Lead Buyer (IT and Tech Procurement)

Key Responsibilities

IT & Technology Procurement Strategy

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for IT and technology categories across airport assets.
• Align procurement plans with airport digital transformation, modernization, and technology roadmaps.
• Drive commercial excellence and procurement governance across all technology procurement activities.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, Delegation of Authority (DoA), and audit requirements.

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

Lead procurement and category management for:

• Airport Operational Systems (AODB, RMS, FIDS, BHS, Resource Management Systems)
• IT Infrastructure and Data Centre Equipment
• Network & Communication Systems
• Cybersecurity Solutions
• Cloud Infrastructure and Services
• Enterprise Applications and Software Licensing
• End User Computing Devices
• IoT and Smart Airport Technologies
• Managed IT Services
• Technology Support, AMC, and O&M Contracts

Key responsibilities include:

• RFI/RFP/RFQ management
• Bid evaluation and techno-commercial assessment
• Vendor negotiations
• Cost benchmarking and value engineering
• Commercial recommendation and approval notes

Techno-Commercial Evaluation & Contract Management

• Lead end-to-end techno-commercial evaluations for technology procurements.
• Draft, negotiate, and finalize contracts, including:
  • Software License Agreements
  • SaaS Agreements
  • Managed Service Contracts
  • System Integration Contracts
  • AMC and Support Agreements
  • Infrastructure Supply Contracts
  • Technology Consulting Contracts
• Monitor contract performance, renewals, amendments, warranties, penalties, and SLA compliance.
• Drive commercial risk mitigation and contract governance.

Vendor Management & Strategic Partnerships

• Build and manage relationships with OEMs, technology providers, system integrators, cloud partners, and service providers.
• Conduct supplier assessments, onboarding, qualification, and performance reviews.
• Evaluate suppliers based on:
  • Technical capability
  • Financial strength
  • Innovation capability
  • Commercial competitiveness
  • Security compliance
  • ESG adherence
• Establish robust supplier performance management mechanisms and scorecards.

IT Operations & Project Procurement Support

• Support airport operations through timely procurement of critical IT infrastructure and support services.
• Partner with Digital, IT, and Airport Systems teams for implementation of technology projects.
• Ensure uninterrupted availability of IT systems through proactive procurement planning.
• Support technology refresh, modernization, expansion, and upgrade projects.

Commercial Governance & Cost Optimization

• Monitor procurement spend across IT and technology categories.
• Identify and drive procurement savings initiatives, cost optimization opportunities, and process efficiencies.
• Develop spend analytics, procurement dashboards, and management reports.
• Improve procurement cycle times and sourcing efficiency.

Logistics, Asset & Inventory Oversight

• Ensure timely delivery and deployment of procured technology assets.
• Coordinate imports, logistics, customs clearance, and inventory management where applicable.
• Support IT asset lifecycle management including procurement, deployment, tracking, and disposal.
• Drive ESG-compliant disposal and sustainability practices.

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with:
  • CAO - Airports
  • CIO / Head IT & Digital
  • Airport Systems Teams
  • Projects Team
  • Operations Team
  • Finance Team
  • Legal Team
  • Compliance Team
  • ESG Team
• Provide strategic procurement recommendations and commercial insights to senior leadership.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead and mentor procurement professionals within the technology procurement function.
• Drive capability building in strategic sourcing, contract management, and commercial evaluation.
• Foster a culture of governance, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Key Internal Stakeholders

• Chief Airport Officer (CAO)
• Head - Techno Commercial
• CIO / Head - IT & Digital
• Digital Transformation Team
• Airport Systems Team
• Engineering & Projects Team
• Operations Team
• Finance Team
• Legal Team
• Compliance Team
• ESG Team

Key External Stakeholders

• OEMs
• Technology Vendors
• System Integrators
• Software Providers
• Cloud Service Providers
• Telecom Operators
• Cybersecurity Vendors
• Managed Service Providers
• Consultants & Technology Advisors
• Logistics and Supply Chain Partners

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics & Communication, Electrical, Instrumentation, or equivalent)

Preferred

• MBA (Operations / Supply Chain / Procurement / Technology Management)
• PGDM from a reputed institute
• Certifications such as: 
  • CIPS
  • CPSM
  • PMP
  • ITIL
  • Cloud Certifications (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Work Experience

• 15-20 years of overall experience
• Minimum 8-12 years of experience in IT Procurement, Technology Sourcing, Contracts, Commercial Management, or Strategic Procurement.
• Experience in Airports, Aviation, Infrastructure, Smart Cities, Telecom, Technology Services, Data Centres, or Large Enterprise Environments.
• Proven experience in:
  • IT & Technology Procurement
  • Software Licensing
  • Cloud Procurement
  • Cybersecurity Procurement
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Vendor Management
  • Technology Infrastructure Sourcing
  • Strategic Sourcing & Category Management