Senior Procurement Specialist

Position Overview

The Senior Procurement Specialist plays a pivotal role in driving operational excellence by overseeing the end-to-end procurement process for locally sourced goods and services. This position is instrumental in ensuring that all purchasing activities are executed with precision, cost efficiency, and full compliance with company policies and industry standards. By strategically sourcing suppliers, negotiating favorable commercial terms, and maintaining robust supplier relationships, the Senior Procurement Specialist ensures uninterrupted supply chains while delivering measurable value to the organization. The role requires a keen analytical mindset, strong negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of local procurement landscapes, particularly within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Procurement Specialist is responsible for the following core functions:

• Procurement & Sourcing:
  • Oversee the complete procurement lifecycle, from initial supplier identification and evaluation to final purchase order issuance and performance monitoring.
  • Conduct comprehensive supplier assessments based on quality, service delivery, cost competitiveness, and alignment with business objectives.
  • Lead Requests for Quotation (RFQs), competitive bidding processes, and supplier evaluations to identify the most suitable partners.
  • Engage in strategic negotiations to secure optimal pricing, payment terms, and service-level agreements that enhance cost savings and operational efficiency.
  • Develop and maintain a diversified and approved supplier base to mitigate risks and ensure supply chain resilience.
• Purchase Order Management:
  • Generate, review, and manage purchase orders in strict accordance with approved requisitions and established procurement protocols.
  • Ensure all procurement transactions are processed with accuracy and completed within predefined timelines to avoid operational disruptions.
  • Track order statuses in real-time and proactively coordinate with suppliers to resolve any delivery delays or logistical challenges.
  • Perform meticulous reconciliation of purchase orders, goods receipts, and supplier invoices to maintain financial integrity and prevent discrepancies.
• Supplier Relationship Management:
  • Maintain comprehensive records of supplier qualifications, contractual agreements, and performance metrics to ensure transparency and accountability.
  • Monitor supplier performance against agreed-upon service levels, quality benchmarks, pricing structures, and delivery commitments.
  • Address underperformance through structured corrective action plans and foster collaborative partnerships to drive continuous improvement.
  • Build and nurture long-term relationships with key suppliers to enhance collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth.
• Cost Management & Procurement Efficiency:
  • Lead cost-saving initiatives by leveraging strategic sourcing strategies and conducting thorough spend analyses to identify optimization opportunities.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline procurement processes, reduce cycle times, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
  • Support procurement reporting initiatives to provide data-driven insights that inform decision-making and strategic planning.
  • Champion compliance with approved procurement practices, internal controls, and regulatory requirements to uphold corporate governance standards.
• Compliance & Governance:
  • Ensure all procurement activities adhere to company policies, industry regulations, and statutory requirements, particularly those relevant to the KSA market.
  • Maintain meticulous documentation and records to support internal audits, external reviews, and regulatory inspections.
  • Work closely with internal stakeholders, including finance, legal, and operations teams, to align procurement strategies with broader business objectives.

Qualifications & Competencies

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following educational and professional requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of three years of progressive experience in procurement or sourcing, with a strong preference for candidates with direct exposure to local KSA supplier markets.
  • Proven track record in managing procurement activities within regulated industries, such as healthcare or distribution, where compliance and quality standards are paramount.
  • Hands-on experience in conducting RFQs and negotiating pricing and payment terms with suppliers to achieve cost-effective outcomes.
  • Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, particularly procurement modules related to requisitions, purchase orders, and three-way matching.
• Preferred Skills & Competencies:
  • Expertise in supplier sourcing, qualification, and management, with a focus on local KSA markets.
  • Proficiency in managing indirect procurement and services procurement to support diverse business needs.
  • Strong analytical capabilities to conduct spend analysis and category management for strategic decision-making.
  • Knowledge of Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) requirements and relevant regulations for medical goods procurement, where applicable.

The ideal candidate will be a results-driven professional with exceptional negotiation skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the organization’s success by optimizing procurement processes and fostering sustainable supplier partnerships.