Category Manager

The Category Manager manages procurement of materials and services through structured sourcing, tendering, negotiation, and supplier-performance processes. The role helps identify suitable vendors, secure competitive commercial terms, plan procurement for new project mobilisation, and ensure purchases follow company policies and quality requirements. The manager also leads the purchasing team, monitors spend against budgets, reviews supplier performance, and reports savings or risks so operational teams receive suitable goods and services on time.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse spending patterns and plan tender or long-term procurement categories according to business priorities and demand.
• Identify and pre-qualify suppliers, prepare tender packages, arrange technical and commercial evaluations, and support contract preparation.
• Collect and compare quotations, negotiate pricing and payment or delivery terms, and seek sustainable cost savings.
• Oversee purchase orders, approval requests, and transport or delivery indents through the relevant procurement systems.
• Plan material and service mobilisation for new projects, track deadlines, and update operations leaders on progress or risks.
• Evaluate suppliers and subcontractors on cost, quality, consistency, competency, compliance, and service performance.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor of Engineering or equivalent qualification relevant to the position.
• Have around eight years of experience in soft-services procurement or related strategic sourcing.
• Understand sourcing techniques, market intelligence, tender documentation, and supplier contract processes.
• Be organised and able to analyse procurement data while managing a team and multiple stakeholders.

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, commercial judgement, and price or cost-benefit analysis.
• Experience with procurement ERP systems, vendor portals, purchase orders, and reporting.
• Clear stakeholder communication and the ability to maintain constructive supplier relationships.
• Continuous-improvement mindset focused on service quality, compliance, value, and cost control.

Employment Details

The role is a full-time UAE opportunity with responsibility for both strategy and day-to-day procurement execution. The successful manager should be comfortable presenting spend reports, coordinating with internal auditors, guiding the purchasing team, and resolving supplier issues professionally.