Job Description

Aldar Education is currently seeking a UAE National Head - Procurement to support our growing family of owned and operated schools in the UAE. Due to planned current and future expansion we are looking to add to our current Procurement team supporting our British, US and IB curricula network of schools.

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.

Job Purpose

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.

This position will be managing multiple groups of schools covering Mid-Market, Premium, as well as upper Premium schools as part of the group.

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.

Responsibilities:

Main Duties:

• Managing specific school groups within the business
• Developing strategies for each category/school group 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
• Support in the development and fulfilment of the group Procurement Plan
• Running and managing RFQs/RFPs relevant to the school's groups to ensure fulfilment of the Procurement Plan and the category strategy
• Act as a procurement lead on assigned strategic projects and initiatives which could include Technology projects, M&A 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.
• Analysing 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.
• Maintain communication with the central supplier management team for supplier on-boarding and evaluation
• Conduct monthly reporting on order status to ensure budget utilization

Specific Duties:

• 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.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• UAE Nationals are required
• Minimum graduate level degree or related Procurement specific qualification.
• CIPS Certified would be an added value.

Minimum Experience:

• A minimum of 12 years' experience in procurement within the region. Having education procurement experience is preferable.

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent knowledge of ERP system (SAP Ariba and Oracle Fusions)
• Proven track record of developing advanced procurement processes and methods
• Fluent English communication skills, written and oral, Arabic is an added value.
• 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

What We Offer

Aldar Academies are a family of world-class, child centered, and innovative schools based in the UAE. We educate over 25,000 students across our group of owned and managed schools and as we grow so does our need for highly skilled, inspirational, and dedicated school leaders. We offer an attractive remuneration package. Our future-focused learning model includes both students and staff and so we place a special emphasis on professional development, coaching and training.

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 in their application at 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.

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