Manager - Strategic Procurement & Performance Management

Etihad Engineering; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation engineering firm in the United Arab Emirates is seeking a Procurement Manager to develop and implement procurement strategies that drive cost reduction and enhance operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will lead tender processes, manage vendor performance, and ensure compliance with procurement standards. With 6-10 years of relevant experience, along with strong analytical and negotiation skills, this role is crucial for supporting operational reliability and improving procurement frameworks.

Qualifications

• 6-10 years' experience in procurement or supply chain, with at least 3 years in technical procurement or contract management.
• Demonstrated success in vendor negotiations and supplier performance management.
• Proven experience developing procurement policies and governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies for spare parts and services.
• Lead the tendering and negotiation process for materials and services.
• Conduct market analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor Performance Management

Cost Optimization

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or Business Administration

Master's Degree or professional certification (CIPS, CPSM, PMP)

Tools

ERP Systems (Oracle)

Procurement Reporting Tools

Job description

Job Description

This role develops and implements procurement strategies that support competitive tendering, drive cost reduction initiatives, and promote value creation across all categories. It also establishes and maintains procurement policies, governance structures, and compliance frameworks to ensure adherence to organizational and regulatory standards. Working closely with the Commercial and Technical Procurement Managers, the position drives alignment, transparency, and continuous improvement within supplier and procurement performance. The role acts as a strategic partner to business units, fostering a culture of accountability, efficiency, and excellence in procurement operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies to ensure continuous availability of spare parts, consumables, tools, and services required for operational reliability.
• Establish, implement, and monitor procurement governance frameworks, policies, and procedures in alignment with company standards and audit requirements.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, approval hierarchies, and documentation requirements across all sourcing activities.
• Lead the tendering and negotiation process for materials, services, and indirect goods to achieve optimal cost, quality, and delivery outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Operation, IT, Facility, etc.) to define procurement needs and technical specifications.
• Implement Vendor Performance Management : Monitor supplier performance, conduct audits, and drive corrective action plans where necessary. Maintain accurate records of supplier performance, contract terms, and procurement documentation.
• Administer and manage contracts, including drafting, negotiation, renewals, and ensuring supplier adherence to agreed terms and service levels.
• Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to identify cost-saving opportunities and strategic sourcing options.
• Drive standardization of materials and supplier base to streamline procurement, reduce complexity, and improve leverage across multiple facilities or business units.
• Coordinate technical and commercial bid evaluations for MRO tenders, ensuring balanced decisions that meet both operational and financial criteria.
• Provide training and guidance to procurement team members and internal stakeholders on procurement policy, processes, and compliance expectations.
• Support supplier audits and quality assessments in collaboration with Engineering and Quality teams to ensure adherence to technical standards.
• Prepare and present regular reports on contract status, supplier performance, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Support risk management activities by identifying and mitigating supply and contract-related risks.
• Develop and maintain framework agreements and long‑term pricing contracts with critical suppliers to ensure supply security and budget predictability.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of procurement policies, tools, and processes to enhance operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or Business Administration.
• Master's Degree or professional certification (CIPS, CPSM, PMP) preferred.
• Minimum 6‑10 years' experience in procurement or supply chain, with at least 3 years in technical procurement or contract management. Aviation and MRO background strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in vendor negotiations, supplier performance management, and cost optimization.
• Proven experience developing procurement policies and implementing governance frameworks.
• In-depth understanding of procurement processes, sourcing strategies, and contract law principles.
• Technical knowledge of MRO materials, components, and service contracts.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with audit, risk management, and compliance processes in a corporate procurement setting.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (Oracle) and procurement reporting tools.