Procurement Manager - Middle East

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

Reporting directly to the Head of Middle East countries, the Regional Procurement Manager is responsible for developing and executing the regional procurement strategy to optimize cost, quality, supplier performance, and operational efficiency across all Middle East operations. The role will drive procurement governance, strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiations while ensuring compliance with corporate procurement policies and supporting business growth.

• Develop and implement Middle East procurement strategy aligned with business objectives and global procurement standards.
• Develop category sourcing strategies for key spend areas including indirect procurement, facilities, laboratory equipment, fleet, professional services, subcontractors, and CAPEX.
• Identify opportunities for procurement consolidation, supplier rationalization, and standardization across the region.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including market analysis, supplier evaluation, RFQs/RFPs, commercial negotiations, and contract awards.
• Deliver measurable cost savings while maintaining quality, service, and business continuity.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key regional and global suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs, SLAs, and regular business reviews.
• Resolve supplier performance issues and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate supplier-related risks, including financial, operational, and compliance risks.
• Lead commercial negotiations for regional procurement agreements.
• Ensure contracts achieve optimal commercial terms, service levels, and risk allocation.
• Collaborate with Legal to ensure contractual compliance and governance.
• Manage regional procurement spend and support annual budgeting and forecasting activities.
• Analyze spend data to identify opportunities for efficiency and value creation.
• Provide regular procurement performance reports and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with SGS procurement policies, delegation of authority, and ethical sourcing standards.
• Maintain procurement documentation, audit readiness, and supplier records.
• Promote procurement best practices across all countries within the region.
• Partner with business leaders to understand operational requirements and develop procurement solutions.
• Lead, coach, and develop the regional procurement team.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional procurement qualification such as CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent is highly preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive procurement experience, including at least 3 years in a regional leadership role.
• Proven experience managing procurement across multiple Middle East countries.
• Experience within Testing, Inspection & Certification (TIC), Engineering, Industrial Services, Manufacturing, Energy, Oil & Gas, or multinational organizations is required.
• Demonstrated success delivering procurement transformation, supplier optimization, and measurable cost savings.
• Strong experience managing indirect procurement, CAPEX, OPEX, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Strong commercial acumen and contract negotiation skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and change management capabilities.