Life Pharmacy - General Manager - Procurement

General Manager Procurement Retail E-Commerce (Beauty/Personal Care)

About the company:

Life Pharmacy is the UAE's largest and fastest-growing pharmacy and healthcare retailer, with over 500 outlets across the country. Established in 1996, the company began with a single store and has since expanded to include pharmacies, healthcare hypermarkets, and wellness centers, serving more than 20 million customers annually.

Position Summary:

The Senior Procurement Manager / GM Procurement will lead and oversee the end-to-end procurement strategy and operations for our retail pharmaceutical business, with a strong emphasis on partnerships and supply chain operations involving e-commerce platforms. This role requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in vendor negotiations, supplier management, cost optimization, and category management, specifically in the retail and pharmaceutical sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Procurement & Vendor Management:

- Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with the company's growth plans in retail pharma and e-commerce channels.

- Manage procurement activities for Beauty, Skin care, personal care products, and related categories ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

- Lead vendor selection, qualification, and onboarding processes tailored for retail and e-commerce requirements.

- Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to secure competitive and favorable terms.

- Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and ensure continuous improvement and compliance.

Category & Spend Management:

- Manage procurement spend across multiple categories, focusing on cost efficiency and value creation.

- Conduct market analysis and supplier benchmarking to identify new sourcing opportunities and mitigate risks.

- Collaborate with category managers, marketing, and supply chain teams to forecast demand and optimize inventory.

E-commerce & Retail Operations Interface:

- Work closely with e-commerce teams to understand platform-specific procurement needs and customer expectations.

- Coordinate product listings, inventory availability, pricing updates, and promotional procurement activities aligned with platform strategies.

- Ensure timely fulfillment and replenishment in e-commerce channels to avoid stockouts and maximize sales potential.

Team Leadership & Process Optimization:

- Lead and mentor the procurement team to enhance their skills in negotiation, vendor management, and category strategy.

- Implement procurement best practices, digital tools, and automated systems to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

- Ensure procurement processes comply with internal policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

Reporting & Analytics:

- Provide regular procurement reports and analytics to senior management, highlighting cost savings, supplier performance, and market trends.

- Utilize data-driven insights to refine procurement strategies and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Pharmacy, or related field. MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification preferred.

- Minimum 8-12 years of progressive experience in procurement, preferably within retail pharmaceutical and/or healthcare sectors.

- Proven experience working with e-commerce platforms such as Noon, Amazon, Watsons, or similar, specifically in procurement, vendor negotiations, and supplier management.

- Strong understanding of retail procurement dynamics, pharma regulatory compliance, and e-commerce business models.

- Proficient in procurement software, ERP systems, and data analytics tools.

- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with cross-functional teams.