Manager - Procurement Operations

Objective: Lead and oversee the implementation and operational execution of procurement operations and digital transformation initiatives, ensuring strong governance and full compliance with organizational policies and government regulations, under the direction of the Senior Director – Procurement.

Drive operational excellence through implementation of approved process standardization, digital platforms (Oracle Fusion/EBS…), performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives

Requires a professional with strong expertise and in-depth understanding of procurement, finance, and IT, capable of driving integrated, system-based solutions—not merely coordinating functions—to ensure compliance, data integrity, and end-to-end procurement optimization.

Essential Duties:

Digital Transformation & Systems Enablement

• Lead procurement system optimization initiatives, including enhancements of Oracle Fusion/EBS, document management systems, and other systems & platforms.
• Ensure system-driven compliance by embedding procurement policies and Delegation of Authority (DOA) within ERP systems.
• Oversee the implementation of key system functionalities, including contract management, bank guarantees, procurement planning, PO/contract variations, and digital procurement platforms (public tenders).
• Provide functional leadership with strong expertise across procurement, finance, and IT to drive integrated system solutions.
• Support end-to-end ERP system transformation initiatives, including system design, testing, data migration, and user adoption; proactively identify and troubleshoot issues, provide solutions, or coordinate with relevant teams to ensure timely resolution.

Continuous Improvement & Transformation

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement within procurement operations & system usage.
• Lead transformation initiatives aligned with organizational strategy (digitalization, governance, service excellence).
• Support strategic procurement objectives such as cost optimization, transparency, and supplier engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement & Capability Building

• Leading the cross function activities between procurement, finance, IT, and end users.
• Establish and maintain strong stakeholder relationships to ensure alignment and service excellence.
• Lead procurement awareness initiatives, onboarding programs, and user training sessions.
• Promote a shift from transactional procurement to a value-driven and user-enabled model.
• Develop and manage procurement SLAs to enhance transparency and service quality.

Procurement Operations Management

• Oversee day‑to‑day procurement system operations, perform quality control, manage escalations, and ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance across all activities.
• Ensure all procurement transactions are recorded probably and executed correctly in line with approved policies, procedures, and Delegation of Authority (DOA).
• Maintain high standards of documentation, data integrity, and audit readiness.

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Lead the implementation and operational governance of ERP‑enabled procurement processes, ensuring effective execution, compliance, and continuous enhancement of procurement controls, policies, procedures, and Delegation of Authority (DOA).
• Ensure implementation and consistent application of approved procurement templates, contracts, and documentation across the organization.
• Monitor and control single-source and sole-source procurement practices, ensuring proper justification and compliance.
• Drive proactive audit readiness and implement corrective actions to eliminate audit risks.
• Introduce and manage classification mechanisms (e.g., non-procurement transactions) to enhance reporting accuracy and governance.
• Periodically review Delegation of Authority (DOA), policies, and procedures to maintain compliance and relevance.

Process Improvement & Standardization

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce cycle time, and eliminate rework.
• Standardize procurement processes including transactions creation, data entry, and documentation practices.
• Develop clear guidelines and user-friendly procedures to improve procurement service delivery.
• Establish and maintain a centralized procurement knowledge base and templates library.

Performance Management & Reporting

• Develop, monitor, and report procurement KPIs, ensuring alignment with departmental objectives.
• Conduct regular performance analysis to identify risks, gaps, and improvement opportunities.
• Support procurement savings tracking and financial performance monitoring.
• Lead structured reporting processes (e.g., monthly KPI tracking, quarterly closing activities).

Procurement Planning & Financial Alignment

• Lead the operational development, implementation, and monitoring of the Procurement Plan, ensuring alignment with approved budgets, financial controls, and procurement priorities.
• Collaborate closely with finance to ensure budget availability, forecasting accuracy, and expenditure tracking.
• Perform any other duties as requested and provide support to the line manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Supply Chain, or related field.
• It is preferable to have a specialized certificate in the field.

Experience

• Preferably 6 to 8 years of experience in procurement operations, preferably within ERP‑enabled or government environments, including transformation initiatives.

Proven experience in:

• ERP systems: Oracle EBS / Fusion for procurement, finance, and system workflow.
• In-depth understanding of Procure-to-Pay (P2P) full-cycle processes and accounting principles.
• Procurement governance and policy development.
• Experience with other systems, including but not limited to contracts management systems, PCM systems, procurement planning systems, and document management systems.
• Process improvement and digital transformation initiatives.
• Systems integration across ERP, procurement, finance, and related platforms.
• Performance management and KPI reporting.
• Experience working in government entities, preferably within local Abu Dhabi organizations.