Procurement Manager

Life at Dubai Future Foundation

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) aims to realize the wise vision of Dubai’s leadership to institutionalize the envisioned future and forward-thinking methodologies, while positioning Dubai as the leading city of the future. In partnership with its local and global partners from governments, companies, startups, and entrepreneurs, DFF drives joint efforts to collectively imagine, design, and execute the best possible future for humanity.

Under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, the DFF runs and oversees many futureproofing projects and initiatives, such as the Museum of the Future, Area 2071, The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution UAE, Dubai Future Accelerators, One Million Arab Coders, Dubai Future Academy, Dubai Future Solutions, Dubai Future Labs, Dubai Future Forum, etc. DFF’s efforts to share knowledge, adopt innovation, support entrepreneurs and innovative startups, build capacity, and promote forward-thinking and foresight principles contribute to Dubai’s ambitions to be a role model for the cities of the future through the power of unlimited imagination, innovation, foresight and disruptive mindset.

For more information on the initiatives, projects, and programs of Dubai Future Foundation, please visit the website:www.dubaifuture.ae

Where does this role fit into the bigger picture?

The Procurement Manager will be a core enabler within the Dubai Future Foundation, ensuring efficient, transparent, and strategic sourcing. This role will drive operational excellence while directly supporting the activation of RDI initiatives, securing the partnerships and resources needed to deliver on Dubai’s future-focused mission.

Procurement Manager

As the Procurement Manager, you will administer grants and funding initiatives that support both fundamental and applied research applications. The Manager will coordinate proposal reviews, manage award processes, and ensure funded projects align with Dubai RDI priorities.

Your Responsibilities

• You will identify and select qualified suppliers for contracted services, materials and IT/software solutions

• You will negotiate contracts and pricing to secure competitive terms while ensuring quality, reliability, and alignment with long-term institutional needs

• You will coordinate with internal teams to forecast procurement needs, gather user requirements and plan budgets accordingly

• You will maintain accurate records of procurement processes, contracts, and supplier performance

• You will ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards, including public-sector procurement, ethical practices, and sustainability considerations

• You will facilitate vendor onboarding, performance evaluation, and long-term relationship management

• You will propose and implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimize procurement plans, processes, and workflows

Why this role is important?

This role is key to securing the goods and services needed to activate RDI initiatives, while driving cost-effectiveness, governance, and agility. By optimizing procurement processes, it ensures resources are deployed effectively to maximize impact.

What Dubai Future Foundation offers?

We will offer you a unique opportunity to work with people who are passionate about the future and establishing Dubai as one of the leading cities of the world. You will have the chance to work on exciting and new projects, work in a highly diverse and fast paced environment that fosters creativity, disruptive ideas, and innovation.

Who We're Looking For?

• You will have 7+ years of procurement experience, preferably in a government or large organizational environment

• You will have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field

• You will have proven track record in vendor negotiation, contract management, and cost optimization

• You will have strong analytical and financial understanding, enabling effective budgeting, forecasting, and value-for-money analysis for procurement decisions

• You will have understanding of public-sector procurement, including transparency, regulatory compliance, and auditability

• You will have awareness of the unique needs of an RDI ecosystem, and ability to adapt procurement practices to support it

• You will have excellent analytical and organizational skills for managing multiple procurement projects

• You will have strong communication and stakeholder management skills