About the Role: Responsibilities, Skills, and Requirements
Ever thought about what keeps a leading manufacturing factory running smoothly day after day? It’s more than machines and manpower — it’s having the right parts, materials, and partnerships in place at just the right moment. As our new Procurement Officer at Emirates International Block & Interlock Factory, you’ll be the linchpin connecting our production teams with trusted suppliers, making sure that progress never pauses. If you thrive on building relationships, love variety, and have a keen eye for details, this might be the next step you’ve been waiting for.
About the Company
Located in the vibrant Al Hamra district, a stone’s throw from Jazeera in Ras Al-Khaimah, Emirates International Block & Interlock Factory isn’t just another industrial facility. We’re a close-knit group passionate about shaping the city—literally—with our high-quality blocks and paving solutions seen all across the UAE. Walk into our offices, and you’ll find friendly debates about suppliers over strong tea, engineers swapping ideas, and a sense of pride in every product that leaves our yard. We’re steadily growing, but our family spirit remains at the core of everything we do.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Sourcing and negotiating contracts with suppliers for raw materials, equipment, and services that keep our factory humming.
- Continuously monitoring supplier performance, pricing, and delivery schedules (because timing really is everything here).
- Coordinating with production, finance, and logistics teams to forecast needs and adjust orders before issues arise.
- Preparing purchase orders, maintaining accurate procurement records, and ensuring transparency every step of the way.
- Identifying new suppliers or innovative products that could boost our quality or competitiveness.
- Playing detective—resolving discrepancies between orders and deliveries and bringing creative problem-solving to the table.
- Supporting audits and compliance efforts, making sure our processes live up to ever-evolving standards.
What You’ll Bring
Must-Haves:
- At least 3 years’ hands-on procurement or purchasing experience, ideally in a manufacturing or construction setting.
- Strong negotiation and vendor management chops—you know when to stand firm and when to build bridges.
- Comfortable juggling multiple contracts, spreadsheets, and calls without dropping the ball.
- Solid communication in English (Arabic is a bonus, but not required).
- Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office.
Nice-to-Haves:
- Previous work in block, construction materials, or industrial sectors.
- Local UAE market knowledge and established supplier contacts.
- Familiarity with ERP systems.
Not sure you tick every box? We’d still love to hear from you.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Competitive salary with annual performance reviews—because good work deserves recognition.
- Supportive, down-to-earth colleagues (no hierarchy or closed doors here).
- Exposure to challenging projects and hands-on learning with seasoned experts.
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth within a reputable local company.
- Quarterly team gatherings, plus legendary Friday lunches in our breakroom.
- Convenient Al Hamra location, with easy access from central Ras Al-Khaimah.
At Emirates International Block & Interlock Factory, you’re more than a cog in the machine—you’re a valued part of the engine that drives our success. Come help us build the future, one block at a time.
Common Interview Questions and Tips
To help you prepare and feel confident, here are some questions you might encounter during the interview process for this role.
- Can you describe your approach to sourcing new suppliers and how you evaluate if they’re the right fit for a manufacturing operation like ours?
- Share an example of a time you had to negotiate contract terms under pressure—what strategies did you use to secure the best outcome?
- What experience do you have with procurement or ERP software, and how have these tools helped you streamline your purchasing processes?
- Walk us through how you would handle discrepancies between what was ordered and what was delivered. What steps would you take to resolve the issue quickly?
- How do you stay on top of multiple active purchase orders, delivery timelines, and urgent supplier communications without missing critical details?
- What criteria do you use to assess and monitor supplier performance over time, and can you provide a specific instance where you had to switch suppliers as a result?
- Working with production, finance, and logistics teams often uncovers conflicting priorities. How have you navigated or mediated such situations to achieve the best overall outcome for the company?
- Tell us about a time you identified a new vendor or product that had a positive impact on your previous company’s quality or efficiency.
- Can you give an example where you contributed to process improvements or compliance efforts in procurement, perhaps in the context of an audit?
- In our fast-paced environment, how do you prioritize urgent vs. important tasks—especially when facing tight deadlines from different teams?
- How would you approach familiarizing yourself with the local UAE supplier market if you haven’t worked in Ras Al-Khaimah before?
- Our company values open communication and camaraderie. How do you build strong working relationships across departments and with external partners?
- What attracted you to join a close-knit team like ours, and how do you think you’d contribute to our supportive and collaborative culture?