Purchasing Manager

About the Role

Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Company (SADAFCO) is seeking a Purchasing Manager to join their team in Makkah, with operations spanning Jeddah and Makkah. This full-time role requires 5-10 years of experience and is responsible for developing and executing SADAFCO’s long-term procurement strategy and short-term plans for IT and Professional Services. The manager will ensure end-to-end sourcing, contracting, supplier governance, and commercial management across various technology and service categories.

Role Purpose and Impact

The Purchasing Manager will drive procurement for IT and Professional Services, covering software, SaaS, cloud, infrastructure, cybersecurity, telecommunications, hardware, and consulting. This position is critical for ensuring business continuity, creating value, mitigating risk, optimizing costs, fostering supplier innovation, and building strong stakeholder partnerships. The role supports SADAFCO’s digital transformation and operational excellence initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the complete procurement cycle for IT and Professional Services categories, including software, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, and managed services.
• Execute SADAFCO’s long-term procurement strategy for IT and Professional Services, defining sourcing approaches and building 3-year category roadmaps.
• Conduct supplier and market profiling for technology OEMs, cloud providers, and professional services firms, including vendor qualification and onboarding.
• Collect and analyze global and regional market intelligence on technology trends, commercial models, and best practices to inform sourcing decisions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain procurement policies, sourcing governance frameworks, and operating procedures for IT and Professional Services spend.
• Prepare and issue RFI, RFQ, RFP, bid, and tender documents for IT projects, software subscriptions, and major professional service contracts.
• Prepare commercial evaluation matrices to compare bids based on total cost of ownership, technical fit, service levels, and long-term value.
• Develop cost models for various services and apply structured negotiation tactics to achieve targeted savings and risk-balanced commercial outcomes.
• Identify and implement cost reduction projects, aligning internal stakeholders and ensuring timely execution.
• Prepare contract drafts and ensure timely renewal of supply agreements to minimize legal risk and liability.
• Prepare annual IT procurement budgets, reviewing past spending, gathering business requirements, and projecting renewal cycles.
• Develop supplier performance evaluation matrices and build strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Conduct supplier SWOT analysis and develop alternate supplier plans to ensure on-time delivery, price stability, and consistent quality.
• Support timely innovation and launch of new products and ensure conformity with local regulations.
• Negotiate and implement rate agreements and manage SLA requirements to ensure timely delivery of articles.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Preferably an MBA or Post Graduate degree.
• Specific diploma/education: CIPS, CIPP qualification (preferable).
• Experience: Mandatory 6 years in procurement of IT & Professional Services within the FMCG, BFSI, or other manufacturing industries.
• Proficiency in using ERP systems.
• Good knowledge of MS-Office and Power BI.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Makkah, with responsibilities covering operations in Jeddah and Makkah. The role involves strategic procurement activities within a dynamic environment focused on digital transformation and operational excellence.

Application Process

Interested candidates who meet the specified requirements are encouraged to apply. Salary details will be discussed during the interview process.