Category Manager

The Category Manager oversees the sourcing and procurement of materials and services, with an emphasis on supplier selection, competitive tendering, contract management, and reliable delivery. The role guides the purchasing team, plans procurement activity for operational needs and new project mobilisation, and ensures purchasing follows company policies. It also evaluates supplier performance, monitors spending against budgets, and identifies ways to improve value without compromising quality or service continuity.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse spend data and plan tender categories or long-term agreements according to priorities and operational demand.
• Identify and pre-qualify vendors, prepare tender documents, coordinate technical and commercial evaluations, and support contract agreements.
• Source and compare quotations, negotiate price and payment or delivery terms, and identify potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Oversee purchase orders and requisitions through procurement systems and ensure purchases follow approval requirements.
• Coordinate material and service plans for new project mobilisation and update operations leaders on progress and delivery risks.
• Monitor supplier and subcontractor performance for cost, quality, competence, consistency, compliance, and service delivery.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor of Engineering or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• Bring approximately eight years of experience in soft-services procurement or strategic sourcing.
• Understand tendering, supplier selection, commercial negotiations, sourcing methods, and procurement controls.
• Be comfortable analysing procurement data, guiding team members, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong negotiation, analytical and critical-thinking abilities, plus commercial awareness.
• Experience with procurement ERP platforms, vendor portals, cost analysis, and purchase-order reporting.
• Clear relationship management and professional communication with suppliers and internal teams.
• An improvement mindset focused on value, compliance, performance measurement, and responsible cost reduction.

Employment Details

The position is full-time and based in Dubai. It combines strategic category planning with hands-on purchasing oversight, supplier follow-up, reporting, and collaboration with operations, stores, project teams, and auditors.