Summary
IFZA is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to support the Head of Group Procurement. The role covers sourcing, tenders, supplier evaluations, commercial negotiations, contract reviews, spend analysis, and procurement reporting. The specialist will help improve procurement processes and governance, manage supplier and stakeholder relationships, and support risk and compliance activities without direct line management responsibilities. Applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree and at least 7 years of procurement experience, including 3 years at Senior Procurement Specialist level; CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent certification is advantageous.
The posting
As published on ifza.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
The Senior Procurement Specialist is a strategic and hands-on procurement professional responsible for supporting the Head of Group Procurement in enhancing procurement operations, governance, and overall effectiveness across the organization and Private Office.
Reporting directly to the Head of Group Procurement, this role will act as a key partner in identifying process gaps, driving procurement improvements, streamlining workflows, and implementing best practices to improve efficiency, compliance, and value creation.
This role requires a proactive procurement professional who can operate independently, partner effectively with internal stakeholders, and contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement practices. The position offers significant exposure to senior leadership and will serve as a key support to the Head of Group Procurement.
Main Responsibilities
• Support the Head of Group Procurement in identifying process gaps, improving procurement practices, and enhancing operational efficiency and governance.
• Drive procurement improvement and transformation initiatives, implementing best practices across the function.
• Lead sourcing activities, supplier evaluations, tender processes, and commercial negotiations to achieve value, quality, and cost optimization.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders to ensure effective procurement delivery.
• Manage RFQs, RFPs, supplier assessments, contract reviews, and procurement documentation.
• Analyse spend data, supplier performance, and procurement metrics to identify opportunities for improvement and support strategic decision-making.
• Conduct commercial and risk assessments to ensure compliance and mitigate procurement-related risks.
• Support the development and implementation of procurement policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Utilize ERP and procurement systems to manage procurement activities, supplier performance, and reporting.
• Prepare procurement reports, market analyses, and recommendations for management review.
• Monitor market trends, supplier developments, and industry best practices to support procurement strategy and continuous improvement.
• Act as a senior procurement resource to support both the Head of Group Procurement and the wider procurement team, without direct line management responsibilities
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 7 years of procurement experience, with at least 3 years operating Senior Procurement Specialist level.
- Experience managing end-to-end procurement activities, including sourcing, tendering, contract negotiation, and supplier management.
- Proven track record of delivering commercial value through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
- Professional procurement certifications (CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent) are advantageous
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Proactive, curious, and continuous improvement mindset.
- Experience within FF&E, interior fit-out, hospitality, property/luxury residential, yacht/marine related procurement, or similar project-based environments is highly preferred.
- Strong understanding of procurement best practices, contract management, and supplier performance management.
- Demonstrated experience in procurement transformation, process improvement, or procurement excellence initiatives.
- Proven ability to identify operational gaps and implement sustainable process improvements.
- Experience supporting procurement leadership in driving governance, efficiency, and continuous improvement programs.
- Experience working within complex, multi-stakeholder environments where influence and collaboration are critical to success.
Benefits
- International team (over 50 nationalities)
- 24 annual leave days
- Annual flight home
- Life insurance plan
- Medical insurance plan (with the option to upgrade at your own cost)
- Invitations to participate in various company functions, staff events, and department team building events
- Opportunities to learn, develop and grow with the organization
- Being part of a motivated team and Moving-Forward-Company-Culture