TECHNICAL PROCUREMENT MANAGERS - DEFENCE - ELECTRONICS, EQUIPMENT, MECHANICAL

Duncan & Ross; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology and defense holding company is looking for three Technical Procurement Managers to optimize procurement processes and drive cost-effective sourcing strategies. Candidates should have a strong background in procurement, particularly in defense-related electronics and mechanical parts. The role involves close collaboration with engineering teams and managing suppliers to ensure a reliable supply chain.

Qualifications

• Strong background in category management and technical procurement.
• Deep knowledge of electronics, equipment, and mechanical parts.
• Ability to translate complex engineering specifications into procurement requirements.

Responsibilities

• Drive optimization of procurement processes across defined categories.
• Support sourcing activities and engage with suppliers.
• Coordinate requirements and support preparation of tender processes.

Skills

Procurement Expertise

Technical Understanding

Analytical Skills

Stakeholder Collaboration

Negotiation Skills

Job description

Position Overview

The client, a holding company in the technology and defense sector, is seeking three (3) Technical Procurement Managers to support the centralization and optimization of procurement activities across multiple entities. The focus will be on driving cost-efficient sourcing strategies and improving procurement performance within the following key categories:

• Electronics electronic components, PCBs, PCB assemblies, sensors, detectors, etc.
• Equipment optical systems, ballistic subsystems, mechanical assemblies, drone motors, etc.
• Mechanical & Structural Parts welded and bended assemblies, castings, 3D-printed parts, etc.

This role will play a critical part in aligning technical procurement with engineering teams and ensuring robust, cost-effective, and secure supply chains within the defense industry.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Procurement Optimization

• Drive the optimization of material and component procurement processes across the three defined categories.
• Ensure alignment with international defense industry standards (e.g., MIL, NATO).

Strategic Sourcing Support

• Support sourcing activities, including documentation of technical requirements and close collaboration with internal stakeholders (e.g., engineering, production).
• Engage with suppliers to clarify specifications and requirements.

Coordination & Tender Management

• Coordinate requirements and volume collection across multiple business units.
• Support preparation and planning of large-scale tender processes.
• Challenge internal requirements and facilitate harmonization of specifications to ensure consistency.

Supplier Base Management

• Contribute to the development of long-term category strategies, focusing on supplier base optimization and global risk management.
• Evaluate and manage suppliers to maintain a reliable and secure supply chain.

Make-or-Buy Analysis

• Conduct technical and economic feasibility studies to support make-or-buy decisions, considering cost, performance, and security of supply.

Lifecycle Cost Management

• Analyze and manage costs throughout the product lifecycle, including initial procurement, maintenance, sustainment, and disposal phases.

Obsolescence Management

• Identify and manage obsolescence risks for critical components, with proactive planning for replacements and upgrades.

Negotiation & Execution

• Support execution of sourcing strategies, including supplier negotiations to achieve cost savings and favorable terms.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Procurement Expertise: Strong background in category management, technical procurement, and procurement engineering.
• Technical Understanding: Deep knowledge of electronics, equipment, and mechanical / structural parts.
• Ability to translate complex engineering specifications into procurement requirements.
• Defense Industry Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with international defense industry standards (e.g., MIL, NATO).
• Analytical Skills: Strong capability in lifecycle cost analysis and risk assessment.
• Skilled in evaluating technical feasibility for sourcing and make-or-buy decisions.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Proven experience working cross-functionally with engineering, production, and supply chain teams.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Strategic Mindset: Ability to contribute to long-term procurement strategies and supplier development plans.
• Negotiation Skills: Track record of successful supplier negotiations and cost optimization initiatives.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidates will have a technical background, preferably in engineering or supply chain management within a defense, aerospace, or high-tech manufacturing environment. They should be proactive problem-solvers with a strategic mindset and the ability to bridge the gap between technical product requirements and procurement execution.

Vertical : Technology