Procurement Manager- Catering

zoad catering; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 391,000 - 502,000; Full time

Job summary

zoad catering is seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to lead the end-to-end procurement for catering operations in Abu Dhabi. You will source food products, beverages, equipment, and services, negotiate contracts, manage supplier performance, and ensure cost efficiencies while maintaining quality and compliance.

You will collaborate with QA and operations to optimize stock, forecast demand, and drive continuous improvement in procurement processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration or related field.
• Professional certification such as CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement for catering, food, beverages, equipment and services.
• Manage sourcing, evaluation, negotiation, and supplier selection.
• Oversee tendering, bidding, and contract management to maximize value.
• Ensure uninterrupted supply while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
• Establish and maintain supplier relationships and monitor performance.
• Negotiate pricing, terms and service levels with suppliers.
• Monitor procurement spend and align with budgets and targets.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality and internal policies.
• Coordinate with warehouses and operations for optimal stock and replenishment.
• Prepare procurement reports, spend analyses and dashboards.
• Drive continuous improvement and procurement automation initiatives.

Skills

Procurement

Vendor management

Contract management

Cost optimization

Inventory coordination

Reporting & analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management

CIPS / CPSM certification (preferred)

Job description

Job Purpose

The Procurement Manager is responsible for leading and managing the end-to-end procurement function for catering operations, ensuring the timely sourcing of food products, beverages, kitchen equipment, consumables, and services. The role focuses on achieving cost efficiencies, maintaining quality standards, managing supplier relationships, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting uninterrupted catering operations through effective procurement planning and inventory coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Management

• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with catering business objectives and operational requirements.
• Manage the sourcing, evaluation, negotiation, and selection of suppliers for food products, beverages, packaging materials, kitchen equipment, and operational supplies.
• Lead tendering, bidding, and contract management activities to achieve value-driven procurement outcomes.
• Ensure uninterrupted supply of quality products and services while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Supplier & Contract Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with approved suppliers and strategic vendors.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, service levels, and contractual agreements to maximize commercial benefits.
• Monitor supplier performance against agreed service standards, quality requirements, and delivery schedules.
• Conduct periodic supplier evaluations and implement corrective actions where required.

Cost Control & Budget Management

• Monitor procurement expenditures and identify opportunities for cost optimization.
• Analyze market trends, commodity prices, and supplier pricing structures to support informed purchasing decisions.
• Ensure procurement activities align with approved budgets and financial targets.
• Generate procurement savings initiatives and cost reduction programs without compromising quality.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure procured goods comply with food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and company quality requirements.
• Coordinate with Quality Assurance and Operations teams to maintain product consistency and compliance.
• Ensure procurement processes adhere to organizational policies, governance requirements, and contract management procedures.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation for audit purposes.

Inventory & Supply Chain Coordination

• Collaborate with warehouse, inventory, and operational teams to optimize stock levels and minimize wastage.
• Support demand forecasting and procurement planning based on business needs and seasonal demands.
• Monitor inventory consumption trends and ensure timely replenishment of critical items.
• Coordinate with suppliers to manage delivery schedules and mitigate supply chain risks.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Prepare procurement performance reports, spend analysis, supplier performance evaluations, and management dashboards.
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, systems, and operational efficiency.
• Implement best practices in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and procurement governance.
• Support digital transformation and procurement automation initiatives where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent is preferred.

Experience

• 8-10 years of procurement experience, preferably within catering, hospitality, food services, FMCG, or large-scale operations.
• Minimum 3 years in a managerial or supervisory procurement role.
• Experience managing food and beverage procurement contracts and supplier networks.