Specialist, Innovation & Scouting & Responsible Sourcing

About the role

This role plays a pivotal part in identifying and integrating innovative solutions and sustainable practices within the supply chain. It acts as an expert in researching emerging technologies, building strategic partnerships and ensuring sourcing strategies align with environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles. The position is based in Abu Dhabi.

Key responsibilities

• Innovation scouting: identify and evaluate emerging technologies, trends and solutions; conduct market research to find potential partners, startups and academic institutions; build a network of innovators and thought leaders; support pilots and assess feasibility; follow the procurement-led innovation roadmap and governance framework; analyse unsolicited proposals and scan the market to generate a pipeline.
• Responsible sourcing: develop sourcing strategies prioritising sustainability and ESG compliance; work with suppliers to ensure adherence to responsible sourcing policies; audit and assess supplier compliance with environmental, social and governance criteria; integrate responsible sourcing into business strategy.
• Support the implementation roadmap for responsible sourcing, including carbon-neutral products, supply chains and resource-efficient business models, and communicate sustainability initiatives with the Health, Safety & Environment Directorate.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as Category Management, Business Facing Procurement, Purchasing, Projects Contracts, Operations Contracts, Supply Management, Procurement Excellence and Planning, and with the Procurement Technology Enablement team to update IT solutions for sustainability integration.
• Manage departmental budgets, monitor expenditure, implement approved policies and internal controls, and prepare MIS reports and KPI monitoring for senior management.