DXB - UAE Procurement Manager (EO)

Job Overview

The British Embassy UAE has a vacancy for a Procurement Manager, job grade Executive Officer (EO), on a fixed term contract for two (2) years, with the possibility of renewal. The jobholder will lead a compliant, efficient and auditable procurement function, ensuring compliance with UK Government procurement policy and processes, and meeting all internal reporting and financial standards and policies.

Scope of Responsibilities

• Oversee and deliver procurement for the UK in UAE Network (British Embassy's in Abu Dhabi and Dubai). Working with others within the wider FCDO network to deliver higher value procurement activities.
• Ensure the database of procurement activities is kept up to date, with clear visibility of procurement stages, and providing comprehensive updates to the Networks Leadership Team.
• Oversee all procurement related risks, feeding into wider Network risk registers, and ensuring risks are actively considered in all the Networks procurement with clear risk mitigation in place.
• Ensure tender exercises are undertaken in a timely and professional manner in compliance with UK Government procurement policy and UAE Law, and that they present good Value for Money (VfM) for the FCDO.
• Responsible for writing / reviewing procurement reports including tender reports, due diligence reports, and providing outcome of tenders to bidders. Confirming checks have been undertaken to ensure procurement processes are being followed.
• Assist in moderation of tenders at the evaluation stage.

Stakeholder Management and Due Diligence

• Review, report, and manage supplier relationships with the help of Post contract managers, including resolution of contractual disputes, taking appropriate action to protect the FCDO and Embassy interest.
• Undertake market research in key sectors and support with the identification and verification of external suppliers. Ensure appropriate due diligence checks are undertaken to ensure suppliers meet Embassy standards.
• Manage Conflict of Interest process.
• Managing relationship with FCDO procurement teams in Manila and London.

Contract Management

• Support with the maintenance of the UAE contract register, ensuring contracts are accessible and visible, with end dates monitored closely to ensure alignment of procurement activity without gaps in services or delivery.
• Assign contract managers to all contracts, ensuring they have completed up to date training.

Leadership and Line Management

Provide day to day leadership of the procurement team and line manage two Procurement Officers, ensuring the best utilisation of resources to deliver procurement work.

Compliance and Awareness

• Proactively identify compliance issues that require action, taking a risk based approach.
• Proactively drive improvements in compliance and value for money at Post.
• Disseminate procurement best practice, including written policies and procedures related to procurement compliance.
• Provide training to staff to drive understanding and awareness of key processes and policies.
• Support the improvement in contract management practice across all teams in the UAE Network.

Resources Managed

• Direct line management of 2 procurement officers.
• Oversee and take responsibility for all procurement up-to-£25,000.

The above list is not exhaustive; the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on any other duties as required by the Deputy Director and/or Director of Corporate Services. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as and when required, including participating in the Embassy's response to a crisis.

Core Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions - Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
• Working Together - Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources and support.
• Delivering at Pace - Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Managing a Quality Service - Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise, and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.

Eligibility

• Applications will only be considered from those who are currently residing in the UAE and with a current and valid UAE resident visa.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field and / or CIPS Level 4 or equivalent qualification.
• Fluent in English, both written and oral.
• Experience working in a procurement role in a structured organisation.
• Experience of running complex tenders across a range of sectors, ensuring compliance with procurement policy and delivering value for money.
• Knowledge of UAE-based supplier markets (facilities, maintenance, building, transport and events) and local ways of working.
• Line management experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build a network of relationships with internal and external stakeholders and suppliers.
• Excellent organisational skills, records management and high attention to detail.
• IT literate and well versed in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Familiarity with UK procurement regulations and UK procurement processes, systems, and policies.
• Advanced MS Excel Skills.

Required Behaviours

Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together.

Working Hours and Remuneration

The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role, which includes 25 days of leave per annum (calculated pro rata). The salary for this role is AED 16,492 per month and it is non negotiable. There are no other allowances payable as part of this package. No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

This role is for a full time employment, on a fixed term contract basis for two (2) years, subject to a six (6) month probationary period. The contract may be extended, subject to satisfactory performance and on ongoing business requirement. The Embassy is open from Monday to Friday from 0700 to 1800 hrs. The Employee's normal weekly working hours are forty (40) Monday to Friday (inclusive), with a one hour paid rest break for each five (5) hours worked. The Embassy has an active Learning and Development Committee, and the whole of Post is committed to providing the time and resources for staff to develop personally and professionally. The 70 / 20 / 10 learning and development model is applied in a flexible manner, with extensive informal and formal opportunities readily available. The successful candidate will be required to transfer their visa under the Embassy's sponsorship.