Procurement Officer

International Community Schools Abu Dhabi is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Procurement Officer to join our team. The Procurement Officer will manage all procurement activities for the school, ensuring that purchasing processes are efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with the school’s strategic goals. This role is crucial in supporting the school's operational needs while adhering to budgetary constraints.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Procurement Strategy and Planning:
   • Develop, implement, and maintain procurement policies and procedures that align with the school’s goals.
   • Collaborate with department heads to assess and forecast their procurement needs, ensuring alignment with academic programs and operational requirements.
   • Analyze market trends and identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
2. Supplier Management:
   • Research, identify, and evaluate potential suppliers, ensuring they meet ICS quality and ethical standards.
   • Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts to ensure the best possible terms and pricing.
   • Conduct regular supplier performance reviews to assess quality, delivery, and service levels.
3. Contract Management:
   • Negotiate, prepare, and execute contracts with suppliers, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
   • Monitor contract performance and manage contract renewals and terminations as necessary.
   • Address any issues or disputes related to contracts in a timely manner.
4. Procurement Process Management:
   • Oversee the entire procurement cycle, including requisition approval, purchase order creation, and delivery confirmation.
   • Ensure the timely and accurate processing of purchase orders, tracking order status and resolving any discrepancies with suppliers.
   • Maintain a comprehensive procurement database to track purchases, supplier information, and contract details.
5. Inventory Control:
   • Monitor inventory levels for all school supplies, educational materials, and equipment, ensuring adequate stock levels while minimizing waste.
   • Collaborate with relevant departments to forecast future inventory needs and develop strategies to meet those needs efficiently.
6. Budgeting and Cost Management:
   • Assist in the preparation and management of the procurement budget, tracking expenditures and ensuring compliance with budgetary limits.
   • Analyze procurement data to identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, and areas for improvement.
   • Prepare regular reports for management on procurement activities, budget adherence, and supplier performance.
7. Market Research and Analysis:
   • Stay updated on market conditions, pricing trends, and new products relevant to the educational sector.
   • Conduct competitive analysis to ensure that the school is receiving the best value for its purchases.
   • Research best practices in procurement and supply chain management, recommending improvements as needed.
8. Collaboration and Communication:
   • Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure their procurement needs are met effectively and efficiently.
   • Provide training and support to staff on procurement processes and best practices.
   • Foster effective communication with suppliers and internal teams to ensure smooth procurement operations and address any issues that arise.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement or supply chain management, preferably in an educational or nonprofit environment.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build and maintain supplier relationships.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Proficient in procurement software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong communication skills in English; knowledge of additional languages is an advantage.
• Knowledge of procurement regulations and compliance standards.

Benefits