Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Languages
Software
Work Preference
Interests
Websites
Work Availability
Accomplishments
Quote
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Asif Ahamed, MBA, CPSM

Asif Ahamed, MBA, CPSM

Senior Procurement Lead
Dubai

Summary

Seasoned procurement professional with over 16 years of experience in category management, including 7 years dedicated to technology procurement. Equipped with an MBA in Supply Chain Management and a CPSM certification, this professional has a proven record of managing complex technology and non-technology contracts, resolving high-stakes disputes, and leading cross-functional teams. Expertise in delivering substantial hard and soft savings while optimizing vendor relationships and aligning stakeholder interests. Demonstrated success in consistently exceeding targets and driving transformative results in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Ready to contribute advanced skills and strategic vision to [Company's Name] as a key asset to the procurement team.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
13
13
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications

Work History

Senior Procurement Lead

Department Of Government Enablement
Abu Dhabi
05.2024 - Current
  • Managed strategic categories including IT, Corporate, and Professional Services for 50+ Abu Dhabi Government entities (ADGEs), overseeing multi-billion-dollar annual spend.
  • Led end-to-end management of public and limited tenders, ensuring compliance and optimal supplier selection.
  • Acted as primary liaison between suppliers and 50+ ADGEs, aligning procurement processes with organizational needs.
  • Directed supplier selection, assessing capabilities, capacity, and quality standards.
  • Conducted spend analysis to identify cost reduction opportunities and process improvements.
  • Performed market research to identify and evaluate new suppliers, enhancing procurement decision-making.
  • Spearheaded e-procurement system implementation, automating tasks and improving data accuracy.
  • Enhanced supplier relationships through effective communication and performance evaluations.
  • Analyzed supplier contracts for compliance with company policies and procedures.
  • Developed and maintained key supplier relationships to ensure smooth communication and expectations.
  • Negotiated complex corporate procurement contracts, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Reviewed and issued contracts and blanket purchase orders, driving the procurement process.
  • Managed supplier portfolio, ensuring adherence to contractual terms and quality standards.
  • Executed cost reduction projects, achieving budget targets and creating a competitive advantage.
  • Streamlined procurement processes, increasing efficiency and reducing lead times.







    .




Category Manager, IT Procurement

Majid Al Futtaim
Dubai
03.2022 - 05.2024
  • Strategically led technology category management, overseeing an annual spend of AED 700 million, driving procurement excellence and optimizing cost-effectiveness.
  • Benchmarked category performance against industry standards, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted initiatives.
  • Mentored junior team members in category management best practices, contributing to a high-performing and collaborative work environment.
  • Monitored market to capitalize on latest trends.
  • Researched, prepared for and led supplier negotiation process for managed category.
  • Established strong rapport with suppliers, leading to favorable contract terms and better access to exclusive products or promotions.
  • Conducted market research to identify new opportunities and target markets.

IT Procurement Lead

Miral Experiences
Abu Dhabi
06.2020 - 03.2022
  • Spearheaded both OPEX and CAPEX, overseeing an annual spend of AED 300 million, optimizing procurement processes and driving cost-efficiency.
  • Achieved cost savings by strategically negotiating contracts and sourcing materials.
  • Managed software license renewals proactively ensuring legal compliance while avoiding unnecessary expenses or lapses in service.
  • Streamlined purchasing processes for increased efficiency, implementing automated systems and tools.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams for smooth implementation of IT projects, minimizing downtime and disruptions.
  • Collaborated with internal stakeholders to understand their specific IT requirements, tailoring procurement efforts accordingly.
  • Facilitated competitive bidding processes to identify the best value propositions in terms of cost, quality, and service levels.
  • Managed vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of products and services, meeting project deadlines.
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations by conducting thorough vendor evaluations and maintaining accurate documentation.
  • Reduced procurement costs by negotiating contracts and securing favorable pricing with vendors.
  • Maintained strong relationships with suppliers through regular performance reviews and feedback sessions, ensuring continuous improvement in service delivery.
  • Developed comprehensive procurement strategies to align with organizational goals and objectives.

Associate VP (Category Manager)

First Abu Dhabi Bank
Abu Dhabi
07.2018 - 06.2020
  • Managed an annual spend of approximately AED 800 million (OPEX & CAPEX) across key categories: Software, Hardware, Telecommunications, and Market Data.

Procurement / Sourcing Manager - Global Sourcing

Standard Chartered Bank
Chennai
03.2016 - 07.2018
  • Orchestrated the successful management and support of IT Procurement, and Corporate Services Procurement, overseeing an annual spend surpassing USD 2 billion.
  • Developed and executed global sourcing strategies for optimal cost savings and value creation.
  • Evaluated supplier proposals to identify best-fit partners based on quality, service, and pricing factors.
  • Conducted market research to stay informed about industry trends, ensuring competitive advantage in sourcing decisions.

Senior Procurement Specislist & Manager

Various
Dubi
01.2007 - 07.2016
  • Developed and executed strategic sourcing strategies for IT and Professional Services categories, driving over $20 million in annual savings through rigorous market analysis, supplier evaluations, and cost modeling. Enhanced supplier performance and secured a 20% improvement in contract compliance.
  • Led comprehensive category management initiatives, managing a multi-billion-dollar spend portfolio. Achieved a 15% reduction in procurement cycle time and a 10% increase in supplier performance ratings by optimizing procurement processes and renegotiating key contracts.

Education

MBA - Supply Chain Management

Kazian School of Business Management
Mumbai
04.2011 - 04.2024

Advanced Diploama in Materials Management - Supply Chain Management

Kazian School of Business Management
Mumbai
04.2024 - 04.2024

Skills

IT Procurement

Certification

SIX Sigma Yellow Belt

Timeline

Senior Procurement Lead

Department Of Government Enablement
05.2024 - Current

Advanced Diploama in Materials Management - Supply Chain Management

Kazian School of Business Management
04.2024 - 04.2024

Category Manager, IT Procurement

Majid Al Futtaim
03.2022 - 05.2024

IT Procurement Lead

Miral Experiences
06.2020 - 03.2022

Associate VP (Category Manager)

First Abu Dhabi Bank
07.2018 - 06.2020

Procurement / Sourcing Manager - Global Sourcing

Standard Chartered Bank
03.2016 - 07.2018

MBA - Supply Chain Management

Kazian School of Business Management
04.2011 - 04.2024

Senior Procurement Specislist & Manager

Various
01.2007 - 07.2016
SIX Sigma Yellow Belt
CPSM (Certified professional in supply management) ISM USA
Pursuing PMP Certification

Languages

English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Tamil
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Hindi
Intermediate (B1)

Software

SAP Ariba

Oracle Fusion

Coupa

Oracle EBS

SAP S4HANA

Microsoft Dynamics

Work Preference

Work Type

Full TimeContract Work

Work Location

RemoteHybridOn-Site

Important To Me

Company CultureFlexible work hoursCareer advancement

Interests

Books

Short term courses

Seminars

Networking

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Accomplishments

  • Achieved multi million dollar hard and soft savings through effective sourcing strategies.
  • Supervised team of five staff members.
  • Resolved contract disputes through effective negotiations.
  • Executed effective sourcing strategies to achieve cost optimization.

Quote

There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality.
Tony Robbins
Asif Ahamed, MBA, CPSMSenior Procurement Lead