VHR is partnering with a leading manufacturing and assembly organisation in the UAE to recruit an experienced Indirect Purchasing Officer. This role will be responsible for managing and optimising indirect procurement activities across the site, ensuring the timely delivery of services and materials required to support business operations while achieving cost, quality and service objectives. 

The successful candidate will work closely with operational teams, suppliers and key stakeholders to drive procurement performance, support strategic sourcing initiatives and ensure compliance with company policies and local regulations. 

Indirect Procurement Management

• Manage indirect procurement categories including facilities, maintenance, IT, staffing, logistics, security, PPE, general services and other non-production spend. 
• Source, evaluate and select suppliers to meet business requirements for quality, cost and service performance. 
• Lead commercial negotiations and support contract management activities to achieve best value and optimise total cost of ownership.
• Ensure procurement activities are delivered in line with company policies and procurement procedures.

Supplier Management

• Monitor supplier performance through agreed KPIs and service level agreements. 
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to support operational requirements.
• Identify supplier performance risks and implement corrective actions where necessary. 
• Support supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives. 

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with operations, maintenance, finance and HR teams to understand procurement requirements and priorities. 
• Provide procurement guidance and support to internal stakeholders. 
• Ensure effective communication between suppliers and internal departments to support business continuity. 

Reporting & Compliance

• Track and report procurement savings, supplier performance metrics and purchasing activity. 
• Ensure compliance with local regulations and procurement governance requirements. 
• Support procurement process improvements and digital transformation initiatives. 
• Contribute to continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing procurement efficiency and effectiveness. 

Essential

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or a related discipline. 
• 5-10 years' experience within indirect procurement or purchasing, ideally within an industrial, manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Strong knowledge of sourcing, supplier selection, negotiation and contract management processes. 
• Experience conducting Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis and cost optimisation initiatives. 
• Proven experience in supplier performance management and risk assessment.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal. 

Desirable

• Experience within a manufacturing and assembly environment. 
• Knowledge of the UAE and GCC supplier landscape. 
• Additional language skills such as Arabic or French. 
• Experience supporting digitalisation and procurement transformation initiatives. 

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple departments without direct authority.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.