Logistics Procurement Manager - IMEA and Global Express Category

About Nouryon and Role Overview

Nouryon is a leading specialty chemicals company dedicated to creating innovative and sustainable solutions for society's current and future needs. We are seeking a Logistics Procurement Manager based in Dubai to spearhead logistics category management across the India, Middle East, and Africa (IMEA) region. This role includes global ownership for the Global Express Shipment category (air freight and parcel) and entails collaboration with the Global Category Manager and Regional Procurement Leaders. The position offers an opportunity to gradually take on more global and cross-regional procurement responsibilities beyond the IMEA scope.

Primary Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement a comprehensive logistics procurement strategy tailored for the IMEA region, aligning with global priorities and strategies.
• Manage end-to-end procurement for regional logistics categories such as road transportation (including dangerous goods and refrigerated shipments), warehousing (temperature-controlled and deep-cold), tank farms and transportation, ocean freight with various shipment types, equipment maintenance, escorting dangerous goods, air freight, freight forwarding, and drayage.
• Co-lead procurement for Fleet management (ISO tanks, IBCs, containers) and Global Express Shipment categories in partnership with global stakeholders.
• Maintain Strategic Points of View by leveraging market intelligence, freight indices, and regulatory updates.
• Lead sourcing negotiations, manage contract development, approval, and strategic contract evaluations.
• Identify savings, cost avoidance, and margin improvements through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
• Drive logistics optimization through benchmarking and collaboration with business units.
• Lead change management initiatives for logistics improvements across the IMEA region.
• Enhance risk management, contingency plans, and supplier diversification efforts.
• Build strategic relationships with logistics partners and conduct structured supplier business and performance reviews.
• Ensure supplier adherence to safety, service, sustainability, compliance, and cost targets.
• Represent Procurement in global and cross-regional logistics forums and contribute to collaborative projects spanning logistics procurement and planning.
• Support commercial teams in leveraging Nouryon's combined purchasing power.
• Participate in logistics network modeling, footprint optimization, and mode selection strategies.
• Provide leadership and business stakeholders with reporting and insights; ensure full adoption of logistics digital tools and processes.

Qualifications and Experience

• 5 to over 10 years of relevant experience in logistics procurement or related supply chain roles.
• Demonstrated multi-country experience across Middle East, Africa, India, or similar regions, with strong stakeholder management capabilities.
• Operational knowledge of ocean, road, and air freight logistics including handling dangerous goods and trade compliance basics.
• Proven success in strategic sourcing, contract lifecycle management, and transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with ocean and air freight markets, regulations, and cost modeling.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering or a related field is required. A Master’s degree specializing in Supply Chain or Logistics is favorable but not mandatory.

Skills and Attributes

• Fluent English communication skills; Arabic proficiency is advantageous.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Competence in managing multiple markets, priorities, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Comfort with AI-driven productivity tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, ChatGPT, and Palantir.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and SharePoint.
• Results-oriented with high integrity and a collaborative mindset amenable to change.