Assistant Manager - Packaging & Indirect Procurement

About Gulf Oil Middle East Ltd.

Gulf Oil Middle East Ltd. (GOMEL), part of the Hinduja Group and Gulf Oil International, is a prominent manufacturer and marketer of automotive and industrial lubricants operating from Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone since 1986. GOMEL runs two advanced blending plants located in Jebel Ali and Ras Al Khaimah, with an annual production capacity of 145,000 tons, including a dedicated grease blending facility. The company extensively serves the Gulf Lubricants business across the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and CIS regions through a robust distributor network covering over 20 countries and addressing major B2B clientele.

Role Overview

We are looking for a skilled and experienced Procurement Lead to manage sourcing and procurement operations. The successful candidate must have a minimum of 7 years of procurement experience in the UAE, preferably within the lubricants or petrochemical industries, along with proven expertise in supplier management and contract negotiations. Team leadership experience is essential.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related disciplines.
• At least 7 years of procurement experience within the UAE market, with preference for experience in lubricants or petrochemicals sectors.
• Familiarity with lubricant products, petrochemicals, product specifications, and industry market trends is advantageous.
• Strong skills in negotiation and contract management.
• Proficient user of ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent analytical abilities, communication skills, and interpersonal relations.
• Results-driven mindset with capability to operate independently and juggling multiple priorities effectively.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate effectively within the team and guide direct reports to develop their skills and knowledge.
• Contribute to the development and execution of procurement strategies that align with the business’s overall plans.
• Identify and evaluate suppliers to ensure the best quality, cost-efficiency, timely delivery, and service excellence.
• Lead contract negotiations, pricing discussions, and agreement terms to maximize value using industry standards and Service Level Agreement benchmarks.
• Keep abreast of market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain risks, proposing measures to exploit opportunities and reduce risks.
• Ensure procurement procedures comply with safety and regulatory standards at all times.
• Work closely with cross-departmental stakeholders to ensure procurement strategies, risk management, and inventory levels are aligned.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of procurement activities, supplier performance, and pricing; prepare and share monthly dashboards and analytics on key procurement trends.
• Champion ongoing improvements in procurement processes to realize cost savings and avoid unnecessary expenditures.
• Oversee the handling of import/export documentation related to procurement tasks.
• Support the company’s sustainability and ESG initiatives through responsible and ethical sourcing methodologies.