Specialist, Innovation Scouting and Responsible Sourcing

JOB PURPOSE:

Play a pivotal role in identifying and integrating innovative solutions and sustainable practices within the supply chain. Acts as an expert in researching emerging technologies, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring that sourcing strategies align with environmental and social governance (ESG) principles.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Job Specific:

Innovation Scouting:

• Support and involve in the following activities:
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, trends, and innovative solutions that can enhance the company's products, processes, and competitive position.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential partners, startups, and academic institutions that are developing relevant innovations.
• Build and maintain a network of innovators, thought leaders, and industry experts to stay ahead of industry developments.
• Support and collaborate in pilot programs to test new technologies and innovations, assessing their feasibility and potential impact on the business.
• Assess current capabilities focusing on ADNOC’s existing innovation strategy, business requirements, capability gaps & areas to strengthen.
• Organize and participate related job workshops.
• Follow the procurement-led innovation roadmap for in-house capabilities.
• Follow execution model and adhere to the governance framework including governance model, processes, engagement model and KPIs.
• Support the development of innovation scouting strategies with detailed roadmap for idea generation, shortlisting, selection and develop appropriate relationship with relevant partners to execute the strategy.
• Analyze and evaluate all prospective, unsolicited value propositions received by ADNOC Group Procurement function in terms of innovation, new technology and best practices aligning with ADNOC growth strategy.
• Scan the market, customer insight and technology evolution to shape foresights and generate pipeline.
• Establish and coordinate with cross-functional teams comprising of Category Management, ADNOC Business Facing Procurement teams, Purchasing, Projects Contracts, Operations Contracts, Supply Management, Procurement Excellence and Planning teams to shortlist and identify value propositions that will have significant impact on ADNOC business – “big bet for the organization”.
• Enable suppliers within ADNOC ecosystem to share data and bring innovative solutions to the business challenges.

Responsible Sourcing:

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies that prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and compliance with ESG standards.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure they adhere to responsible sourcing policies and practices.
• Conduct audits and assessments of suppliers to verify their compliance with environmental, social, and governance criteria.
• Work with cross-functional teams to integrate responsible sourcing initiatives into overall business strategies.
• Support and participate in following activities:
• Identify the gaps and understand how responsible sourcing fits in the wider strategy.
• Help prioritize initiatives and define/ implement blueprint.
• Support the development of the implementation roadmap.
• Support the deployment of selected initiatives and reflect on outcomes to adjust and refine requirements.
• Follow and adhere to responsible sourcing strategy ensuring engagement of cross functional teams focusing on the following objectives:
• Achieve carbon neutral products, production & supply chains
• Secure customer and employee trust, resilience, health and wellbeing
• Drive resource efficient business models and ecosystems
• Enable the communication of the sustainability initiatives in collaboration with the Health, Safety & Environment Directorate.
• Collaborate with the Procurement Technology Enablement team to assess and update IT solutions to meet additional requirements that enable the integration of sustainability into operational systems.
• Benchmark existing processes against industry leaders and direct process updates.
• Update recommendations to existing policies by the Policy, Procedure and Governance team.
• Build interactive relationship with suppliers and ADNOC Group Procurement team to carefully balance the trade-offs between sustainability and cost management.
• Run reports, communications and work with working groups for external programmes on collaboration, transparency and stakeholder engagements.
• Communicate and follow up on certifications in Responsible / Sustainable Sourcing domain.

Generic:

Management

• Support the activities of the personnel and resources of the Department to achieve the Division objectives in an efficient and cost-conscious manner while ensuring implementation of approved operational plans for the Department in line with Division objectives.
• Develop own knowledge, competencies and innovative spirit and develop own Personal Development Plans (PDP’s).

Budgets and Operational Plans

• Support compiling and providing input for preparation of the Division budgets and regularly monitor expenditure against approved the Department budget levels.
• Investigate, highlight and reconcile any significant variances to ensure effective performance and cost control.

Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures

• implement the approved Department policies, processes, systems, standards, procedures and internal controls in order to support execution of the Division work programs in line with Company and International standards.

Performance Management

• Implement the Company Performance Management System for individuals within the Department in accordance with Company approved guidelines and continuously monitor the achievement of the Department KPIs related to the approved Annual Performance Management Contract and the Balanced Score Card.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Encourage innovation, enhance employee motivation and support initiatives for implementation of Change Management to continuously improve operations and services.
• Propose improvements in internal processes against best practices in pursuit of greater efficiency in line with ISO standards in order to define intelligent solutions for issues confronting the Department.

Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) and Sustainability

• Support the institution of an HSE culture and ensure compliance with relevant HSE policies, procedures, systems & controls and applicable legislation and sustainability guidelines across the Department in line with international standards, best practices and ADNOC Code of Practices.
• Ensure adequate HSE training and induction for all Department employees to meet HSE standards.

Management Information Systems (MIS) and Reports

• Prepare all Department MIS and progress reports to provide accurate and timely reports and necessary information to Company Management to effectively manage the business.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to innovation and responsible sourcing.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting progress, challenges, and opportunities.
• Use data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement in sourcing strategies and innovation efforts.

Strategic Partnerships

• Establish and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, industry associations, and sustainability organizations.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with partners to secure innovative solutions and sustainable resources.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, trade shows, and other events to promote its commitment to innovation and responsible sourcing.

COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIP:

Internal:

• Team members of Group Procurement Excellence & ICV
• Team members of Group Procurement Operations
• Team members of Group Materials Management
• Team members of Business Facing Procurement teams
• Supporting Functions like HC, Finance, Legal, IT, Sustainability
• Senior Management and team members of ADNOC Group Companies and shareholders

External:

• Local and international suppliers, vendors, contractors, and third-party service providers in addition to Universities, Start-ups, Labs on matters related to innovation, new technology & processes
• Government organizations and entities
• International Oil & Gas companies’ representatives

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Business Administration or equivalent.

Minimum Experience & Knowledge & Skills

• 8 years of professional experience in procurement function or sustainability leading Business Strategy or Innovation programs, preferably in Oil & Gas or energy sector.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of supply chain management principles and sustainability practices.
• Familiarity with ESG standards and regulations, as well as experience conducting supplier audits and assessments.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Business Writing Skills
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of best practices and technology in Global Supply Chain Management and Market Development
• Knowledge of applicable legislations and regulations
• Knowledge of domestic and international market environment in terms of sourcing trends
• Negotiation capabilities and persuasive skills in mastering and driving group discussions.

Professional Certifications

• Holder of accredited certifications (preferably CIPS) or working towards it.
• Certification in Project Management is desirable.