Bank Procurement Lead

Mal is pioneering the future of ethical banking as the world's first Sharia-compliant, AI-powered neobank. As we scale, we are seeking a Bank Procurement Lead to build and lead our procurement function from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to define procurement best practices, ensuring every partnership and purchase aligns with our mission to deliver modern, ethical financial services for the global Muslim community. You will play a central role in shaping our vendor management strategy, optimizing operational efficiency, and ensuring every procurement decision upholds the principles of Islamic finance. Join our diverse, mission-driven team in Dubai (or remotely) to help build a banking platform that champions transparency, integrity, and innovation. Design, implement, and continuously improve Mal's end-to-end procurement strategy and processes Source, evaluate, and negotiate with vendors and service providers in line with Sharia principles and ethical standards Develop and maintain policies for supplier selection, onboarding, and performance management Ensure all procurement activities are compliant with local regulations and Islamic finance guidelines Collaborate with cross-functional teams to forecast demand, manage budgets, and optimize procurement workflows Establish metrics to monitor procurement performance and deliver cost savings targets Manage contract lifecycle, including drafting, reviewing, and renewing supplier agreements Assess current procurement landscape and identify immediate gaps and opportunities Develop and roll out an initial procurement policy and supplier onboarding framework Establish a preferred vendor list and initiate RFPs/RFQs for high-priority categories Deliver cost analysis and savings opportunities report to leadership Build relationships with key internal stakeholders and lead first round of major contract negotiations

Desired Candidate Profile

Proven experience in procurement, sourcing, or vendor management, preferably within banking, fintech, or highly regulated industries Strong understanding of procurement best practices, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management Familiarity with compliance requirements in the UAE and Sharia-compliant financial environments Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills Demonstrated ability to build new processes and drive operational excellence Experience working cross-functionally and influencing stakeholders at all levels Experience setting up procurement functions in a startup or scale-up environment Knowledge of Islamic finance principles as they pertain to vendor management Exposure to digital banking or fintech procurement landscapes Background in technology, SaaS, or IT services procurement Professional procurement certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM)