Procurement Operations – Head of Unit

SEA; Sharjah; On-site; AED 446,000 - 781,000; Full time

Job summary

SEA is seeking a senior procurement leader to drive the Operations Unit, aligning procurement plans with budgets and organizational priorities. The role emphasizes compliant, cost‑effective delivery and stakeholder collaboration across departments in Sharjah.

You will oversee planning, ERP transactions, supplier coordination, and performance reporting, guiding the team toward continuous improvement and strong governance standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years in procurement or procurement operations with supervisory experience.
• Experience with procurement planning, purchasing, supplier coordination, and P2P processes.
• Experience coordinating across multiple departments/projects and managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Procurement Operations Unit to ensure timely delivery of procurement requirements.
• Develop and maintain annual procurement plans aligned with budgets and priorities.
• Coordinate with department heads to incorporate requirements into operational and budget plans.
• Oversee procurement for projects, facilities, and other operational needs.
• Ensure procurement transactions are processed through ERP systems and documented accurately.

Skills

Procurement operations

Leadership

Budget planning

Stakeholder coordination

ERP systems

Excel

Contract governance

Supplier management

Procurement reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Procurement or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Takamul

Excel

Job description

Procurement Operations - Head of Unit

The Head of Procurement Operations Unit is responsible for leading and overseeing the effective delivery of day-to-day procurement operations, ensuring organizational requirements for goods and services are planned, coordinated, processed, and delivered efficiently and in accordance with approved procurement policies and procedures. The role oversees procurement planning, operational purchasing activities, coordination with internal stakeholders and suppliers, procurement systems and documentation, inventory-related activities, and operational reporting. The Head of Unit ensures procurement activities support organizational priorities, approved budgets, service requirements, and project timelines while maintaining appropriate standards of compliance, quality, cost-effectiveness, transparency, and accountability. The position also provides guidance and supervision to the Procurement Operations team and contributes to the continuous improvement of procurement processes and service delivery.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the activities of the Procurement Operations Unit, ensuring the effective and timely delivery of operational procurement requirements.
• Coordinate the development and maintenance of the annual procurement plan in alignment with approved budgets, departmental requirements, projects, and organizational priorities.
• Monitor implementation of the procurement plan and ensure appropriate follow‑up with departments regarding requirements, timelines, changes, and priorities.
• Work closely with department heads and end users to ensure procurement requirements are appropriately planned and incorporated into operational and budget requirements.
• Manage procurement support for organizational projects and initiatives, including new facilities, nursery openings, programmes, and other operational requirements.
• Oversee the timely procurement, supply, delivery, installation, and receipt of required goods and services, ensuring alignment with approved specifications and requirements.
• Coordinate and monitor recurring operational procurement requirements to support continuity of services and availability of essential supplies.
• Oversee procurement‑related stores, inventory coordination, asset movements, and related operational activities in collaboration with relevant functions.
• Ensure procurement transactions and workflows are accurately and efficiently processed through approved procurement and ERP systems.
• Oversee coordination with Finance regarding invoices, reconciliation, payments, and other procurement‑related financial requirements.
• Ensure procurement records, approvals, purchase documentation, delivery records, correspondence, and supporting information are complete, accurate, organized, and audit‑ready.
• Ensure procurement operations are conducted in accordance with approved procurement policies, delegated authorities, applicable regulations, and organizational procedures.
• Support and coordinate Procurement Committee requirements and ensure approved actions and procurement decisions are appropriately followed through.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and relevant support functions to resolve operational procurement issues and ensure timely project and service delivery.
• Monitor procurement operational performance and ensure appropriate follow‑up on delays, issues, risks, and outstanding requirements.
• Prepare and oversee procurement operational reports, performance indicators, dashboards, and management updates.
• Establish effective controls and working practices to improve procurement efficiency, accuracy, service quality, and compliance.
• Identify opportunities to streamline procurement processes, improve turnaround times, strengthen controls, and enhance the overall stakeholder experience.
• Lead, guide, and support Procurement Operations team members, including workload allocation, performance monitoring, knowledge sharing, coaching, and capability development.
• Promote professional, transparent, ethical, and service‑oriented procurement practices across the Unit.
• Maintain effective working relationships with departments, suppliers, Finance, inventory functions, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Perform other related duties within the scope of the position as assigned by the line manager.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of relevant experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain, or procurement operations, including experience in a supervisory, team‑lead, or senior capacity.
• Demonstrated experience in procurement planning, operational purchasing, supplier coordination, procurement documentation, and purchase‑to‑payment processes.
• Experience supervising or coordinating procurement activities across multiple departments, projects, or operational requirements.
• Good understanding of procurement policies, delegated authorities, governance requirements, and internal controls.
• Experience using procurement or ERP systems; familiarity with Takamul or similar government procurement systems would be an advantage.
• Experience working with procurement budgets, invoices, purchase orders, reporting, and operational performance measures.
• Recognized professional qualification or certification in procurement or supply chain management, such as CIPS or an equivalent internationally recognized qualification, is preferred.
• Experience within a government, public‑sector, education, or similarly regulated environment would be an advantage.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and relevant procurement systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of procurement operations, purchasing processes, and supply chain principles.
• Proven ability to develop, coordinate, implement, and monitor annual procurement plans.
• Strong understanding of procurement governance, compliance requirements, delegated authorities, internal controls, and ethical procurement practices.
• Strong supplier and stakeholder coordination skills, with the ability to manage procurement requirements across multiple departments and projects.
• Ability to monitor procurement budgets, purchase orders, invoices, payments, and other financial aspects of procurement operations.
• Strong knowledge of procurement systems and ERP platforms, with the ability to ensure accurate and timely transaction processing.
• Understanding of inventory, stores, asset movement, delivery, and receiving processes.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to identify procurement risks, delays, issues, and opportunities for improvement.
• Ability to develop and interpret procurement reports, dashboards, performance indicators, and management information.
• Strong planning, organization, prioritization, and time‑management skills.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and other relevant digital tools.
• Ability to lead, supervise, coach, and develop procurement team members effectively.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong leadership and people‑management skills, with the ability to motivate, guide, and develop team members.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, transparency, and ethical conduct in all procurement activities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and senior management.
• Strong decision‑making and judgment skills, particularly when managing procurement priorities, risks, issues, and competing requirements.
• Results‑oriented approach with a strong commitment to service quality, efficiency, compliance, and timely delivery.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with a consistent focus on accuracy and accountability.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments and functions.
• Proactive approach to identifying opportunities for process improvement, cost effectiveness, efficiency, and enhanced stakeholder experience.
• Ability to remain composed and effective when working under pressure and managing multiple procurement priorities and deadlines.
• Adaptability and initiative in responding to changing organizational requirements, priorities, and operational challenges.
• Strong commitment to confidentiality, governance, compliance, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.