Procurement Manager

About the Role

Business Umbrella is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Procurement Manager to join a prestigious education group (comprising schools and universities) in Saudi Arabia. This is a critical position exclusively open to Saudi nationals, based in Jeddah, and reporting directly to the Supply Chain Director. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in optimizing procurement strategies to ensure the seamless acquisition of academic and operational resources across multiple campuses.

Job Purpose

As a Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end procurement lifecycle, from strategic sourcing to contract execution, with a focus on delivering cost-effective, compliant, and timely solutions. Your expertise will be instrumental in supporting uninterrupted teaching and campus operations, fostering strong supplier relationships, and driving sustainable cost-saving initiatives. This role demands a strategic mindset, exceptional negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of procurement best practices within the education sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing: Lead the procurement of academic supplies, IT and laboratory equipment, furniture, catering services, and facilities management across all campuses. Develop and implement sourcing strategies that align with institutional goals and budgetary constraints.
• Tender Management: Oversee the entire tender process, including the preparation of RFP (Request for Proposal) and RFQ (Request for Quotation) documentation, supplier selection, and evaluation. Ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance with procurement policies.
• Contract Negotiation: Engage with local and international vendors to negotiate favorable commercial terms, pricing, and delivery schedules. Secure contracts that balance cost efficiency with quality and reliability.
• Supplier Management: Maintain a robust approved vendor list and conduct regular performance evaluations to ensure suppliers meet contractual obligations and service standards. Mitigate risks associated with supplier financial health, single-source dependencies, and compliance issues.
• ERP System Management: Utilize procurement modules within SAP MM or Oracle Procurement to manage purchase orders, track procurement activities, and generate accurate reports. Ensure data integrity and system efficiency.
• Cost Optimization: Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives through bulk purchasing, supplier consolidation, and process improvements. Contribute to annual procurement budget planning and forecasting.
• Reporting & Analysis: Prepare and present monthly spend analysis, savings reports, and supplier KPIs to the Supply Chain Director. Provide actionable insights to support data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications & Experience

To excel in this role, you must possess the following qualifications and experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• A minimum of 5 to 10 years of progressive procurement experience, with at least 2 to 3 years in a managerial or leadership capacity.
• Professional certifications such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) are highly desirable.
• Prior experience in the education sector is strongly preferred, as it provides valuable insights into the unique procurement challenges and requirements of academic institutions.
• Fluency in both Arabic and English is essential to effectively communicate with stakeholders, vendors, and internal teams.
• As this is a mandatory requirement, only Saudi nationals are eligible to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package, including a monthly salary ranging from SAR 15,000 to SAR 25,000, depending on the size and scale of the education group. In addition to the base salary, the role includes standard allowances aligned with GCC education-sector procurement benchmarks, ensuring a rewarding and sustainable career opportunity.