Category Manager - Facility Management | Group Procurement | Corporate

The Procurement Category Lead for Facilities Management spearheads strategic procurement efforts across various business units, managing an AED 800M expenditure in third-party spend. This role focuses on both Hard (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) and Soft Services (cleaning, landscaping, and security), developing strategies that align with the organization's objectives while ensuring cost-effective solutions. The Lead manages a portfolio that includes automotive-related facilities, mentors a team of Sourcing Managers, oversees third-party vendors, tracks performance, and drives cost savings and efficiency improvements in partnership with stakeholders. What You Will Do: Strategic Procurement Leadership • Develop and implement category strategies with measurable objectives by analyzing market data, stakeholder input, and organizational needs. • Conduct scenario planning, including total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, should-cost modelling, and value chain mapping to identify optimization opportunities. • Ensure adherence to procurement policies, budgets, and regulatory requirements, taking corrective actions as needed. • Plan, organize, and manage procurement projects with clear objectives, timelines, and resource allocation. • Ensure 100% completion of talent development plans for team members. Demand Management • Collaborate with stakeholders to balance business needs and procurement strategies. • Identify cost-effective methods to achieve business objectives, ensuring resource optimization. • Establish preferred suppliers to optimize the supplier base and improve commercials through consolidation. Supplier Relationship Management • Lead the Source-to-Contract process, including supplier identification, selection, and negotiation. • Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers, ensuring alignment with business goals and optimizing supplier performance. Stakeholder Engagement • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to optimize specifications and align them with organizational value. • Build sustainable, effective relationships, demonstrating political astuteness to influence decision-making processes. Required Skills To Be Successful: • Expertise in category strategy development and implementation. • Advanced skills in supplier relationship management and negotiation. • Proven ability in project management and driving process improvements. • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. What Qualifies You For The Role: • Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred. • CIPS or equivalent qualification is highly desirable. • 7-10 years of procurement experience, preferably in category management and/or supplier management. • Proven experience in project management and the use of procurement tools. • Proficiency in spoken and written English; additional languages advantageous. • Expertise in category strategies, total cost analysis, and ecosystem mapping. • Experience in monitoring compliance and implementing risk mitigation plans. • Skill in supplier lifecycle management and performance evaluation. • Proficiency in budget management and procurement KPIs. • Ability to influence decisions, manage cross-functional teams, and build long-term relationships.