Senior Category Manager

The Senior Category Manager serves as the Procurement subject matter expert for assigned procurement categories, driving the development and execution of category strategies that deliver cost savings, operational efficiencies, and risk reduction. The role is responsible for procurement planning, sourcing, tendering, contract management, supplier performance, and stakeholder engagement across Abu Dhabi Airports and its subsidiaries. The position ensures the timely procurement of goods, services, concessions, and works while maintaining compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

Strategic & Leadership Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate sectional objectives and plans aligned with departmental and organizational strategies.
• Monitor and manage the execution of sectional plans and objectives.
• Establish and track KPIs for the section and team members.
• Develop and manage the sectional budget and identify optimization opportunities.
• Monitor section performance and recommend improvement initiatives.
• Lead workforce planning activities and support Emiratization initiatives.
• Identify training and development needs and provide performance coaching to team members.
   

Procurement & Category Management

• Review business requirements and develop sourcing strategies based on category plans, market intelligence, demand forecasts, commercial analysis, and risk assessments.
• Conduct spend analysis, market analysis, category assessments, and commercial modelling to support long-term procurement strategies.
• Identify innovations, market trends, risks, and opportunities within assigned categories.
• Lead procurement planning and pre-contract management activities.
   

Tendering & Contract Management

• Oversee bidder prequalification, tender preparation, and tender issuance processes.
• Ensure all sourcing activities comply with procurement policies, procedures, and governance requirements.
• Coordinate the development, review, and finalization of tender and contract documents with relevant stakeholders, including Legal.
• Manage bidder communications throughout the tender process.
• Direct bid opening, compliance reviews, technical and commercial evaluations, and post-tender clarifications.
• Lead negotiations and contract award processes.
• Prepare award recommendations and obtain required approvals.
• Resolve contractual disputes and claims in coordination with stakeholders.
   

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

• Develop and maintain vendor classification and evaluation frameworks.
• Oversee supplier registration, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure procurement requirements and specifications are clearly defined.
• Develop a strong understanding of business requirements to support effective sourcing outcomes.
   

Cost Optimization & Performance Improvement

• Identify and implement cost-saving and efficiency opportunities.
• Review existing contracts and procurement agreements to drive value optimization.
• Support automation and technology initiatives that improve procurement effectiveness and reduce costs.
   

Governance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, delegated authority, legal, risk, and quality requirements.
• Participate in audits and continuous improvement activities.
• Prepare periodic management reports and recommend corrective actions when required.
• Lead and support change management initiatives within the section.
   

Professional Development

• Maintain and enhance professional procurement, leadership, and technical capabilities.
• Participate actively in performance management and development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the reporting manager.

Requirements & Skills

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Strategic Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• CIPS qualification is preferred.
   

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of relevant procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience.
• Proven experience in Category Management.
• Proven experience in Contract Management.
• Experience managing and developing large teams.
• Aviation industry experience is an advantage.
   

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Analytical Acumen
• Negotiation & Influencing Skills
• Stakeholder Management & Collaboration
• Commercial Awareness
• Procurement Planning & Sourcing Strategy
• Contract and Supplier Management
• Risk Assessment & Management
• Change Management
• Leadership & Team Development
• Adaptability & Agility
• Ethical Judgment & Sustainability Focus
• Budget Management
• Reporting and Performance Management
• Technology and Process Improvement Awareness