Procurement Manager - Ground Handling & Airport Services

About the role

The Procurement Manager for Ground Handling and Airport Services develops and executes the procurement strategy for ground handling and airport services, driving cost optimization, operational continuity and service quality through strategic sourcing, contract management, commercial negotiations and supplier partnerships. The role ensures compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements and IATA SGHA standards.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement group-wide ground handling category strategies, including strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation and preferred supplier partnerships.
• Conduct market intelligence, spend analysis and supplier evaluations, and support new station launches and operational readiness.
• Develop business cases for self-handling opportunities with Ground Operations.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing and tendering (RFI, RFQ, RFP) via Oracle Fusion, and lead negotiations of Ground Handling Agreements (GHA) under IATA SGHA standards.
• Negotiate aeronautical fees with airport authorities and secure airport incentives, route development funds and fee concessions with stakeholders.
• Negotiate and manage airport space lease and rental agreements, covering the full contract lifecycle.
• Establish supplier KPIs and SLAs, run performance reviews and manage escalations and disputes.
• Assess and mitigate operational, commercial and contractual risks and partner with Airport Operations, Finance, Legal and Network Planning on route launches and operational changes.
• Promote eSourcing and Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) systems and standardize procurement templates and processes.
• Provide direction and coaching to team members and maintain a performance-driven team.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Commerce or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years of procurement experience, including 3 years in a managerial role, with strong exposure to aviation ground handling and airport commercial negotiations.
• Experience in contract management within the airline industry.
• Fluent English; Arabic preferred.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of the IATA Airport Handling and SGHA framework, ICAO charging principles and airport economic regulations.
• Familiarity with ground operations and airport environment.
• Experience with Oracle Fusion, eSourcing or CLM tools preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office.