Procurement Lead

About Ektis

Ektis is a financial services consulting firm operating within the GCC's financial ecosystem. The firm collaborates with banks, fintechs, development finance institutions, and public-sector clients to address challenges across strategy, commercial growth, risk, payments, and transformation.

The Role of Procurement Lead

Ektis is seeking a Procurement Lead to manage the firm's purchasing activities. This is an internally focused, full-time role based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer. The position covers procurement operations for both KSA and UAE entities. The Procurement Lead will be responsible for establishing a structured procurement function, as current processes are informal and require formalization to manage growing third-party spend and associated risks. The role emphasizes hands-on delivery, including running sourcing exercises, negotiating contracts, and building the supplier base.

Key Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end sourcing for all third-party spend, from requirement definition through market approach, evaluation, negotiation, and award.
• Develop category strategies for material spend areas, including technology and cloud, subcontractors, professional services, and facilities.
• Lead commercial negotiations on price, terms, service levels, and exit clauses.
• Manage the firm's supplier contract templates and standard terms, collaborating with legal counsel and the CFO.
• Maintain a comprehensive contract register with renewal dates, notice periods, and commitment levels.
• Build and manage the supplier base, including onboarding, due diligence, segmentation, and performance reviews.
• Design and implement a procure-to-pay process suitable for the firm's size.
• Ensure procurement practices comply with Saudi and UAE regulatory and tax requirements, including VAT, withholding tax, and Zakat.
• Provide the CFO with clear visibility on third-party spend, committed costs, and forward commitments.
• Track and evidence savings, cost avoidance, and margin protection.

Required Experience and Background

• 8 to 12 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or commercial roles, with ownership of significant categories.
• Demonstrated ability to run competitive sourcing processes and negotiate contracts personally.
• Strong experience with indirect spend, particularly in technology, professional services, and subcontracted labor.
• Working experience in Saudi Arabia, with practical understanding of regional supplier markets, tax treatment, and documentation requirements.
• Experience in professional services, consulting, or other people-led, project-based businesses is preferred, including familiarity with subcontractor and associate models.
• Comfortable building a function from inception within an evolving business environment.
• Exposure to UAE entities or GCC multi-entity operations is an advantage.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially astute and comfortable in negotiation.
• Pragmatic approach to process, understanding appropriate control levels for a firm of this size.
• Confident in managing expectations with senior stakeholders regarding urgent purchases.
• Organized and detail-oriented, particularly with contracts and renewal dates.
• Direct and trustworthy in interactions with suppliers and colleagues.

Work Type

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.