Procurement Specialist – Chemical Industry

Our client is an international distributor of chemicals and industrial inputs, operating across multiple markets with a strong presence in emerging economies. They are looking for a Procurement Specialist to join their team based in Dubai. We are seeking a procurement professional with solid experience in international sourcing and supplier management within the chemical industry, and a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment. In this role, you will contribute to both strategic and operational procurement activities. Key Responsibilities • Supplier Relationship Management – Identify, evaluate, and manage a diverse portfolio of global suppliers, developing strong partnerships and ensuring optimal cost, quality, and delivery performance. • Negotiation and Contract Management – Lead and support supplier negotiations covering pricing, incoterms, quality and claims management, and payment terms. Manage supplier agreements including NDAs, MOUs, and SLAs. • Market Analysis and Sourcing Strategy – Monitor market trends, cost drivers, and regulatory developments within the chemical industry. Support sourcing strategies through market monitoring, benchmarking, and pricing analysis. • Cost Optimization and Value Creation – Drive initiatives to achieve cost savings, improve purchasing efficiency, and identify measurable savings opportunities. • Cross-Functional Collaboration – Work closely with Product Management, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, QA, and country teams to align procurement activities with business needs. • S&OP Process Support – Support the procurement side of the Sales & Operations Planning process. • Logistics and Supply Chain Coordination – Collaborate with Supply Chain and Logistics teams on inventory optimization, timely deliveries, and import/export procedures. • Reporting and Performance Monitoring – Track procurement KPIs and supplier performance, providing insights to management. Requirements • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. • 4–7 years of relevant experience in international procurement, sourcing, or trading of chemical products, ideally within a distribution or trading environment. • Good understanding of chemical markets, product specifications, supply chain dynamics, and international trade practices. • Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating pricing, payment terms, quality agreements, and supply conditions. • Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret market data and support procurement decisions. • Proficiency in ERP systems and procurement tools, with strong Microsoft Excel skills. • Fluency in English is essential. Nice-to-Have • Professional procurement certification (CIPS or equivalent). • Knowledge of import/export procedures, customs requirements, documentary credits, and logistics processes. • Proficiency in French. • Experience with S&OP or demand planning processes. What We Offer • A collaborative, international, and agile work environment. • A culture where initiative and "thinking out of the box" are highly valued. • Exposure to international markets in a growing, versatile organization. • Competitive compensation and benefits package. • Opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Interested candidates are invited to apply with an updated resume detailing relevant experience. Show more Show less

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. 4–7 years of relevant experience in international procurement, sourcing, or trading of chemical products, ideally within a distribution or trading environment. Good understanding of chemical markets, product specifications, supply chain dynamics, and international trade practices. Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating pricing, payment terms, quality agreements, and supply conditions. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret market data and support procurement decisions. Proficiency in ERP systems and procurement tools, with strong Microsoft Excel skills. Fluency in English is essential.

Supplier Relationship Management – Identify, evaluate, and manage a diverse portfolio of global suppliers, developing strong partnerships and ensuring optimal cost, quality, and delivery performance. Negotiation and Contract Management – Lead and support supplier negotiations covering pricing, incoterms, quality and claims management, and payment terms. Manage supplier agreements including NDAs, MOUs, and SLAs. Market Analysis and Sourcing Strategy – Monitor market trends, cost drivers, and regulatory developments within the chemical industry. Support sourcing strategies through market monitoring, benchmarking, and pricing analysis. Cost Optimization and Value Creation – Drive initiatives to achieve cost savings, improve purchasing efficiency, and identify measurable savings opportunities. Cross-Functional Collaboration – Work closely with Product Management, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, QA, and country teams to align procurement activities with business needs. S&OP Process Support – Support the procurement side of the Sales & Operations Planning process. Logistics and Supply Chain Coordination – Collaborate with Supply Chain and Logistics teams on inventory optimization, timely deliveries, and import/export procedures. Reporting and Performance Monitoring – Track procurement KPIs and supplier performance, providing insights to management.