Amani Ahmad
Head of Procurement and Finance
Dubai
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with over 15 years of experience in strategic procurement and financial management. Proven expertise in developing and implementing procurement strategies, optimizing supply chain efficiency, and managing multimillion-dollar budgets. Adept at building and maintaining strategic supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Strong financial acumen with a track record of driving financial planning, analysis, and reporting to support business objectives. Highly skilled in leading cross-functional teams, fostering continuous improvement, and leveraging data-driven insights for decision-making.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Procurement and Finance
UAE Special Olympics Foundation
04.2019 - Current
- Led contract negotiation efforts for major suppliers, ensuring favorable terms that supported business requirements while mitigating risk exposure.
- Streamlined procurement processes by implementing strategic sourcing and supplier management techniques.
- Achieved substantial cost savings with the implementation of a centralized procurement system for better spend visibility and control.
- Implemented cost control measures through disciplined budget management and spend analysis, optimizing resource allocation for maximum return on investment.
- Conducted regular supplier performance reviews to track progress against expectations, addressing any areas requiring corrective action or improvement initiatives.
- Improved cost efficiency by negotiating favorable contracts with suppliers based on market analysis and pricing trends.
- Evaluated emerging technologies to enhance procurement operations such as e-sourcing platforms or automation tools.
- Enhanced supplier relationships through regular communication, collaboration, and mutual goal-setting for long-term partnerships.
- Reduced supply chain risks through thorough vendor assessments and continuous monitoring of performance metrics.
- Implemented best practices in supplier diversity, promoting an inclusive supply base that reflects organizational values.
- Managed competitive bidding processes for high-value contracts using a structured approach to ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance with procurement policies.
- Developed comprehensive procurement policies and procedures to standardize practices across the organization.
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of products and services in line with project timelines.
- Developed annual budgets for the procurement department based on historical spend data, forecasting future needs, and aligning resources accordingly.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders to define procurement objectives aligned with overall business goals and strategies.
- Identified opportunities for process improvement through data analysis, resulting in increased operational efficiency within the procurement department.
- Managed supply chain process, from order placement to delivery, to facilitate on-time and accurate fulfillment.
- Resolved invoice and payment issues to facilitate prompt payment to suppliers.
- Evaluated supplier quotes based on purchasing procedures and competitiveness in quality, price and delivery.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to obtain favorable terms and pricing.
- Tracked contract performance metrics and reported issues or non-compliance with appropriate stakeholders.
- Assessed areas of service concern and developed improvement plans.
- Reduced costs by streamlining contract bidding and procurement processes to assure best prices for materials and services.
- Created purchasing policies and procedures that complied with company standards and regulatory requirements.
- Scrutinized purchasing data to identify areas for improvement and cost savings.
- Completed monthly profit and loss performance reports.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders to create timely and accurate purchase orders.
- Hired and trained purchasing staff to improve effectiveness of purchasing operations.
- Developed and tracked metrics to measure supplier performance and cost savings which are cutomized to the contracts KPIs and SLAs.
- Facilitated resolution of vendor disputes and discrepancies.
- Devised and implemented strategies to optimize purchasing processes and reduce costs.
- Monitored inventory levels and avoided shortages with timely replenishment of stock.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors to maintain and improve levels of customer service.
- Reviewed and approved purchase orders and invoices for accuracy and completeness.
- Communicated regularly with suppliers to uphold accountability for quality standards and timely delivery of goods.
- Generated reports on purchasing activities to support management decisions.
- Developed and implemented procurement policies and procedures to enhance compliance with company standards.
- Created and maintained portfolio of qualified vendors to expand options.
- Analyzed supplier contracts to confirm compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Led sourcing process for new vendors to get quality products and services and mitigate risk.
- Prepared and presented reports to management on purchasing trends and cost savings to aid in decision making.
- Conducted spend analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Developed and maintained relationships with key suppliers for smooth communication and to meet required expectations.
- Negotiated complex corporate procurement contracts by working closely with internal and external contacts.
- Monitored and managed procurement budget to control costs.
Category Supervisor Procurement
The High Committee for Hosting the Special Olympic
10.2017 - 03.2019
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Handled customer complaints, resolved issues, and adjusted policies to meet changing needs.
- Monitored workflow to improve employee time management and increase productivity.
- Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
- Evaluated employee performance and coached and trained to improve weak areas.
- Mentored newly hired employees on operating equipment and safety and developed training manual to use for reference.
- Identified operational inefficiencies and implemented corrective measures, leading to an overall increase in effectiveness.
- Streamlined operations for increased efficiency through regular process reviews and implementing necessary changes.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and adherence to financial guidelines.
- Established performance metrics for the team, consistently tracking progress towards goals and making adjustments as needed.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Developed and executed category plans and sourcing strategies.
- Managed tender processes, from bidder selection to contract management.
- Negotiated complex supply arrangements and contract issues.
Vendor Management Specialist
International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC)
01.2017 - 04.2017
- Managed a diverse portfolio of vendors, ensuring timely delivery of products and services within budget constraints.
- Maintained current documentation and submitted timely reports.
- Streamlined vendor management processes by implementing efficient record-keeping and tracking systems.
- Facilitated smooth onboarding processes for new vendors, providing clear guidelines on expectations and procedures for seamless integration into the supply chain network.
Procurement Officer
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Developed and strengthened supplier relationships.
- Evaluated vendor performance regularly to maintain reliable supply chain operations and address issues promptly.
- Maintained detailed records of all procurement activities for reference purposes as well as for auditing and compliance.
- Managed procurement projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery of goods and services.
- Ensured compliance with organizational policies, legal requirements, and industry standards in all procurement activities.
- Collaborated cross-functionally to identify opportunities for improving efficiency in purchasing procedures.
- Managed procurement processes, from tendering to purchase order creation.
- Negotiated agreements with suppliers and monitored vendor performance.
Sales Administrative Assistant
National Health Insurance Company - DAMAN
11.2007 - 05.2009
Procurement Administrator / Officer
Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management (ADMM) LLC
06.2007 - 05.2009
- Trained team members on current procurement practices, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing within the department.
- Monitored compliance with internal policies and external regulations related to procurement activities, mitigating risk exposure for the organization.
- Streamlined procurement processes by implementing new software and organizational strategies.
- Coordinated purchasing efforts across departments to consolidate orders and leverage volume discounts from suppliers.
- Reviewed proposals, qualified vendors, and recommended optimal suppliers.
- Maintained consistent email communication with stores and suppliers to confirm and track orders and verify price revisions on purchase orders.
- Tracked inventory shipments and prepared spreadsheets detailing item information.
Education
MBA - Global Executive MBA
Hult International Business School
Dubai, United Arab Emirates 04.2001 -
Passed CFA® Level II - CFA® Level II
CFA® Institute
USA, United State Of America 04.2001 -
Passed CFA® Level I - CFA® Level I
CFA® Institute
USA, United States Of America 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration in Finance
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 04.2001 -
Skills
Supplier Relationship Management
Procurement Process Improvement
Negotiation expertise
Supply Chain Optimization
Strategic Sourcing
Sustainability Initiatives
Supplier management
Demand forecasting
Cost Analysis
Budget Planning
Teamwork and Collaboration
Problem-Solving
Procurement expertise
Adaptability and Flexibility
Effective Communication
Strategic Procurement
Strategic Thinking
Business Process Improvement
Bid process management
Analytical Thinking
Task Prioritization
Financial Analyst
Timeline
Head of Procurement and Finance
UAE Special Olympics Foundation
04.2019 - Current
Category Supervisor Procurement
The High Committee for Hosting the Special Olympic
10.2017 - 03.2019
Vendor Management Specialist
International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC)
01.2017 - 04.2017
Procurement Officer
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)
01.2014 - 12.2015
Sales Administrative Assistant
National Health Insurance Company - DAMAN
11.2007 - 05.2009
Procurement Administrator / Officer
Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management (ADMM) LLC
06.2007 - 05.2009
MBA - Global Executive MBA
Hult International Business School
04.2001 -
Passed CFA® Level II - CFA® Level II
CFA® Institute
04.2001 -
Passed CFA® Level I - CFA® Level I
CFA® Institute
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration in Finance
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)
04.2001 -