Category Manager - Ground handling

Etihad Airways

Abu Dhabi, AEonsitePosted Aug 19, 2026
Posting intelligenceActively listed

About the role

Job Description

We are looking for a procurement professional to join our Team! The purpose of the role is to manage the ground handling category to deliver best value for Etihad in terms of price/savings, service, supply chain reliability and Local Content objectives - delivered in line with governance, policy & compliance requirements. In addition, liaise with business users to review and challenge work scopes/specifications bringing commercial perspectives on supply market standards and benchmarks.

Responsible for the development of category plans, translating these into sourcing strategies, leading sourcing execution through to contract award and post contract management/supplier relationship management. Personally leads & delivers high value/complex projects.

Accountabilities

Plan, deliver & update Category Strategies, including demand & supply market analysis, market innovation opportunities, Local Content targets, savings targets & best commercial approaches

Develop & maintain Category & Sub-Category level Demand Plans, ensuring a ‘handshake’ with relevant end users, monitor & update plans to track expiring contracts & new requirements

Lead the development and execution of Sourcing Strategies, ensuring appropriate work scope challenge and all relevant sourcing levers and commercial options are applied using suitable procurement channels, with Local Content fully considered and using financial analyses / TCO

Develop & apply Negotiation Strategies & commercial discussions to extract best value

Liaise daily with Procurement Operations Team to monitor ongoing planning and execution of sourcing transactions

Take leading role in key aspects of high value sourcing transactions (eg complex scopes work, complex negotiations)

Ensure Contract Documentation and systems records are accurate, fully reflect all relevant work scopes and commercial terms, utilizing standard contract types where possible

Lead effective Supplier Relationship Management for strategic vendors and support the business in Contract Performance Management

Liaise with Procurement Operations Teams , supporting the development of the Procurement Operations Teams. guiding and supporting capability development to enhance category expertise

Qualifications

Degree level qualification preferred, CIPS or other relevant professional qualification / certification / membership desirable

At least 5-7 years relevant experience in the Category, or relevant procurement/supply chain experience

Additional Information

Etihad Airways is more than the UAE’s national airline - we’re shaping the future of global aviation. From our hub in Abu Dhabi, we connect people across continents and cultures, while driving our “Journey 2030” ambition to double our fleet, our network and grow our people for a new era of excellence. Join us and become part of a vision where the world is your workplace and extraordinary experiences take flight.

To learn more visit www.etihad.com

Recruitment Fraud Alert

Beware of fraudulent job offers from individuals or organizations claiming to represent the Etihad group. We will never ask for personal information, bank details, or payment during the recruitment process. Interviews are conducted face-to-face or via video/telephone before any formal offer. If you are asked for money, please treat it as fraudulent.

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