Procurement Category Manager

For 170 years, Veolia has been a global leader in providing water, energy, and waste management solutions. Serving public authorities and industries across 58 countries, our comprehensive services are essential to human development and sustainable growth. As we progress alongside economic growth and human development, we continuously adapt and innovate, designing solutions that positively impact the environment and conserve resources.

Veolia focuses on local solutions to purify and preserve vital resources, mitigate resource depletion, decarbonize lifestyles and production methods, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Our mission is to build a better 21st century, and we proudly identify as #resourcers.
Key figures of Veolia Near and Middle East

• Over 3,400 employees in the Middle East (in addition to the 4,900 employees for Enova, which reports directly to Veolia Africa Middle-East for Facility Management and Energy Efficiency contracts in the region)
• A robust local network across the region, including the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia
• 40 years of sustainable partnerships

In the Middle East, Veolia collaborates with industries, governments, communities, and commercial businesses to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions needed today, while maintaining a vision for tomorrow. Through public-private partnerships and innovative contractual schemes, Veolia is dedicated to achieving measurable results with pragmatic, sustainable environmental solutions.

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Context

The procurement department is pivotal in ensuring an organization acquires necessary goods and services efficiently and cost-effectively. It involves sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and maintaining supplier relationships to secure quality materials and services. Key functions include order processing, inventory management, and ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations.
Strategically, procurement integrates with finance, operations, and logistics to align with organizational goals. It leverages technology like procurement software and ERP systems to streamline processes. Effective procurement provides competitive advantages through cost savings, timely deliveries, and fostering innovation. Additionally, it contributes to value creation by improving product quality and supporting sustainable practices.
Challenges include market volatility, supplier dependence, and complex regulatory environments, particularly for multinational operations. Despite these, the procurement department’s role in managing costs, mitigating risks, and driving organizational success remains critical.

Main Accountablities:

The Procurement Category Manager - Directs will oversee the strategic sourcing and procurement of direct materials and services essential for Veolia’s water, waste, and wastewater treatment operations. This role requires a highly skilled engineer proficient in Arabic and English. Knowledge of French is an added advantage.

Job Description Details:

Category Management:

• Develop and implement category strategies for direct procurement to support Veolia’s operational and financial objectives.
• Conduct market analysis to identify potential suppliers and trends that could impact sourcing strategies.

Sourcing and Supplier Management:

• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers, ensuring compliance with Veolia’s standards and policies.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers to secure the best terms and conditions.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure high performance, including quality, delivery, and cost management.

Cost Management:

• Drive cost-saving initiatives and value engineering projects to reduce procurement costs.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators related to procurement efficiency and savings.
• Act as the Main contributor  to delivering Savings 

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and finance teams to align procurement activities with business needs.
• Participate in project teams to provide procurement expertise and support project goals.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure procurement activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Assess and mitigate risks associated with the supply chain.

Continuous Improvement:

• Implement best practices in procurement processes and tools.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement team.
   

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related field). A Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CIPS, CSCP, CPM, CPSM) is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in procurement, preferably in the water, waste, or wastewater treatment industry.
• Languages: Fluency in Arabic and English is required. Proficiency in French is a plus.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of procurement processes, contract law, and supply chain management. Proficiency in procurement software and tools.
• Soft Skills: Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems.

Personal Attributes:

• Detail-oriented with a strategic mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Strong analytical skills 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse Stakeholders

As an inclusive company, Veolia is committed to diversity and gives equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.