CNS is a technology company that powers the future by providing digital solutions essential to support all enterprise and human development. While growing and managing a robust pool of supplier-partners for the benefit of our clients has always been a priority, we are constantly re-inventing ourselves.
Founded in 1987 with more than 30 years of experience, CNS employs over 320 employees including more than 250 certified engineers. We offer in-depth expertise and a range of best-in-class products that support the digital transformation of all major industries. With offices in three countries, we have an extensive reach into, and regional knowledge of the Middle East markets.
A shift into levering our many years of experience to develop pioneering software in-house will add yet another dimension to our highly innovative solutions-portfolio.
The Procurement Manager will be responsible for managing and optimizing CNS’s procurement activities across IT products, hardware, software, licenses, cloud services, professional services, infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity and other business requirements.
The role will lead supplier sourcing, commercial negotiations, purchase orders, contract management and supplier performance while ensuring competitive pricing, quality, availability, compliance and timely delivery.
The position will work closely with Sales, Presales, Solution Architects, PMO, Delivery, Finance, Legal and OEM/technology partners to support project requirements and ensure procurement activities are aligned with customer commitments, project timelines and CNS’s commercial objectives.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategic Procurement & Sourcing
- Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with CNS’s business and project requirements.
- Manage sourcing and procurement of IT hardware, software, licenses, cloud services, networking, cybersecurity, infrastructure and professional services.
- Identify and evaluate new suppliers, distributors, OEMs, principals and service providers.
- Maintain a competitive and reliable supplier base across key technology categories.
- Conduct RFQs/RFPs and commercial evaluations to achieve competitive pricing and favorable terms.
- Develop alternative sourcing options to reduce supply and commercial risks.
2. Commercial Negotiation & Cost Optimization
- Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers and technology partners on pricing, payment terms, credit facilities, warranties, delivery and contractual terms.
- Negotiate volume discounts, project pricing, rebates and other commercial benefits.
- Analyze quotations and ensure the best overall commercial value for CNS.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or customer commitments.
- Support Sales and Presales teams in developing commercially viable customer proposals.
3. Project & Solution Procurement
- Work closely with Sales, Presales and Solution Architects to understand customer requirements, BoQs and project specifications.
- Source products and services in line with approved BoQs, specifications and project timelines.
- Validate supplier quotations against technical requirements and commercial proposals.
- Coordinate procurement activities for customer projects from quotation through delivery.
- Ensure critical project materials, licenses and services are available within agreed timelines.
- Support urgent and complex customer requirements while maintaining procurement controls.
4. Supplier & Partner Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with OEMs, distributors, principals and strategic suppliers.
- Monitor supplier performance covering pricing, quality, delivery, responsiveness and service levels.
- Conduct regular supplier reviews and address performance issues.
- Manage supplier escalations and coordinate resolution of delivery, quality and commercial issues.
- Support the development of strategic partnerships with key technology vendors.
5. Purchase & Contract Management
- Review and process purchase requisitions, quotations, purchase orders and supplier contracts.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with approved policies, authorization limits and commercial procedures.
- Coordinate with Legal on supplier agreements, contractual terms and risk areas.
- Track purchase orders, deliveries, backorders, warranties and outstanding commitments.
- Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation.
6. Inventory & Delivery Coordination
- Coordinate with Logistics, Warehouse, Finance and Project teams to ensure timely delivery of procured items.
- Monitor stock availability and lead times for critical products.
- Support inventory planning for commonly required IT products and project materials.
- Identify potential supply-chain risks and proactively develop mitigation plans.
7. Governance, Reporting & Compliance
- Ensure transparency and compliance throughout the procurement lifecycle.
- Maintain procurement data, supplier records and pricing information.
- Prepare regular reports covering procurement spend, savings, supplier performance and outstanding orders.
- Monitor market trends, technology pricing and supply-chain developments.
- Support internal and external audits by maintaining appropriate procurement documentation.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Finance or related field.
- Master’s degree / MBA or relevant professional procurement qualification such as CIPS is Preferred.
Experience
- 7+ years of procurement experience, preferably within IT, technology, systems integration or a similar environment.
- 10+ years with experience managing strategic IT procurement, OEMs, distributors and large project requirements. is Preferred.
Skills & Abilities
• Strong negotiation and commercial skills
• IT procurement and sourcing knowledge
• Supplier and contract management
• RFQ/RFP/RFI management
• Strong understanding of IT hardware, software and services
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• ERP/procurement system experience
• Strong Excel and reporting skills
• Experience with technology OEMs/principals and distributors
• Experience in systems integration / IT services procurement
• Knowledge of cloud, cybersecurity, networking and infrastructure procurement
• Experience managing strategic supplier agreements and project-based procurement
• Strong understanding of UAE/GCC supplier markets
Compliance with policies and procedures based on the ISO standards adopted by CNS.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field
- 7+ years of procurement experience, preferably in IT, technology, systems integration, or a similar environment
- 10+ years of strategic IT procurement experience managing OEMs, distributors, and large project requirements
- Strong negotiation and commercial skills
- IT procurement and sourcing knowledge
- Supplier and contract management experience
- RFQ, RFP, and RFI management experience
- Strong understanding of IT hardware, software, and services
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- ERP or procurement system experience
- Strong Microsoft Excel and reporting skills
- Experience with technology OEMs, principals, and distributors
- Experience in systems integration or IT services procurement
- Knowledge of cloud, cybersecurity, networking, and infrastructure procurement
- Experience managing strategic supplier agreements and project-based procurement
- Strong understanding of UAE/GCC supplier markets
- Master's degree, MBA, or relevant professional procurement qualification such as CIPS
What We Do
Ghobash Group is a privately-owned business conglomerate and family office established in the UAE, involved in investment management and various industries including technology, chemicals, water, energy, pharmaceuticals, and real estate.
