Head of Procurement

Job Overview:

The Head of Procurement is responsible for leading and managing the procurement function for the airport, ensuring efficient and cost-effective acquisition of goods, services, and capital projects. This role involves strategic planning, supplier relationship management, risk assessment, compliance with aviation regulations, and process optimization to support the airport's operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Procurement & Planning:

• Develop and implement the airports procurement strategy aligned with business goals.
• Identify and assess procurement needs across various departments, including operations, maintenance, IT, security, and facilities management.
• Establish procurement policies and procedures that ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.
• Forecast procurement trends and budgetary requirements based on airport expansion plans and passenger growth.

Supplier Management & Contract Negotiation:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, contractors, and service providers.
• Conduct market research to identify new vendors and negotiate the best terms for pricing, quality, and delivery.
• Oversee tendering and bidding processes for major procurement projects, ensuring transparency and competitiveness.
• Manage vendor performance through regular reviews, audits, and adherence to contractual obligations.

Operational Procurement & Cost Management:

• Ensure timely procurement of goods and services to avoid operational disruptions.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with warehouse teams to optimize stock management.
• Collaborate with finance to ensure budget adherence and cost reporting.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure procurement activities comply with local and international aviation regulations (IATA, ICAO, GCAA, FAA, etc.).
• Develop risk management strategies to mitigate procurement-related risks, including supply chain disruptions and vendor reliability.
• Maintain compliance with ethical procurement practices and corporate governance policies.
• Manage procurement-related audits and inspections by internal and external regulatory bodies.

Technology & Process Improvement:

• Implement digital procurement solutions (eProcurement systems, ERP platforms) to streamline processes.
• Continuously evaluate and improve procurement workflows for increased efficiency.
• Support sustainability initiatives by sourcing eco-friendly products and promoting green procurement strategies.

Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead and mentor the procurement team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Develop training programs to enhance procurement skills and knowledge.
• Set key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure procurement efficiency and team productivity.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field (Masters preferred).
• Professional certification (CIPS, CPP, CPM, or equivalent) is highly desirable.
• Minimum 10-15 years of procurement experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within the aviation, transportation, or infrastructure sectors.
• Strong knowledge of procurement regulations, contract management, and supplier negotiations.
• Experience working with ERP systems and eProcurement tools.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to analyze complex data and make strategic decisions.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align procurement strategies with overall business objectives.
• Negotiation Skills: Expertise in negotiating contracts and securing favorable terms.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to address procurement challenges and find cost-effective solutions.
• Leadership & Team Development: Strong leadership in managing teams and fostering growth.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding of budgeting, cost management, and financial planning in procurement.

Work Environment & Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and fast-paced airport environment.
• Career growth opportunities within the aviation industry.
• International exposure through vendor management and regulatory interactions.