Job Description/Specification:
A leading energy company in Qatar is seeking an experienced Supplier Relations Manager to lead supplier relationship management (SRM), market intelligence, and vendor performance initiatives. This strategic role is ideal for professionals with extensive procurement and supply chain experience who can build long-term supplier partnerships, optimize sourcing strategies, and drive value across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and manage the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) framework and best practices.
✅ Build strategic partnerships with key suppliers to improve collaboration, innovation, and long-term value.
✅ Monitor supplier performance using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and recommend improvement initiatives.
✅ Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and sourcing strategies.
✅ Lead market intelligence activities to assess industry trends, pricing, and supplier capabilities.
✅ Collaborate with procurement, contracting, and business units to align supplier strategies with operational needs.
✅ Evaluate and implement market intelligence tools and supplier management systems.
✅ Provide guidance and training to procurement teams on supplier performance, pricing trends, and negotiation strategies.
✅ Prepare reports and presentations for senior management on supplier performance and market developments.
✅ Lead, mentor, and develop supplier relations and market intelligence team members.
Requirements
🎓 Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Commerce, Science, or a related discipline.
- Professional certifications such as CIPS, CPSM, PMP, or MBA are considered an advantage.
💼 Experience
- Minimum 10 years of experience in the oil & gas industry.
- Strong background in supplier relationship management, procurement, strategic sourcing, contract management, or supply chain operations.
- Experience with market analysis and supplier negotiations is highly preferred.
🛠️ Skills Required
- Strong knowledge of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) principles.
- Expertise in procurement strategies and vendor performance management.
- Experience using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure supplier effectiveness.
- Strong analytical and market research capabilities.
- Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Leadership and team management experience.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP or procurement systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Ariba.
- Excellent presentation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
🌍 Language Requirements
- Fluent English is required.
- Arabic language skills are an advantage.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for professionals with experience as:
- Supplier Relations Manager
- Strategic Sourcing Manager
- Procurement Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Vendor Management Manager
- Category Manager
- Contracts Manager
- Commercial Manager
- Supply Chain Specialist
- Procurement Specialist
- Vendor Performance Manager
- Strategic Procurement Lead
Professionals from oil & gas, LNG, energy, EPC, petrochemicals, utilities, manufacturing, and industrial sectors are encouraged to apply.
Preferred Qualities
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong commercial and strategic thinking.
- Excellent leadership and people management skills.
- Advanced analytical and market intelligence capabilities.
- Outstanding communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to build long-term supplier partnerships.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities.
- High attention to detail and business acumen.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Career Benefits
Working as a Supplier Relations Manager offers the opportunity to lead strategic procurement initiatives, influence supplier performance, and drive cost optimization within a major energy organization. This role provides excellent career progression into positions such as Head of Procurement, Supply Chain Director, Commercial Director, Strategic Sourcing Director, Procurement Excellence Manager, or Supply Chain Executive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is oil & gas experience mandatory?
Yes. Significant experience in the oil & gas or energy sector is typically required due to the complexity of supplier management, contracting, and procurement processes.
2. What is Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)?
SRM is a strategic approach to managing supplier partnerships by improving collaboration, monitoring performance, reducing risk, and creating long-term value for both the organization and its suppliers.
3. What KPIs are commonly used in this role?
Common supplier KPIs include on-time delivery, quality performance, contract compliance, cost savings, lead times, supplier responsiveness, safety performance, and service reliability.
4. What systems or software are beneficial?
Experience with ERP and procurement platforms such as SAP, Oracle, Ariba, or supplier performance management tools is highly advantageous. Strong Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills are also important.
5. Is leadership experience required?
Yes. This position involves managing supplier relations activities, mentoring procurement professionals, and working closely with senior stakeholders across the organization.
6. How can I improve my chances of getting hired?
Tailor your CV to highlight achievements in supplier relationship management, strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, cost optimization, market intelligence, vendor performance improvement, KPI management, and leadership. Quantify results wherever possible, such as cost savings achieved, supplier performance improvements, or successful sourcing initiatives.