SynopsisThis role is responsible for implementing the strategic direction for supplier management, creating cost transparency and driving cost optimisation across the Digital Technology and Innovation (DTI) portfolio under the Strategic Supplier Cost Management Lead.The Strategic Supplier & Cost Management Lead will build core capabilities focused on:

• Supplier Management - Work closely with procurement to create and implement strategic IT sourcing capabilities including sourcing to negotiating strategies, supplier segmentation, categorisation, contract management and supplier spend analysis resulting in improved supplier relationships, streamlined processes and enhanced cost control with respect to suppliers.
• Cost Transparency - Work closely with the Finance department to ensure consistent budget planning and tracking across DTI, driving a culture of cost consciousness.
• Cost Optimisation - Govern, track and maintain a cost saving portfolio in collaboration with key stakeholders in DTI and the Business, providing visibility into the status of cost savings at the most senior levels of the organisation.

AccountabilitiesStrategic Supplier Strategy and Governance

• Develop, formalise, direct and maintain collaborative relationships with multiple strategic suppliers.

Supplier Performance Management and Reporting

• Own and facilitate supplier performance management.

Cost Management

• Along with Finance and DTI leadership, plan the overall DTI budget focused on driving cost efficiencies for the department

Cost Optimisation

• Work with key stakeholders to identify potential cost savings across the DTI portfolio.

Invoice Management

• Work with the Project Managers, Product Managers, Supplier Management and Procurement, Value Stream Leads.

LeadershipEducation & Experience

• 5+ years of experience managing complex supplier contracts and relationships and experience of cost management within complex IT environments or 8+ of experience in project management
• Experience in the airline industry would be beneficial
• Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Finance or equivalent is mandatory
• Professional qualification in cost management e.g. CCP, TBM executive foundation, or accounting would be a benefit
• Must have deep understanding of contractual mechanisms and contract lifecycle management capability including experience of contracting with and management of vendors to deliver against capacity-based contracts / agile delivery contracts
• Experience in seeking the alignment of business and IT, driving common approaches, delivering sustainable, re-usable solutions using both agile and waterfall. Demonstrated ability to drive change and challenge the status quo
• Strong project and portfolio management experience, ideally with experience of driving cost efficiencies
• Strong negotiation, relationship building and interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication and writing skills are a must, with the ability to formulate a clear point of view on complicated issues, and create a concise and well-written narrative

About Etihad AirwaysEtihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the worlds leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Together with Etihads codeshare partners, Etihads network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. Etihad is recognised as one of the worlds leading airlines in response to COVID-19 and was the first airline in the world to fully vaccinate its crew on board.Etihad sees tackling the climate crisis as the most important issue of our time, and through strategic partnerships with major global aviation brands and OEMs, Etihad is relentless in its pursuit of industry decarbonisation.To learn more, visit

Etihad Airways