Senior Category Manager, GPO at Amazon Middle East and North Africa (MENA) – A Premier Career Opportunity
Amazon, one of the world’s most innovative and customer-centric companies, is renowned for its mission to be the place where customers can find, discover, and buy anything online. At the heart of this mission lies a commitment to excellence, innovation, and relentless focus on customer satisfaction. To maintain its position as a global leader, Amazon continually seeks exceptional talent — driven, talented, and bright individuals who can contribute to shaping the future of e-commerce and supply chain operations.
One such exciting opportunity is the Senior Category Manager, Global Procurement Operations (GPO) position based in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This role, integral to Amazon’s AMET (Asia, Middle East, and Turkey) GPO EF team, offers a unique platform to drive strategic procurement initiatives, lead complex sourcing projects, and foster long-term supplier relationships that contribute directly to Amazon’s operational excellence.
Overview of the Senior Category Manager Role
The Senior Category Manager within Amazon’s GPO team is tasked with owning and executing strategic, tactical, and cross-functional sourcing programs, particularly focusing on external third-party logistics (3PL) procurement. This role requires an analytical and strategic leader who possesses extensive experience managing procurement in complex, international, or technical environments.
Core Responsibilities:
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Driving Supplier Relationships and Cost Management: The manager will be responsible for building and maintaining robust commercial relationships with suppliers. The principal goal is to achieve the lowest total cost of ownership while adhering to Amazon’s high standards of quality, performance, and continuous improvement. This involves negotiating contracts that align with the company’s operational needs and fostering a culture of performance benchmarking.
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Strategic Sourcing Leadership: Leading and managing comprehensive sourcing projects that support an end-to-end procurement plan across the region. This includes managing competitive bidding processes such as RFI (Request for Information), RFQ (Request for Quotation), and RFP (Request for Proposal), all aimed at driving cost savings and improving supplier performance.
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Negotiation and Contract Management: Developing and implementing negotiation strategies that fulfill business objectives and cultivate sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships with strategic suppliers involved in Amazon’s operations.
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Operational Process Development: Establishing procurement structures and processes that streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and support business growth in a dynamic environment.
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Influencing Supplier Policies and Technology: Working collaboratively with suppliers to influence their processes, policies, and technology decisions in ways that create sustainable value for both Amazon and its partners.
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Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data analytics and forecasting tools to identify cost reduction opportunities, optimize supplier base, and improve accuracy in demand forecasting.
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Performance Tracking and Continuous Improvement: Developing and implementing performance metrics to monitor supplier delivery, quality, cost, and forecasting accuracy. The role involves facilitating business reviews to exchange best practices and drive continuous improvement.
Essential Qualifications and Skills
The ideal candidate for this position is a seasoned procurement and supply chain professional with a strong track record in project and program management. Amazon places significant emphasis on candidates who can combine strategic vision with operational execution capabilities.
Basic Qualifications:
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Experience: Minimum of 5 years in program or project management and at least 5 years of hands-on supply chain experience.
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Analytical Skills: Proficiency in using data and key performance indicators to identify areas for improvement and implement effective solutions.
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Strategic Ownership: Proven ability to manage end-to-end program strategy and deliver results while communicating effectively with senior leadership.
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Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and data visualization and business intelligence tools such as Power BI, Tableau, and Amazon QuickSight.
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Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills to handle large volumes of documentation and convey complex insights clearly.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Advanced Education: A Master’s degree or MBA in Business, Operations, Human Resources, or related fields enhances candidacy.
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Process Improvement: Over two years of experience leading process improvements, demonstrating the ability to innovate and optimize procurement workflows.
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Leadership: Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and form strategic partnerships with key business stakeholders.
Why This Role Matters at Amazon
Amazon’s business model is built on seamless supply chain operations that ensure customers receive their orders quickly and reliably. The Senior Category Manager plays a pivotal role in making this possible by managing supplier networks and procurement strategies that align with business growth and cost-efficiency goals. With the rapid expansion of Amazon’s footprint in the MENA region, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to a fast-paced, evolving environment.
This position not only requires technical and managerial expertise but also demands agility to adapt to changes and drive innovation continuously. The Senior Category Manager will directly impact Amazon’s ability to scale operations, improve supplier ecosystems, and maintain its competitive advantage.
Work Culture and Inclusivity
Amazon is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse talents thrive and deliver their best work. Employees are empowered to contribute their unique perspectives, driving innovation and excellence in all areas. The company ensures accommodation and support throughout the hiring process and workplace, underscoring its dedication to accessibility and equal opportunity.
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Based in Dubai, a global business hub known for its vibrant economy and multicultural environment, this role offers a unique blend of professional growth and quality of life. Dubai’s strategic location and infrastructure make it an ideal place for leading regional procurement functions for a global powerhouse like Amazon.
How to Apply
If you are a results-driven procurement leader with a passion for strategic sourcing and operational excellence, this Senior Category Manager role at Amazon MENA could be the perfect next step in your career. To apply, visit Amazon’s official careers page and submit your application with all relevant documents.
Conclusion
The Senior Category Manager, GPO position at Amazon Middle East and North Africa is a compelling opportunity for procurement professionals who want to make a significant impact in a fast-growing, innovative company. The role blends strategic leadership with operational rigor, offering a platform to lead transformative procurement initiatives and foster key supplier relationships.
By joining Amazon, you become part of a company dedicated to customer obsession, innovation, and continuous improvement. If you possess the skills and experience described and thrive in dynamic environments, this role could be your gateway to a rewarding and influential career in global procurement.