Director of Procurement

We are looking to hire a Director of Procurement who will be responsible for leading Procurement, Vendor Relations, and Tendering functions for our client based in Dubai, one of the largest semi- government companies in the region.

This is a permanent role within the organization.

The role sits within the Procurement Department and reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer.

We are looking for a Director of Procurement who can drive procurement strategy, optimize vendor management, and lead tendering initiatives. The ideal candidate should have experience in procurement strategy, contract management, vendor evaluation, tendering processes, and compliance oversight.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and manage future demand and capacity, developing strategies for timely sourcing and service delivery.
• Oversee end-to-end supplier sourcing, contract negotiations, vendor relations, and product/service evaluations for new store openings and redesigns.
• Lead RFI/RFP processes and manage the complete procurement cycle.
• Monitor supplier capabilities and market trends to maintain competitive advantage.
• Contribute to new initiatives and projects, assessing their impact on procurement operations.
• Lead complex negotiations, reviewing trade agreements, sourcing levers, and vendor incentives
• Define vendor selection criteria in line with organizational and compliance standards.
• Conduct due diligence, risk assessments, and background checks before onboarding vendors.
• Ensure all legal, financial, and compliance documentation is complete and up-to-date.
• Collaborate with Legal & Contracts teams to maintain compliant agreements.
• Establish and track KPIs and SLAs to monitor vendor performance and service quality.
• Conduct regular vendor reviews and feedback sessions to drive continuous improvement.
• Monitor vendor pricing, payment terms, and invoicing for accuracy and efficiency.
• Identify, report, and escalate vendor-related risks including supply chain, compliance, or reputational issues.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory standards, audits, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and data protection compliance.
• Keep accurate vendor records for audit and governance purposes.
• Provide strategic oversight of the Group’s tender management process, ensuring transparency, competitiveness, and compliance.
• Manage the preparation, issuance, and administration of tender documents (RFPs, RFQs, ITTs).
• Conduct financial due diligence on bidders and ensure contractual compliance.
• Identify and mitigate tender-related risks, including disputes or non-compliance.
• Work closely with key stakeholders to deliver efficient procurement and tendering services.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and act as the primary escalation point for issues.
• Prepare and manage the Procurement budget, ensuring cost efficiency.
• Track procurement performance and prepare reports, dashboards, and presentations for executive review.
• Provide timely updates on tender closures and procurement activities.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, civil engineering, Business Management or equivalent.
• Holds professional certifications like The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or Six Sigma
• Proven experience in procurement, vendor management, and tendering within large organizations.
• Strong negotiation, stakeholder management, and contract management skills.
• Knowledge of compliance, regulatory standards, and procurement best practices.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Availability:

• Preference will be given to candidates available immediately or within 30 days of accepting the offer.

We are looking for a candidate who will be able to work in the United Arab Emirates . Please apply with your resume and provide your contact details.

We will review your application within 7 working days . If your profile fits the requirements, a consultant from Edari will contact you to discuss the role in more detail and potential next steps.