Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
References
Generic
Ambili Thuvara

Ambili Thuvara

Abu Dhabi,UAE

Summary

Accomplished procurement and supply chain management professional with 15 years of experience in designing and implementing best-value procurement strategies, policies, and standard operating procedures. Skilled in ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality materials, goods, and services to meet organizational goals. Expertise in data analytics and reporting, providing actionable insights to support strategic decision-making. Proven track record in supplier relationship management, fostering long-term partnerships to drive cost-effective procurement. Experienced in mentoring teams, driving process digitization, and achieving substantial cost savings through innovative solutions.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
3
3
Certificate

Work History

Manager - Procurement Services

Contango Management Consultancy
Abu Dhabi, UAE
03.2023 - 12.2024
  • Established a robust data analytics infrastructure integrating procurement data from various geographies, ERP systems, and languages, covering AED 100M+ in spend and over 1M rows. Conducted advanced analyses, created dashboards, identified cost-saving opportunities, and delivered performance insights to senior management and clients.
  • Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated contracts while ensure compliance with legal requirements and client interests, managed the contract lifecycle.
  • Developed and executed sourcing strategies to optimize costs and supplier performance, leveraging market research to identify opportunities and implementing best practices in category management.
  • Identified potential risks in the procurement process and developed mitigation strategies while enhancing procurement efficiency through process improvements, digitization, and automation, staying updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align procurement with business objectives, engaged clients to understand needs and provide tailored solutions, and ensured transparency through regular stakeholder communication.
  • Identified cost-saving opportunities through negotiation, strategic sourcing, and process improvements. Tracked and reported savings to meet financial targets.
  • Recommended advanced procurement technologies to enhance data management and efficiency. Advised client teams on the adoption of tools and platforms to ensure seamless integration and operational improvement.
  • Conducted workshops and training sessions to upskill client teams on procurement best practices, tools, and technologies. Provided ongoing support and mentorship, promoting continuous learning and development.

Senior Procurement Analyst - Compliance/ Reporting and Spend Analyst

Al Futtaim Group
Dubai, UAE
01.2018 - 03.2023
  • Successfully implemented and managed SAP Ariba P2P Solution across Group, facilitated user training, and resolved queries in collaboration with IT and Ariba Solutions Team.
  • Led price negotiations and finalisations on Ariba E-Sourcing Platform, conducted E-Auctions, and provided training to suppliers on Ariba E-Sourcing Module.
  • Developed and continuously improved KPIs related to procurement activities, including Procurement Policy, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Ariba P2P System Training Guide.
  • Assisted Head of Procurement in managing and enhancing Ariba P2P System, supporting necessary customizations to meet business needs.
  • Supported critical decision-making through strategic roadmap creation, annual budgeting, metric analysis, and designing analytical reports.
  • Reviewed and verified documents and award recommendations to ensure compliance with Procurement Policy, and developed periodic procurement matrix reports for senior management.

Centralized Procurement and Contracts Executive

Al Futtaim Group Real Estate
Dubai, UAE
10.2014 - 12.2017
  • Successfully managed the Centralized Procurement Function, acting as a complete service interface between end-users, centralized procurement, and suppliers, while ensuring adherence to procurement processes, budget constraints, timelines, and quality standards.
  • Conducted detailed reviews of Request for Approval (RFA) documents and award recommendations prepared by Procurement Executives before submission to senior management for review and approval, ensuring accuracy and compliance with policy.
  • Served as the Management Representative and Internal Auditor for ISO Certification, maintaining high standards of quality and compliance within the department.
  • Reviewed Request for Approval (RFA) Documentations and Award Recommendations prepared by Procurement Executives prior to submission to Senior Management for review and approval
  • Acted as the Management Representative/ Internal Auditor for ISO Certification
  • Managed the end-to-end contract process, from reviewing requisitions to the final closing-out of contracts, ensuring that all contractual obligations were met and documented.
  • Developed periodic analytical reports and dashboards on key procurement metrics, providing senior management with insightful data to guide strategic decision-making.
  • Identified cost-saving opportunities through effective negotiation, strategic sourcing, and process improvements; tracked and reported procurement savings, ensuring financial targets were met.

Procurement Specialist- Subcontracts

KBR Inc.
Dubai, UAE
07.2011 - 12.2013
  • Executed and administered complete range of procurement and administration activities for sub-contracts supporting US Government and commercial projects. Drafted contracts, prepared RFPs, created contract documents, and managed invoice verification and processing for sub-contractors, while handling close-out duties, coordinating with Finance for payment discrepancies, cross-verifying payments in SAP, and updating database.
  • Maintained sub-contracts tracker and provided monthly cost accrual and status reports to management.

Purchasing Specialist

KBR Inc.
Dubai, UAE
10.2006 - 11.2007
  • Executed and administered PR to PO issuance through RFX and SAP systems for US Government and commercial projects, ensuring compliance with Procurement Policy and FAR Clauses; pre-qualified suppliers, issued RFI/RFQs, performed bid analysis and negotiations, built customer-supplier relationships, and documented award recommendations and purchase orders.

Education

Masters - Biochemistry

Bharathiar University
India
04.2004 - 05.2006

B.Sc. - Biochemistry

Calicut University
India
03.2000 - 04.2004

Skills

  • Procurement Transformation & Digitalization
  • Procurement Governance & Compliance
  • Procurement Process Improvement & Excellence
  • Audits & Control - ISO Compliances
  • Spend Analytics & Reporting
  • Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
  • Contracts Management
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Supplier Relationship Management
  • SAP MM & SAP Ariba
  • Data Analysis and Visualization Tools- Alteryx, Power BI, Tableau & MS Office
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Strong Analytical Skills

Accomplishments

  • Spearheaded spend analysis, categorization, and cost optimization for indirect expenditures exceeding AED 7 million across diverse geographies for a UAE-based holding company with over 10 entities, an effort recognized with a promotion.
  • Developed a real-time procurement dashboard, earning a Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Initiative at the Group level in 2023.
  • Awarded the Exceptional Efforts Award twice at Al Futtaim in 2019.
  • Played a key role in digitizing procurement processes across Al Futtaim Group Real Estate in 2017.
  • Instrumental in establishing a centralized procurement department at Al Futtaim Group Real Estate, earning a Certificate of Recognition in 2014.
  • Received Certificates of Appreciation from KBR Inc. in 2012 and LOGCAP III Stay Behind Staff in 2004 for achieving top ratings in all KPIs, driving process improvements, and meeting departmental productivity and quality goals.

Certification

  • CIPS Level 4 Diploma holder. Currently pursuing CIPS Level 5
  • Certified International Procurement Auditor
  • Lead Auditor (QMS) training from DNV GL
  • SAP Ariba P2P from Al Futtaim Learning Centre
  • ISO9001:2000 Training from Al Futtaim
  • SAP MM Module from KBR Learning Centre and Al Futtaim Learning Centre
  • Certified Purchasing Professional from American Purchasing Society

Languages

English
Fluent
Hindi
Native
Malayalam
Advanced

Timeline

Manager - Procurement Services

Contango Management Consultancy
03.2023 - 12.2024

Senior Procurement Analyst - Compliance/ Reporting and Spend Analyst

Al Futtaim Group
01.2018 - 03.2023

Centralized Procurement and Contracts Executive

Al Futtaim Group Real Estate
10.2014 - 12.2017

Procurement Specialist- Subcontracts

KBR Inc.
07.2011 - 12.2013

Purchasing Specialist

KBR Inc.
10.2006 - 11.2007

Masters - Biochemistry

Bharathiar University
04.2004 - 05.2006

B.Sc. - Biochemistry

Calicut University
03.2000 - 04.2004

References

References available upon request.
Ambili Thuvara