Procurement Manager

About the Role

Business Umbrella is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Procurement Manager to join a prestigious education group in Saudi Arabia. This critical position is exclusively open to Saudi nationals and is based in Jeddah, where the successful candidate will report directly to the Supply Chain Director. The role plays a pivotal part in ensuring the seamless operation of academic and administrative functions across multiple campuses by driving strategic procurement initiatives.

Job Purpose

As the Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end procurement process, from sourcing to contract management, for a wide range of academic and operational goods and services. Your expertise will be instrumental in delivering cost-effective, compliant, and timely procurement solutions that support uninterrupted teaching activities and campus operations. By leveraging your strategic sourcing capabilities, you will contribute to the institution’s operational excellence and financial sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing Leadership: Spearhead the procurement of essential academic supplies, IT and laboratory equipment, furniture, catering services, and facilities management across all campuses to ensure high-quality resources are available when needed.
• Tender Management: Oversee the entire tender process, including the preparation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Quotations (RFQs), as well as the evaluation and selection of suppliers to meet institutional requirements.
• Contract Negotiation: Engage with local and international vendors to negotiate favorable commercial terms, pricing, and service-level agreements that align with the institution’s budgetary and operational goals.
• Supplier Management: Develop and maintain a robust approved vendor list, conduct regular performance evaluations, and ensure suppliers adhere to compliance and quality standards.
• ERP System Oversight: Utilize and optimize procurement modules within ERP systems such as SAP MM or Oracle Procurement to streamline purchase order processing, inventory management, and procurement workflows.
• Cost Optimization: Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives, conduct annual procurement budget planning, and monitor expenditure to maximize value for the institution.
• Risk Management: Assess and mitigate supplier-related risks, including financial stability, single-source dependencies, and compliance with regulatory requirements, to safeguard institutional operations.
• Reporting and Analysis: Prepare and present monthly reports on procurement spend analysis, cost savings achieved, and supplier performance metrics to the Supply Chain Director for strategic decision-making.

Qualifications & Experience

To excel in this role, you must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline. A minimum of 5 to 10 years of progressive procurement experience is required, with at least 2 to 3 years in a managerial capacity. Professional certifications such as CIPS or CPSM are highly desirable. Prior experience within the education sector will be considered a significant advantage. Fluency in both Arabic and English is essential to facilitate effective communication with stakeholders and vendors.

Compensation & Benefits

The Procurement Manager will receive a competitive monthly salary ranging from SAR 15,000 to SAR 25,000, commensurate with the size of the education group. In addition to the base salary, the role includes standard allowances and benefits aligned with procurement benchmarks within the GCC education sector, ensuring a rewarding and sustainable career opportunity.