Manager Business Procurement

AIR ARABIA PJSC; Sharjah; On-site; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

An aviation group based in Sharjah is seeking an experienced professional to lead procurement activities. The candidate will manage sourcing strategies and supplier performance while ensuring compliance with regulations. Ideal applicants will have over 12 years of experience in complex procurement environments, preferably in aviation, along with strong negotiation and analytical skills. This role requires effective stakeholder management and the ability to enhance procurement processes through technology and best practices.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive procurement experience in complex environments.
• Experience in aviation or large corporate procurement is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of procurement governance and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end procurement activities.
• Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies.
• Oversee contract lifecycle from drafting to execution.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Management or Supply Chain

Tools

Microsoft Office

Oracle

CLMS

Job description

Job Purpose

Responsible for planning and overseeing procurement activities across assigned business categories within the Air Arabia Group, ensuring effective sourcing, supplier performance management, contract formulation and administration. Collaborates with internal stakeholders to meet operational and corporate needs while ensuring alignment with company policies and regulatory requirements. Supports value optimization, risk management, and continuity of supply across the procurement lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end procurement activities across assigned business categories, covering direct and indirect spending.
• Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives, budgetary constraints and cost optimization targets. Periodically measure and track Procurement KPIs to achieve cost efficiency and delivery precision.
• Drive procurement initiatives to reduce total cost of ownership while ensuring quality, service, and compliance.
• Adopt global procurement approach that blends centralization and decentralization to maximize network leverage and operational flexibility. Plan, coordinate, and manage RFQs, tenders, techno-commercial evaluations, negotiations, and contract awards.
• Lead complex commercial and contractual negotiations to secure favourable pricing, terms, and service levels.
• Oversee the full contract lifecycle including drafting, review, negotiation, execution, amendments, renewals, and close-out in line with company policies and legal requirements.
• Act as the primary escalation point for contractual issues, claims, variations, disputes, and supplier non-performance ensuring timely resolution and risk mitigation.
• Establish and maintain effective supplier relationships while ensuring competitive tension and performance accountability.

Key Responsibilities – Continued

• Monitor supplier performance, market trends, and commercial risks, implementing corrective actions where required. Periodically review supplier churn and drive new vendor development to support continuous improvement and strengthen the supplier base. Ensure procurement activities comply with internal governance and SOP, delegated authority limits, audit requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to support operational, ground handling, HOTAC, IT, stores, uniform, insurance, logistics services, accommodation, and corporate procurement requirements.
• Support strategic procurement initiatives related to maintenance, aircraft ground handling and other equipment, stores, and infrastructure projects.
• Manage and track procurement documentation, approvals, purchase orders, and contract records to ensure transparency and audit readiness.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of procurement processes, tools, and best practices, leveraging automation tools such as Oracle and CLMS.
• Embed ESG considerations into procurement decisions to drive responsible sourcing, supplier accountability, and sustainable value.
• Provides direction, coaching and guidance to team members supporting their career and professional development including staff at hub locations.
• Creates a conducive working environment to build and sustain a performance driven, engaged, motivated and committed team.
• Ensures people management responsibilities are handled effectively in line with company procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Supply Chain, or equivalent. With 12+ years of progressive procurement experience in a complex, multi-category environment. Experience within aviation or large corporate procurement environments is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing, category management, and end-to-end procurement processes across direct and indirect spend.
• Solid understanding of commercial contracts, procurement governance, supplier risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Advanced negotiation and commercial acumen with proven experience managing high-value, complex, and service-oriented contracts.
• Strong analytical and financial skills, with the ability to assess total cost of ownership, identify cost-saving opportunities, and evaluate supplier performance using data-driven insights.
• Effective stakeholder management and communication skills, capable of influencing internal business partners and external suppliers at senior levels while maintaining strong professional relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple procurement priorities in a fast-paced, regulated environment while exercising sound judgment and decision-making within delegated authority.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, Oracle, CLMS with experience in procurement reporting, dashboards, and analytics.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, accountability, and customer focus, with a continuous improvement mindset.