Asif Ahamed, MBA, CPSM
Dubai,DU
Summary
Accomplished Senior IT Procurement Leader with over 16 years of expertise in category management, specializing in digital and technology solutions. Known for driving strategic initiatives and fostering robust supplier and stakeholder relationships. Managed a diverse portfolio encompassing CAPEX and OPEX, overseeing an annual budget surpassing AED 700M across software, subscriptions, hardware, maintenance, IT managed services, telecom, and contract management services.
Proven track record in negotiating high-complexity contracts, yielding AED 150M in contract value and AED 20M in savings. Key achievements include renegotiating Oracle Fusion Subscriptions, IT Managed Services, and Microsoft Enterprise Agreements. Collaborative leader liaising with global teams, Legal, Compliance, and Finance to align category strategies with corporate objectives.
Recognized for vendor development, cost optimization, and rigorous supplier performance assessments. Notable successes include AED 10M cost reduction through Microsoft Enterprise Agreement renegotiation and AED 15M savings from Etisalat telco services negotiation. Skilled in managing complex tech deals and resolving contractual disputes through adept negotiation and mutual agreement.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cheift Sourcing Specialist, IT &Corporate Services
Department Of Government Enablement
05.2024 - Current
- Developed sourcing strategies to improve procurement processes, supplier relationships and capability development to optimize supply chain.
- Conducted market research to identify new suppliers and evaluate their capabilities, leading to better-informed decision-making in procurement activities.
- Managed a portfolio of suppliers, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and conditions, as well as quality standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction within the supply chain.
- Managed cost reduction projects to meet budget and achieve healthier cost-base, while creating lasting competitive advantage.
- Coordinated with legal teams to review contracts, ensuring alignment with company policies and regulatory requirements while minimizing potential risks in supplier agreements.
- Negotiated favorable contract terms with suppliers, securing advantageous pricing and payment structures for the organization.
Category Manager, IT Procurement
MajidAlFuttaim
03.2022 - Current
- 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
MiralExperiences
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
07.2018 - 06.2020
- Managed an annual spend of approximately AED 500 million (OPEX & CAPEX) across key categories: Software, Hardware, Telecommunications, and Market Data.
Procurement / Sourcing Manager - Global Sourcing
Standard Chartered Bank
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.
01.2007 - 07.2016
Education
MBA - Supply Chain Management
Kazian School of Business Management
IndiaAdvanced Diploama in Materials Management - Supply Chain Management
Kazian School of Business Management
IndiaSkills
- IT Procurement
- Category Management
- Strategic Sourcing
- Supplier Management
- Technology Category Management
- Technology Contract Negotiation
- Team Management
- Cost Analysis
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Spend Analysis
- Price Structuring
- E-procurement Systems
- Supplier Evaluation
- Project Management
- Effective Communication
Certification
- SIX Sigma Yellow Belt
- CPSM (Certified professional in supply management) ISM USA
- Pursuing PMP Certification
Accomplishments
- Solving contractual disputes
- Spend/budget management
- Contract negotiations
- Business case presentations to the Senior Management
Itandprojectmanagementskills
- Ariba / SAP E-procurement
- Oracle Fusion
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- ITIL Foundation Level (In-progress)
- PMP Certification (In-progress)
Timeline
Cheift Sourcing Specialist, IT &Corporate Services
Department Of Government Enablement
05.2024 - Current
Category Manager, IT Procurement
MajidAlFuttaim
03.2022 - Current
IT Procurement Lead
MiralExperiences
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
01.2007 - 07.2016
MBA - Supply Chain Management
Kazian School of Business Management
Advanced Diploama in Materials Management - Supply Chain Management
Kazian School of Business Management
- SIX Sigma Yellow Belt
- CPSM (Certified professional in supply management) ISM USA
- Pursuing PMP Certification
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