Purchasing Officer - Local Procurement

We are looking for a talented and skilled Purchasing Officer - Local Procurement to join our multicultural and diverse team in Kuwait. The Purchasing Officer for local Items is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end procurement process for all electrical, mechanical & IT equipment, components required for plant operations. This role ensures the timely acquisition of high-quality goods both from local & import suppliers as required at optimal costs, manages supplier relationships, and maintains strict compliance with procurement policies and industry standards specific to the steel manufacturing environment.

• Develop and implement the annual sourcing plan aligned with the approved business KPIs.
• Contribute to process standardization initiatives and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Formulate and execute category-specific procurement strategies.
• Manage the complete RFI/RFQ/RFP process, including offer evaluation, technical assessment, and commercial negotiations.
• Lead the end-to-end contract lifecycle management for assigned categories, from PR handling to contract/PO creation and renewals.
• Prepare and present category performance and strategy updates for senior management discussions.
• Collaborate closely with key internal functions such as Finance and Logistics to ensure alignment and efficiency.
• Handle material rejections by coordinating with suppliers and end users to develop corrective action plans.
• Proactively resolve supplier performance issues to achieve timely and effective resolution.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies and applicable Kuwait laws.
• Independently manage supplier relationships, addressing inquiries and serving as the primary point of contact for supplier support.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.
• Professional certification such as CIPS or CIPP would be a plus.
• Minimum of 5-8 years of relevant procurement experience, including at least 3 years in local market purchasing.
• Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical components used in industrial operations, along with knowledge of key suppliers for plant requirements.
• Demonstrated skills in negotiation, data analysis, and contract management.
• Proficient in procurement ERP systems such as SAP and Ariba, as well as Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• High ethical standards with a strong commitment to compliance, transparency, and professional integrity.