Procurement Manager - Mandarin Speaker

Company Description

Role Description

Procurement Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and manage the procurement function, including the Senior Procurement Officer and Procurement Officer.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with operational and business objectives.
• Establish procurement policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement efficiency and service delivery.

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Lead sourcing initiatives for additive manufacturing materials, industrial equipment, robotics systems, software, and corporate procurement requirements.
• Manage RFI, RFP, and RFQ processes for strategic and high-value procurement projects.
• Negotiate supplier agreements, pricing structures, service-level agreements, and long-term contracts.
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships to ensure supply continuity, quality, innovation, and cost optimization.
• Evaluate supplier performance using KPIs related to delivery, quality, responsiveness, and commercial competitiveness.

International Procurement & Chinese Vendor Management

• Lead procurement activities involving international suppliers, with particular emphasis on Chinese vendors and manufacturing ecosystems.
• Manage cross-border sourcing activities including supplier negotiations, import/export coordination, logistics, customs documentation, and international compliance.
• Support the sourcing of emerging technologies such as humanoid robotics, robot dogs, autonomous systems, industrial automation, and advanced manufacturing solutions.
• Build strong relationships with Chinese OEMs, suppliers, and technology partners while demonstrating awareness of Chinese business culture and international procurement practices.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Cost Optimization

• Partner with operations, engineering, finance, warehouse, and project teams to align procurement with operational priorities and project timelines.
• Support budgeting, CAPEX planning, inventory optimization, and working capital initiatives.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through supplier consolidation, strategic sourcing, and process optimization.
• Provide procurement analysis and recommendations to support informed business decisions.

Contract Management, Compliance & Digitalization

• Oversee the full contract lifecycle including negotiation, execution, renewals, and supplier performance management.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with organizational policies, UAE regulations, and international trade standards.
• Maintain procurement documentation, reporting, and audit readiness.
• Drive procurement digitalization initiatives using ERP systems, analytics tools, and AI-powered technologies to improve reporting, automation, and decision-making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, or related field. Professional certifications such as CIPS, CPSM, or CPM preferred. 8–12 years of procurement and sourcing experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.

Experience

• in manufacturing, advanced technology, robotics, or additive manufacturing environments preferred.
• Strong expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiation, and procurement operations.

Experience

Experience

• managing Chinese vendors and global sourcing activities is highly desirable.
• Leadership & Team Development, Strategic Thinking, Commercial Acumen, Negotiation Skills, Cross-Cultural Communication, Analytical Problem Solving, and Adaptability in fast-paced operational environments. Mandarin Chinese language skills are considered an advantage.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Procurement cost savings and value optimization
• Supplier performance and on-time delivery
• Procurement cycle efficiency
• Contract compliance and audit readiness
• Inventory optimization and supply continuity
• Procurement process automation and digitalization improvements
• Stakeholder satisfaction and team performance

Working Conditions

• Office-based with regular coordination across operational and technical departments
• Frequent interaction with suppliers, contractors, engineering teams, and finance stakeholders
• Occasional international travel to supplier facilities and partner meetings, particularly within China and Asia-Pacific markets