Director - Procurement - Aldar Education

Job DescriptionAldar Education is currently seeking an outstanding Director of Procurement to lead the Procurement department of Aldar Education.As the leading education group in Abu Dhabi, we provide inclusive and innovative learning that inspires and empowers communities. We offer a range of brands for all learners in our community, from nursery through to adult education. We offer the broadest choice of curricula. In the largest number of locations in Abu Dhabi.Starting with one school and 250 students in 2007, Aldar Education has grown into a highly sought after education provider, now supporting over 40,000 students in 31 schools and a growing network of almost 5000 educators, with over 100 nationalities, offering a wide range of curricula and ancillary services such as a Teacher Training Academy.Working collaboratively, our education network’s purpose is to empower the next generation to shape our future, directly supporting the educational goals of Abu Dhabi’s government. Today, Aldar Education’s efforts are guided by the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 plan, which aims to build a sustainable knowledge-based economy through premium education.Director of Procurement will be responsible for developing Aldar Education’s strategies, policies, processes and systems for optimizing the way in which the Company engages with its suppliers, consultants, and contractors to deliver value for money, raise service levels, reduce risks and develop commercially beneficial relationships.The Director of Procurement also oversees the procurement team, who are responsible for the acquisition of goods and services.The successful candidate will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.ResponsibilitiesLeads all third-party tenders and awards to ensure that all Aldar Education schools and business units engage third parties under clear and competitive commercial terms to support the group’s strategic objectives and in line with industry best practice. Leads the development and continuous review of a robust, transparent and structured procurement process to provide support across all Aldar Education entities, whilst ensuring the Company’s financial targets are met through proper budget utilization.Develops a centralized procurement process that adds value and efficiency to Aldar Education.Leads strategic contract negotiations whilst working collaboratively with internal stakeholders to ensure the organization’s strategic objectives are achieved.Establishes and approves the annual strategic sourcing plan for Aldar Education across all spend categories to effectively leverage the group’s buying power.Leads the development and establishment of strong and lasting relationships with strategic suppliers in order to foster an environment of partnership, collaboration and trust.Leads the Procurement team in conducting regular spend analysis across each individual business unit to better understand the group’s spend profile in order to improve the group’s purchase processes and cashflow.Develops performance management KPI’s for all strategic third parties to monitor operational success against key objectives in line with Stakeholder needs and expectations.Works closely with all existing Schools, Corporate department heads and all other stakeholders to ensure best value Procurement practice across the group.Leads the procurement team to develop and implement alternate ways to source in order to achieve improved cost, delivery, and cash flow.Ensures that the procurement team operates according to Aldar Education’s policies, procedures, and guidelines for good practice. Ensures procurement compliance with operated schools’ agreements and governance (Charter Schools, ADNOC School, any new managed schools)Designs, establishes, and maintains a departmental organization structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the Company's goals and objectives.Develops, implements and maintains Aldar Education’s procurement policies and reviewing them on a regular basis to ensure relevance and conformance with best practices and ensure compliance with internal and regulatory policies to ensure Aldar Education’s IPO readiness.Provides leadership and direction to the procurement and contracts team. Embraces and encourages the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in Aldar Education Core Values.Ensures that all procurement operations comply with audit recommendations, resolving any non- compliance indicators within agreed timelines.Represents the procurement department as a steering committee member for strategic initiatives and programmes.Leads the presentations to Aldar Group Tender Committees (Corporate, Asset Management, Construction, Fit out) to secure approvals for major strategic procurement projects.Represents Aldar Education as the authorized signatory for contracts and orders as defined in Aldar Education’s Delegation of Authority.Leads the resolution of disputes with suppliers and contractors and provide decisions in the best interest of Aldar Education.Leads the development and continuous improvement of procurement systems to ensure digital transformation of the procurement processes.Designs strategies for integrating newly acquired schools into the procurement processes to ensure maximum commercial benefit to Aldar Education.Represents Aldar Education in Aldar group-wide procurement initiatives and projects.Designs the procurement policy, procedure, process for Aldar Education’s regional expansions by accommodating local regulations and suppliers to ensure financial performance and operational stability.Identifies areas for improvement to continually drive performance, business results and achieve operational excellence. Advises and leads on project procurement strategies for new school developments, school expansions, and major fit-out works. QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s Degree in related field and/or professional training or qualification in related field; Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) preferred.Recognized Procurement Qualification and/or professional subscription (e.g.CIPS ) desirableMinimum ExperienceA minimum of 7 years of commercial procurement experience within the region and 2 years as a minimum leading a Procurement team/department requiredMulti-site education and start-up experience preferred Progressive experience with a strategic and operational focus on all Procurement functionsJob Specific Knowledge & SkillsEffective interpersonal skills to aide in daily contact with a diverse multi-cultural environment Demonstrate expert knowledge of Procurement best practices Working knowledge in ERP systems and process design Excellent writing and analytical skills as well as superb interpersonal, verbal communication and presentation skills Work in a highly collaborative and effective manner, both independently and in cross-functional teamsOrganised & capable of managing multiple complex projects in a rapidly changing, fast-paced environment in conjunction with day-to-day activitiesAbility to clearly presenting information, ideas, and results is criticalAbility to work in a fast moving and, at times, intense environmentSkilled at building and maintaining relationships at all levels within the organization both internally through supporting schools and externally through working with strategic partnered suppliersAbility to lead and guide peer-teams through expert authorityDemonstrate mature judgment, courteousness and professional demeanour Excellent leadership skills Provide strong organisational and project management skills to meet multiple priorities and deadlinesStrong and consistent supervisory skills Strong Commercial acumenWHAT WE OFFER:Aldar Education offers an attractive remuneration package including medical & life insurance, flights, and education benefits. Our employees have access to a wide network of professionals and opportunities to lead and contribute to training others as well as developing themselves.Aldar Education is keen to hear from like-minded, forward-thinking leaders who would welcome the challenges and opportunities that we have to offer.This job description is not all-inclusive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are also mindful of our national development strategy and encourage UAE Nationals to join our company.Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.