
2. Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in procurement, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership or strategic sourcing role.
3. Proven experience managing procurement in the UAE, with strong knowledge of local supplier markets and regulations.
4. Expertise in contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and procurement compliance.
5. Proficiency in procurement and ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Coupa.
6. Strong leadership, team-building, and communication skills to effectively lead cross-functional initiatives.
7. High level of analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail.
8. Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.