Manager - Procurement - Aldar Education

Job DescriptionAldar Education are currently seeking a Manager - Procurement to support our growing family of owned and operated schools in the UAE. This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly successful Aldar family of schools and to help shape the future of Abu Dhabi’s leading school group.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 38,000 students in 31 schools and a growing network of almost 5,000 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.The successful candidates will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region. Being a member of the procurement team, you will be responsible of ensuring that schools requirements are fulfilled for excellent delivery of education to all of our students across all groups of schools.To lead the procurement team in delivering organizational requirements in line with the departmental SLAs and KPIs.Manage the procure to pay cycle with continuous monitoring of performance, as well as identifying opportunities for developing the process to deliver outstanding procurement services.You should be dynamic and able to resolve problems, while maintaining complete compliance to corporate governance. Proper planning, stakeholder management, excellent communication skills, excellent time management, and knowledge of the education supplier base are essential qualities we look for in our team members.ResponsibilitiesMain Duties: Managing specific categories within the business Developing strategies for each category and ensure proper implementation of the strategy while aligning with the annual Procurement Plan Managing the team of procurement specialists Managing the day-to-day activities of the procurement function Running and managing RFQs/RFPs to ensure fulfilment of the Procurement Plan and the category strategy Act as a procurement lead on assigned strategic project which could include Technology projects, Merger Projects, special assignments. Planning the procurement of school requirements to ensure timely delivery Negotiate with suppliers to obtain best price, quality, and service. Identify synergies to enhance the commercial advantage of the organization by utilizing the economy of scale Review the award recommendations and provide sound feedback Maintaining relations with preferred suppliers to ensure procurement of high-quality goods/services, expedient delivery, and dependable service at optimum price. Analyzing markets to determine supplier’s sources and product availability. Compilation and preparation of reports and analyses setting forth progress, adverse trends, and appropriate recommendations or conclusions. Ability to develop dashboards would be an added asset. Ensure compliance of purchasing activities with corporate governance. Solving problems related to procurement processes, logistics and tenders Specific Duties Communication: Excellent communication skills are essential for this role, which allows the candidate to efficiently interact with internal departments (Operations, Finance, HR, IT, Schools) as well as suppliers.QualificationsMinimum Qualifications Minimum graduate level degree or related Procurement specific qualification. CIPS Certified would be an added valueMinimum Experience A minimum of 8 years’ experience in procurement within the region. Having education procurement experience is preferable.Job Specific Knowledge & Skills Fluent English communication skills, written and oral. Attention to detail with diligent follow up, and able to execute in a timely manner. Skilled in multi-tasking and handling pressure. Excellent interpersonal skills. Knowledge of ERP systems is a mustAldar 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