Strategic Foodservice Procurement Lead

Chef Middle East; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Chef Middle East is seeking a Senior Procurement Executive to source, purchase, and manage inventory for the Protein Category. The role emphasizes strategic thinking, strong negotiation skills, and building supplier relationships to achieve quality, cost efficiency, and timely delivery.

You will lead supplier onboarding, develop procurement strategies, and collaborate with logistics to optimize inventory and minimize waste in a dynamic foodservice environment in Dubai.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Certifications such as CIPS or CPSM are preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in procurement, especially beef and poultry in foodservice or FMCG.

Responsibilities

• Identify and onboard reliable suppliers for foodservice products, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Maintain and strengthen supplier relationships for long-term partnerships and favorable terms.
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews based on delivery timelines, product quality, and service levels.
• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with business goals and operational needs.
• Anticipate demand fluctuations and plan to avoid stock shortages or excess inventory.
• Collaborate with logistics and operations to manage inventory flow and reduce waste.
• Use data-driven insights to forecast inventory needs and optimize procurement cycles.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and payment terms to achieve cost savings without compromising quality.
• Ensure purchases comply with budgets and contribute to financial efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction through value engineering and process improvements.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with policies, food safety standards, and local regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, contracts, and supplier agreements.
• Conduct audits to ensure compliance with internal and external requirements.
• Collaborate with finance, operations, and sales to align procurement with business objectives.
• Coordinate with logistics to ensure timely delivery and resolve shipment issues.
• Support other departments with procurement expertise for special projects.
• Stay updated on market trends, pricing dynamics, and new suppliers in the foodservice industry.
• Proactively seek opportunities to improve procurement processes, reduce lead times, and enhance efficiency.
• Implement sustainable procurement practices in line with values and customer expectations.

Skills

Sourcing

Purchasing

Negotiation

Supplier relationships

Procurement strategies

Inventory management

Forecasting

Data-driven insights

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field

CIPS or CPSM certifications preferred

Job description

Chef Middle East is seeking a Senior Procurement Executive to source, purchase, and manage inventory for the Protein Category. The role emphasizes strategic thinking, strong negotiation skills, and building supplier relationships to achieve quality, cost efficiency, and timely delivery.

You will lead supplier onboarding, develop procurement strategies, and collaborate with logistics to optimize inventory and minimize waste in a dynamic foodservice environment in Dubai.