Catherine Waithira Karaya
Dubai,Dubai
Summary
Accomplished procurement and sourcing specialist with extensive expertise in market research, tender management, and strategic purchasing. Demonstrates strong negotiation skills to secure optimal pricing and establish long-term supplier relationships. Proficient in inventory and supply chain optimisation, financial management, and process streamlining to enhance operational efficiency. Skilled in developing systems for monitoring purchase orders and maintaining inventory levels. Advanced proficiency in financial management systems such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 and SAP, complemented by strong professional communication and relationship-building abilities. Career goal: to leverage procurement expertise to drive organisational success through strategic sourcing initiatives.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work history
Purchasing Coordinator
Sunset Hospitality Group (Asia & Europe)
12.2022 - 03.2026
- Responsible for strategic purchase of products and services across organization.
- Prepared variety of procurement-related documents, contracts, communications, and guidelines.
- Conducted extensive market research to stay abreast of market developments and commodity situations.
- Prepared and oversaw distribution of invitations to tender, managing all aspects of bid/proposal evaluations.
- Assessed vendors, negotiated new deals and expiring contracts, and placed orders for products and services.
- Developed long-term relationships with key local and international suppliers.
- Assisted in development of procurement policies and procedures, fostering better organizational adherence.
- Evaluated suppliers on regular basis, contributing to enhanced supply chain reliability.
- Conducted market research to identify potential suppliers, resulting in more competitive pricing.
Purchasing Coordinator
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
01.2022 - 11.2022
- Developed effective and accurate system for monitoring all purchase orders.
- Delivered weekly purchase order reports to supervisors, indicating invoice numbers for all closed orders.
- Worked within management team to ensure all deliveries satisfied assigned orders.
- Reported any back-ordered or missing products promptly to relevant departments.
- Assisted Supply Chain Manager with maintaining optimal inventory levels and materials on regular basis.
- Effectively communicated with management team to ensure accuracy of all orders.
- Assisted in development of procurement policies and procedures, fostering better organizational adherence.
- Achieved cost reductions with strategic sourcing of goods and services.
- Resolved delivery issues swiftly which resulted in minimal downtime.
- Handled invoice discrepancies promptly, supporting positive vendor relationships.
- Created monthly reports to provide insights into purchasing trends and expenditures.
Purchasing Buyer
Mercure Hotel (Accor)
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Responsible for procurement of various goods and services according to organizational needs.
- Conducted negotiations with suppliers to achieve best pricing and terms.
- Managed purchase orders from creation through delivery and invoice reconciliation.
- Maintained accurate records of all purchasing activities and supplier information.
- Collaborated with internal departments to understand their procurement requirements.
- Oversaw tender process from start to finish, ensuring fair competition amongst prospective vendors.
- Communicated closely with stakeholders, including vendors and merchants, helping to secure well-timed deliveries.
- Improved supplier relationships through effective communication and collaboration.
- Monitored delivery progress and contacted clients and suppliers to minimize delivery delays.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Information Technology
Nairobi Institute of Business Studies
Nairobi, Kenya05.2015
Some College (No Degree) - Data Networking
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
Nairobi, Kenya06.2017
Skills
- Expertise in market research, tender management, vendor assessment, and strategic purchasing to secure optimal products and services
- Strong negotiation ability to secure best prices, renegotiate contracts, and establish long-term, mutually beneficial supplier relationships
- Skilled in monitoring purchase orders, reconciling financial entries, and preparing detailed reports to ensure accuracy and compliance
- Highly organized with great organizational skills, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail in all procurement processes
- Capable of developing effective and accurate systems for monitoring purchase orders and maintaining inventory levels
- Possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills, maintaining professionalism under pressure while dealing with clients and colleagues
- Demonstrated ability to build long-term relationships with local and international suppliers, fostering strong collaboration
- Proficient in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and documentation
- Advanced proficiency with financial management systems, including Opera and Adaco, and ERP system for procurement and accounting tasks
REFERENCES
Available Upon Request
Accomplishments
- Managed to save costs by negotiating the best available prices in the market.
- Improved supplier quality of goods and services.
- Expanded network with local and foreign suppliers.
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Timeline
Purchasing Coordinator
Sunset Hospitality Group (Asia & Europe)
12.2022 - 03.2026
Purchasing Coordinator
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
01.2022 - 11.2022
Purchasing Buyer
Mercure Hotel (Accor)
01.2019 - 12.2021
Some College (No Degree) - Information Technology
Nairobi Institute of Business Studies
Some College (No Degree) - Data Networking
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology