Procurement Manager

Job Purpose:

Ensure the efficient and cost-effective procurement of high-quality goods and services, while maintaining strong vendor relationships, alternate preferred vendors for all products and prioritizing safety, ethical sourcing norms, age-appropriateness, educational value, sustainability, and community engagement

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Sourcing

• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers/vendors for diverse products ranging from educational toys for the nursery to age-appropriate games and cafe supplies.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive sourcing strategy aligned with the company's goals, ensuring products meet quality, safety, and educational standards across OS, Orange Wheels (OW), and OH.
• Conduct market research specific to each business vertical to stay updated on industry trends, pricing, and product innovations.
• Gather and analyze data on current and future needs of OS, OW, and OH.
• Forecast demand for goods and services based on historical data, seasonal trends, and anticipated projects for each business.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive annual procurement plan aligned with pre-agreed departmental budgets for OS, OW, and OH.

Vendor Management

• Research and identify potential vendors for all required goods and services, considering the unique needs of OS, OW, and OH.
• Explore latest or upcoming trends of relevant & appropriate products or merchandize for each business.
• Evaluate vendors based on price, quality, delivery time, reliability, customer service and any other industry or organizational standards, customizing criteria for each business.
• Develop and maintain a qualified vendor database for OS, OW & OH.
• Conduct site visits and meet with vendors to assess their capabilities, ensuring alignment with the specific requirements of each business.
• Organize or participate in various supplier development products including attending exhibitions, relevant to OS, OW, and OH.

Cost Management

• Develop and execute cost-effective procurement strategies while maintaining product quality standards.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors for OS, OW & OH, negotiating contracts and terms to secure preferential allocations, favourable pricing, quality, and timely deliveries.
• Analyse pricing, negotiate contracts, and seek opportunities for bulk purchasing or discounts to optimize costs without compromising quality.
• Explore opportunities for partnerships or exclusive arrangements that benefit IdeaCrate.
• Manage the contract lifecycle, including renewals, amendments, performance as per agreed terms, compliances and terminations, if any.
• Analyze procurement spending patterns across all departments for OS, OW & OH.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives such as value analysis, standardization, e-procurement solutions, leverage economies of scale by combining partnering with other businesses.

Inventory Control

• Oversee inventory levels across OS, OW & OH, ensuring optimal stock levels to meet demand without excess or shortages.
• Implement inventory tracking systems and strategies to monitor stock movements, minimize waste, and prevent stockouts for each business.
• Develop and implement inventory control systems tailored to the needs of OS, OW & OH.
• Conduct or facilitate periodic inventory audits to ensure accuracy and compliance for each business.

Purchase order creation and management

• Review purchase requisitions from departments of OS, OW & OH and ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Issue/ Approve purchase orders to approved vendors in compliance with established procedures.
• Track the status of purchase orders and ensure timely delivery of goods and services for each business.
• Resolve any issues related to purchase orders, such as delays or discrepancies or tax mismatches, customizing solutions for OS, OW & OH.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, especially for products used by children, and ethical sourcing practices across all purchased items.
• Establish and enforce quality standards, conducting regular quality checks and audits of received products.
• Establish and document quality standards for all procured goods and services, customizing standards to meet the specific requirements of OS, OW, and OH.
• Ensure standards are aligned with departmental requirements and industry best practices for each business.
• Communicate quality standards to vendors and ensure their understanding, customizing communication for OS, OW, and OH.
• Conduct or oversee quality inspections of goods and services upon receipt for OS, OW, and OH.

Innovation and Product Development

• Stay updated on educational trends, advancements in games, and evolving food and beverage offerings.
• Identify and introduce innovative products that align with the company's educational objectives and enhance the overall customer experience for each business.
• Prioritize goods and services that have educational value and support the company's mission for all the businesses.
• Collaborate with educators and child development experts to identify appropriate educational resources.
• Incorporate sustainability principles into all procurement decisions and give preference to goods and services that are eco-friendly and sustainable.
• Partner with vendors who share IdeaCrate's commitment to sustainability.

Cross-functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate closely with other departments such as operations, finance, marketing, and the kitchen staff to align procurement strategies with business goals across OS, OW, and OH.
• Coordinate with the operations team to ensure smooth logistics and inventory management.
• Continuously review and optimize procurement processes and procedures to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline operations.
• Seek feedback from internal stakeholders and vendors to identify areas for improvement for each business.

Reporting and Analysis

• Track and report on procurement savings achieved for each business separately.
• Generate regular reports on procurement activities, including cost savings, vendor performance, inventory levels, and market trends.
• Analyze data to identify opportunities for improvement, cost savings, and efficiency enhancements for OS, OW & OH.
• Monitor and control budget expenses to ensure adherence to financial constraints for each business.
• Seek approval for budget adjustments when necessary and maintain accurate records of all procurement activities.
• Present reports to management on time and address any questions or concerns, customizing presentations for OS, OW, and OH.

Policy and procedure development

• Develop and implement procurement policies and procedures that comply with all relevant regulations and company standards.
• Ensure consistent application of policies and procedures across all departments.
• Review and update policies and procedures on a regular basis.

Educational qualifications:

• Any Undergraduate Course
• Relevant certifications in Procurement & Sales or related

Relevant experience :

• Overall, 15 plus years of experience
• 8 plus years of hands-on experience specifically in senior roles handling similar senior level procurement services & practices

Industry Exposure :

Edutainment, Education, Hospitality, Entertainment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED12,000.00 - AED13,000.00 per month

Application Question(s):

• How many years of experience do you have in Leading the team?
• Do you have working experience with Oversea coustomers? If yes please specify regions.
• Are you a immediate joiner?
• Are you in UAE?
• Ready to relocate Abu Dhabi?
• If shortlisted, willing to come for in person interview?
• Do you have Retail Industrial experience? if yes please specify years of experience.