Category Manager - Facility Management

Job Requisition ID: 176778

About Al-Futtaim

Established in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim is one of the most diversified and progressive privately held regional businesses, headquartered in Dubai. Operating across more than 20 countries, the Group spans automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and health. With more than 40,000 employees, Al-Futtaim represents over 200 of the world’s most recognised brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE and Marks & Spencer. Driven by its purpose to enrich lives and elevate communities, Al-Futtaim focuses on digital innovation, AI, sustainable growth and strategic partnerships, creating long-term value for customers, communities and partners while building a responsible legacy for future generations.

Overview Of The Role:

• The Procurement Category Lead for Facilities Management spearheads strategic procurement efforts across various business units, managing an AED 800M expenditure in third-party spend. This role focuses on both Hard (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) and Soft Services (cleaning, landscaping, and security), developing strategies that align with the organization's objectives while ensuring cost-effective solutions. The Lead manages a portfolio that includes automotive-related facilities, mentors a team of Sourcing Managers, oversees third-party vendors, tracks performance, and drives cost savings and efficiency improvements in partnership with stakeholders.

What You Will Do:

Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Develop and implement category strategies with measurable objectives by analyzing market data, stakeholder input, and organizational needs.
• Conduct scenario planning, including total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, should-cost modelling, and value chain mapping to identify optimization opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies, budgets, and regulatory requirements, taking corrective actions as needed.
• Plan, organize, and manage procurement projects with clear objectives, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Ensure 100% completion of talent development plans for team members.

Demand Management

• Collaborate with stakeholders to balance business needs and procurement strategies.
• Identify cost-effective methods to achieve business objectives, ensuring resource optimization.
• Establish preferred suppliers to optimize the supplier base and improve commercials through consolidation.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Lead the Source-to-Contract process, including supplier identification, selection, and negotiation.
• Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers, ensuring alignment with business goals and optimizing supplier performance.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to optimize specifications and align them with organizational value.
• Build sustainable, effective relationships, demonstrating political astuteness to influence decision-making processes.

Required Skills To Be Successful:

• Expertise in category strategy development and implementation.
• Advanced skills in supplier relationship management and negotiation.
• Proven ability in project management and driving process improvements.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

What Qualifies You For The Role:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• CIPS or equivalent qualification is highly desirable.
• 7-10 years of procurement experience, preferably in category management and/or supplier management.
• Proven experience in project management and the use of procurement tools.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English; additional languages advantageous.
• Expertise in category strategies, total cost analysis, and ecosystem mapping.
• Experience in monitoring compliance and implementing risk mitigation plans.
• Skill in supplier lifecycle management and performance evaluation.
• Proficiency in budget management and procurement KPIs.
• Ability to influence decisions, manage cross-functional teams, and build long-term relationships.

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