Senior Purchasing Officer

AIU

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Purchasing Officer is responsible for leading and overseeing procurement activities across the University, ensuring cost efficiency, compliance, and timely delivery of goods and services. The role includes vendor management, process optimization, and supervision of purchasing operations to support institutional objectives. American International University (AIU) is a new private, co-educational institution of higher education in Kuwait, with its first student cohort admitted in fall 2019. It offers undergraduate degrees based on the American model of higher education, serving the intellectual, cultural, and personal growth of its community. AIU provides degree programs in Engineering, Architecture, and Design, and Business Administration, with English as the language of instruction.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field
Minimum 5–7 years of procurement experience
Experience with ERP systems, preferably Oracle
Strong knowledge of vendor management, negotiation, and procurement processes
Good understanding of the Kuwait market
Strong analytical and communication skills

Nice To Haves

Professional certification (e.g., CIPS)
Experience in higher education or large organizations

Responsibilities

Manage the end-to-end procurement cycle, including requisitions, purchase orders, vendor coordination, and delivery tracking
Ensure timely processing of procurement requests and accurate goods receipt, resolving discrepancies when
Oversee procurement activities through the University’s ERP system (Oracle), ensuring accuracy, proper approvals, and budget alignment
Maintain supplier records, contracts, and procurement documentation
Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers; lead negotiations to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms
Build and maintain strong vendor relationships and conduct periodic performance evaluations
Ensure procurement activities comply with University policies, internal controls, and applicable regulations
Monitor procurement expenditures and support budget control through cost-effective purchasing practices
Identify cost-saving opportunities and improve procurement efficiency
Collaborate with departments to understand procurement needs and provide guidance on processes
Act as the main point of contact for procurement-related matters
Prepare procurement reports, spend analysis, and vendor performance summaries
Analyze purchasing trends and provide recommendations to management
Identify process gaps and support continuous improvement of procurement workflows and policies
Supervise and guide purchasing staff (if applicable), ensuring performance and adherence to procedures