Job Description

Job Purpose:

Ensure the efficient and cost-effective procurement of high-quality goods and services, while maintaining strong vendor relationships, alternate preferred vendors for all products and prioritizing safety, ethical sourcing norms, age-appropriateness, educational value, sustainability, and community engagement

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Sourcing

Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers/vendors for diverse products ranging from educational toys for the nursery to age-appropriate games and cafe supplies. Develop and implement a comprehensive sourcing strategy aligned with the company's goals, ensuring products meet quality, safety, and educational standards across OS, Orange Wheels (OW), and OH. Conduct market research specific to each business vertical to stay updated on industry trends, pricing, and product innovations. Gather and analyze data on current and future needs of OS, OW, and OH. Forecast demand for goods and services based on historical data, seasonal trends, and anticipated projects for each business. Develop and maintain a comprehensive annual procurement plan aligned with pre-agreed departmental budgets for OS, OW, and OH.

Vendor Management

Research and identify potential vendors for all required goods and services, considering the unique needs of OS, OW, and OH. Explore latest or upcoming trends of relevant & appropriate products or merchandize for each business. Evaluate vendors based on price, quality, delivery time, reliability, customer service and any other industry or organizational standards, customizing criteria for each business. Develop and maintain a qualified vendor database for OS, OW & OH. Conduct site visits and meet with vendors to assess their capabilities, ensuring alignment with the specific requirements of each business. Organize or participate in various supplier development products including attending exhibitions, relevant to OS, OW, and OH.

Cost Management

Develop and execute cost-effective procurement strategies while maintaining product quality standards. Establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors for OS, OW & OH, negotiating contracts and terms to secure preferential allocations, favourable pricing, quality, and timely deliveries. Analyse pricing, negotiate contracts, and seek opportunities for bulk purchasing or discounts to optimize costs without compromising quality. Explore opportunities for partnerships or exclusive arrangements that benefit IdeaCrate. Manage the contract lifecycle, including renewals, amendments, performance as per agreed terms, compliances and terminations, if any. Analyze procurement spending patterns across all departments for OS, OW & OH. Implement cost-saving initiatives such as value analysis, standardization, e-procurement solutions, leverage economies of scale by combining partnering with other businesses.

Inventory Control

Oversee inventory levels across OS, OW & OH, ensuring optimal stock levels to meet demand without excess or shortages. Implement inventory tracking systems and strategies to monitor stock movements, minimize waste, and prevent stockouts for each business. Develop and implement inventory control systems tailored to the needs of OS, OW & OH. Conduct or facilitate periodic inventory audits to ensure accuracy and compliance for each business.

Purchase order creation and management

Review purchase requisitions from departments of OS, OW & OH and ensure completeness and accuracy. Issue/ Approve purchase orders to approved vendors in compliance with established procedures. Track the status of purchase orders and ensure timely delivery of goods and services for each business. Resolve any issues related to purchase orders, such as delays or discrepancies or tax mismatches, customizing solutions for OS, OW & OH.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

Ensure compliance with safety regulations, especially for products used by children, and ethical sourcing practices across all purchased items. Establish and enforce quality standards, conducting regular quality checks and audits of received products. Establish and document quality standards for all procured goods and services, customizing standards to meet the specific requirements of OS, OW, and OH. Ensure standards are aligned with departmental requirements and industry best practices for each business. Communicate quality standards to vendors and ensure their understanding, customizing communication for OS, OW, and OH. Conduct or oversee quality inspections of goods and services upon receipt for OS, OW, and OH.

Innovation and Product Development

Stay updated on educational trends, advancements in games, and evolving food and beverage offerings. Identify and introduce innovative products that align with the company's educational objectives and enhance the overall customer experience for each business. Prioritize goods and services that have educational value and support the company's mission for all the businesses. Collaborate with educators and child development experts to identify appropriate educational resources. Incorporate sustainability principles into all procurement decisions and give preference to goods and services that are eco-friendly and sustainable. Partner with vendors who share IdeaCrate's commitment to sustainability.

Cross-functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

Collaborate closely with other departments such as operations, finance, marketing, and the kitchen staff to align procurement strategies with business goals across OS, OW, and OH. Coordinate with the operations team to ensure smooth logistics and inventory management. Continuously review and optimize procurement processes and procedures to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline operations. Seek feedback from internal stakeholders and vendors to identify areas for improvement for each business.

Reporting and Analysis

Track and report on procurement savings achieved for each business separately. Generate regular reports on procurement activities, including cost savings, vendor performance, inventory levels, and market trends. Analyze data to identify opportunities for improvement, cost savings, and efficiency enhancements for OS, OW & OH. Monitor and control budget expenses to ensure adherence to financial constraints for each business. Seek approval for budget adjustments when necessary and maintain accurate records of all procurement activities. Present reports to management on time and address any questions or concerns, customizing presentations for OS, OW, and OH.

Policy and procedure development

Develop and implement procurement policies and procedures that comply with all relevant regulations and company standards. Ensure consistent application of policies and procedures across all departments. Review and update policies and procedures on a regular basis.
Educational qualifications:

Any Undergraduate Course Relevant certifications in Procurement & Sales or related
Relevant experience :

Overall, 15 plus years of experience 8 plus years of hands-on experience specifically in senior roles handling similar senior level procurement services & practices
Industry Exposure :

Edutainment, Education, Hospitality, Entertainment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED12,000.00 - AED13,000.00 per month

Application Question(s):

How many years of experience do you have in Leading the team? Do you have working experience with Oversea coustomers? If yes please specify regions. Are you a immediate joiner? Are you in UAE? Ready to relocate Abu Dhabi? If shortlisted, willing to come for in person interview? * Do you have Retail Industrial experience? if yes please specify years of experience.