Category Manager jobs in United Arab Emirates

A Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is often preferred. Procurement certifications such as CIPS, CPSM etc. also beneficial

A minimum of 7 years’ experience in Strategic Sourcing / Category Management roles within a relevant industry e.g. Banking, Financial Services, Government etc. Ideally category management experience in primary spend Categories such as Professional Services & IT Telecoms & AI

Strong analytical skills, stakeholder management, negotiation skills, and commercial acumen are essential. Additionally, experience in team leadership and project management is beneficial.

The Category Manager is responsible for end‑to‑end ownership of assigned spend categories, leading the development and execution of category strategies that deliver sustainable value, cost efficiency, risk mitigation, and supplier performance in an Investment environment. The role acts as a strategic business partner to senior stakeholders across investment, corporate, and platform functions, translating business demand into compliant, commercial, and value‑driven sourcing outcomes.

• Define and execute multi‑year category strategies aligned to organizational, investment, and portfolio priorities.
• Identify and realize value levers including cost optimization, demand management, supplier consolidation, innovation, and risk reduction.
• Lead category performance tracking, benefits realization, and periodic strategy refresh cycles based on market and business changes.

• Lead complex, high‑value sourcing initiatives (RFPs, RFQs, negotiations and contract awards) for relevant categories (e.g. advisory, professional services, IT, data, finance operations).
• Design optimal sourcing and engagement routes including single/sole sourcing, frameworks, and Master Framework Agreements (MFAs).
• Act as a senior commercial advisor for supplier negotiations and commercial terms.

• Partner closely with senior business leaders, investment teams, finance, legal, risk, and compliance to understand current and future demand.
• Translate complex business requirements into sourcing strategies that balance commercial value, risk, speed, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide advisory input on market trends, supplier capabilities, and cost drivers impacting investment and financial operations.

• Ensure all category and sourcing activities are fully aligned with procurement policy, delegation of authority, and regulatory expectations.
• Support audits, governance reviews, and policy enhancements related to category management and sourcing activities.
• Act as a role model for ethical sourcing, transparency, and strong procurement governance.