Category Lead

Roles and responsibilities

The Procurement Category Lead for Corporate Services is responsible for leading strategic procurement initiatives across business units or functions, either globally or regionally, covering Travel, HR, Consultancy and Professional Services with approx.. AED 500M of Third Party spend. The role involves developing and implementing category strategies, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, and delivering cost-effective solutions. Leading & mentoring a small team of Sourcing Managers, key activities include third-party vendor management, performance tracking, and ensuring year-on-year cost savings and efficiency improvements in collaboration with stakeholders.

What You Will Do

Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Category Strategy Development: Define clear, measurable objectives by analyzing market data, stakeholder input, and organizational needs.
• Scenario Planning: Conduct total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, should-cost modelling, and mapping value chains to identify optimization opportunities.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure adherence to procurement policies, budgets, and regulatory requirements, taking corrective actions as needed.
• Project Management: Plan, organize, and manage procurement projects with clear objectives, timelines, and resource allocation.
  

Demand Management

• Collaborate with stakeholders to balance business needs and procurement strategies.
• Identify cost-effective methods to achieve business objectives, ensuring resource optimization.
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Lead the Source-to-Contract (S2C) process, including supplier identification, selection, and negotiation.
• Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers, ensuring alignment with business goals and optimizing supplier performance.

Desired candidate profile

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to optimize specifications and align them with organizational value.
• Build sustainable, effective relationships, and demonstrate political astuteness to influence decision-making processes.
  

Required Skills

Required skills to be successful

• Expertise in category strategies, total cost analysis, and ecosystem mapping.
• Experience in monitoring end-to-end compliance and executing risk mitigation plans.
• Skilled in supplier lifecycle management, collaboration, and performance evaluation.
• Proficiency in budget discussions and understanding procurement KPIs.
• Familiarity with procurement systems and e-catalogue management.
• Proven ability to influence decisions, manage cross-functional teams, and build long-term relationships.
• Strong communication skills and ability to drive and manage change effectively.
  

Role

What equips you for the role

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• CIPS (or equivalent) qualification highly desirable.
• 7–10 years of procurement experience, preferably in category management and/or supplier management.
• Proven experience in project management and procurement tools.
• Excellent written and spoken English; additional languages are a