Category Manager

Job description / Role

Synopsis

The purpose of the role is to manage the assigned categories and spend to deliver the best value for Velora in terms of price/savings, service, supply chain reliability, and local content objectives - delivered in line with governance, policy & compliance requirements. In addition, liaise with business users to review and challenge work scopes/specifications bringing commercial perspectives on supply market standards and benchmarks.

Responsible for the development of category plans, translating these into sourcing strategies, leading sourcing execution through to contract award and post contract management/supplier relationship management as well as executing the buying & PO processes. Personally leads & delivers high value/complex projects.

Accountabilities

Business planning & forecasting

• Work with the business to develop an annual procurement plan
• Maintain up-to-date contracts register to show all active contracts

Category strategy development & execution

• Formulate and continuously refine comprehensive category strategies aligned with organizational and business objectives
• Conduct robust demand and supply market analysis, benchmarking, and risk assessments
• Identify innovation and cost-reduction opportunities while ensuring competitive advantage and sustainability
• Integrate local content targets and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into category strategies
• Define and deliver clear value targets including savings, efficiency gains, and supplier performance improvement

Demand planning & forecasting

• Develop and manage category and sub-category demand plans across business units in collaboration with internal stakeholders
• Forecast procurement requirements and track upcoming expirations, renewals, and pipeline of new needs
• Continuously update demand plans to support accurate sourcing, budgeting, and risk mitigation

Sourcing strategy & execution

• Lead all sourcing approvals, and the end-to-end sourcing process for assigned categories, ensuring full alignment with corporate policy and governance
• Define optimal sourcing approaches (e.g., tenders, direct negotiations, framework agreements)
• Conduct competitive analyses and apply advanced procurement levers such as TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), LCC (Life Cycle Costing), and scenario planning
• Drive local supplier development and inclusion in sourcing strategies in line with local content goals

Negotiation & commercial management

• Design and execute negotiation strategies that achieve best value-for-money outcomes while maintaining supplier relationships
• Leverage market dynamics, cost structures, and analytical data to optimize pricing and contractual terms
• Ensure negotiations address performance, warranty, service level, and cost-efficiency requirements

Contracting & documentation

• Draft all approvals and contract documentation to ensure all work scopes, deliverables, and commercial terms are accurately captured
• Ensure compliance with company standards, governance policies, and legal requirements
• Maintain accurate and timely contract records in procurement systems

Contract & supplier performance management

• Work with the contract owners to assist with contract management activities for strategic suppliers to ensure delivery against SLAs, KPIs, and contract obligations
• Support and coach internal stakeholders in effective contract management and issue resolution
• Monitor supplier performance and risk exposure, initiating improvement or remediation actions when required

Supplier relationship management (SRM)

• Support the head of procurement in supplier relationship governance forums, preparing performance data, risk summaries, and strategic insights
• Drive collaboration and innovation initiatives with key suppliers to deliver continuous improvement and cost optimization

Category spend ownership

• Accountable for all spend within designated categories - encompassing tactical, operational, and strategic procurement activities
• Ensure spend visibility, cost optimization, and budget alignment through proactive spend analysis and reporting

Education & experience

• Bachelor's degree in Procurement & Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field; CIPS/CPSM certification or equivalent professional qualification is preferred
• 8-9 years of relevant procurement experience, including a minimum of 3-4 years in a managerial or category management role
• Proven expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and contract negotiation across direct and indirect spend categories
• Strong analytical ability with proficiency in spend analysis, total cost of ownership (TCO) modelling, and cost optimization techniques
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex tendering, contracting, and vendor performance frameworks within regulated or large-scale organizations
• Proven expertise in negotiating and drafting contract terms and conditions
• Proficiency in ERP and eProcurement systems (SAP, Ariba etc.) and data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau
• Experience in aviation, logistics, or industrial operations industries is highly desirable; exposure to Ground Handling Equipment (GHE) is an advantage
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and leadership skills, with a track record of driving category performance and team development

About Etihad Airport Services-Ground

Etihad Airport Services Ground is the sole ground operations handler at Zayed International Airport.

EASG handles a wide variety of ground functions at the capital's international airport, from passenger check-in and boarding to baggage handling and aircraft services.

All operations are centered around its three main prerogatives: safety and security in all its functions, world class operations for all customer airlines through maximum efficiency, and a world class customer experience for all visiting and transiting guests.

About the Company

Etihad Airways is the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates. The airline was set up by a Royal Decree in July 2003, with Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, as its hub. Etihad started commercial operations in November 2003.

With Etihad, everyone who flies with us is welcomed as our guest.

This simple credo illuminates everything we do, from big things like making sure that our fleet is one of the most advanced in the sky, to small touches like letting you choose the films you watch.

Were proud to be the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates. At the crossroads between Europe and Asia, our home reflects our commitment to bringing the world closer together - as does our highly cosmopolitan staff.