AVP, Procurement & Contracts - UAE National (Emiratisation)

General Overview: We are hiring for our client, a leading organization within the UAE insurance sector, seeking an experienced AVP, Procurement & Contracts to join their growing team in Abu Dhabi. This is a strategic leadership opportunity for a procurement professional with strong expertise in sourcing, contract management, vendor governance, and commercial negotiations within a regulated corporate environment. The successful candidate will play a critical role in driving procurement strategy, strengthening supplier partnerships, enhancing operational efficiencies, and ensuring procurement governance aligns with business objectives and compliance standards. Key Responsibilities: Lead and oversee end-to-end procurement and contracting activities across multiple business functions Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with organizational objectives and cost optimization initiatives Manage vendor sourcing, tendering, evaluation, negotiation, and onboarding processes Review, draft, negotiate, and administer commercial contracts, SLAs, and supplier agreements Ensure procurement activities comply with internal governance frameworks, policies, and regulatory requirements Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and key internal stakeholders Monitor supplier performance, contract compliance, and service delivery standards Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost savings, and operational efficiencies Support budgeting, procurement planning, and management reporting activities Collaborate closely with legal, finance, compliance, and operational teams on procurement-related matters Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior procurement team members where applicable Key Requirements: Emirati with Family Book (Emiratisation role) – mandatory Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Law, or a related field Minimum 8–12 years of experience in procurement, contracts management, or strategic sourcing Prior experience within insurance, healthcare, financial services, or other regulated industries is highly preferred Strong understanding of procurement frameworks, vendor management, and contract lifecycle management Proven experience handling high-value commercial contracts and negotiations Strong stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills Proficiency in ERP/procurement systems and Microsoft Office applications Professional certifications such as CIPS or equivalent are advantageous Ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced and strategic corporate environment