Procurement Associate (UAE National)

Job Purpose

The Procurement Associate is responsible for supporting the procurement function at Americana Restaurants International in the UAE. This role ensures the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services, maintains supplier relationships, ensures compliance with company policies, and contributes to optimizing overall supply chain efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in sourcing and purchasing goods and services in line with company requirements and standards.
• Prepare purchase orders and maintain accurate documentation for all procurement transactions.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and resolve order-related issues.
• Maintain and update a database of approved suppliers and vendors.
• Support the evaluation of supplier performance based on quality, delivery time, and cost.
• Assist in negotiating contracts and pricing agreements to ensure best value for the company.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies and UAE regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of procurement transactions, including contracts, purchase orders, and invoices.
• Assist in preparing reports for internal audits and procurement reviews.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through market research, supplier negotiations, and process improvements.
• Monitor procurement expenses and assist in budget forecasts.
• Conduct market research to identify new suppliers, products, and industry trends, providing insights to the Procurement Manager.
• Work closely with operations, finance, and supply chain teams to align procurement activities with business objectives.
• Support project-specific procurement needs and assist in implementing process improvements to optimize efficiency.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Procurement, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in procurement or supply chain, preferably in the food & beverage or retail industry.
• Experience with ERP systems and procurement software is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong understanding of procurement regulations and practices in the UAE.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and analytical skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail and process improvement focus.