Ports & Terminals Procurement Manager

About the Role

This role is based in our Abu Dhabi Regional Office, overseeing a geographic scope from Southern Africa to the Indian Subcontinent. The Ports & Terminals Procurement Manager will be responsible for managing procurement activities and supplier relationships within their assigned portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Set annual budgets for the portfolio and actively pursue sourcing and optimization initiatives to maximize value.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with both current and potential suppliers.
• Analyze spending patterns to identify key cost drivers and uncover opportunities for savings.
• Stay abreast of market trends and conduct research to assess risks and opportunities, integrating these insights into category strategies.
• Develop financial and analytical models to evaluate true costs, supplier offers, total cost of ownership, and value optimization.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to understand their needs and tailor sourcing strategies accordingly.
• Advise Line Management with market insights to ensure cost-effective deployment of assets compliant with contract terms.
• Lead workshops engaging suppliers and internal stakeholders to generate innovative ideas and ensure implementation of resulting initiatives.
• Manage contract negotiations following Group Purchasing processes and six-step sourcing methodology.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service level agreements (SLAs) to secure the best terms.
• Collaborate extensively with Operations teams to draft agreements encompassing SLAs, continually improve contract clauses, and maintain vendor accountability.
• Monitor contract adherence and supplier performance meticulously; report deviations and implement corrective measures as necessary.
• Take full responsibility for the portfolio’s aspects including costs, performance, supplier management, stakeholder engagement, compliance, documentation, and communication, ensuring information is current in internal tools and category playbooks.
• Support leadership, execution, and head office teams in aligning local and global initiatives, enhancing synergies, and enforcing global contracting standards.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive stakeholder map within a complex environment of internal and external parties.
• Drive professionalization of the portfolio through category playbooks, supplier relationship programs, performance measurement, and scorecards.
• Deliver clear and compelling communications of complex information to senior stakeholders.
• Contribute to broader cross-functional procurement strategies.
• Execute responsibilities efficiently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Profile & Qualifications

• 7 to 10 years of experience related to Container Terminals, Ports, Shipping, or Logistics, preferably in Procurement, Operations, or Commercial roles.
• Fluent spoken and written English; proficiency in French or Arabic is advantageous.
• Deep understanding of ports and terminals operations as well as liner shipping operations.
• Proven negotiation skills with diverse negotiation experience.
• Knowledgeable in Category Management and Supplier Relationship Management.
• Strong project management skills with capability to navigate ambiguity in complex, dynamic settings.
• Analytical thinker adept at building models and interpreting large datasets.
• Excellent at managing stakeholders and communicating confidently, with ability to influence without direct authority and resolve conflicts.
• Financial literacy to interpret profit and loss accounts and company financial statements effectively.
• Familiarity with legal aspects relating to commercial contracts and concession agreements.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure data accuracy and support data-driven decision-making.
• Systematic and proactive mindset, coupled with creativity and innovative problem-solving skills.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint; Knowledge of PowerBI and Excel dashboards is a plus.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally as business needs dictate.