Assistant Purchasing Manager

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to Cluster Purchasing Manager.  The Cluster Assistant Purchasing Manager is responsible for supporting the effective and efficient operation of the Purchasing function across the cluster. This role ensures all procurement activities are carried out in accordance with Accor policies, brand standards, financial controls, and local regulations, while achieving optimal cost control without compromising quality or service excellence. The position plays a key role in supplier management, audit compliance, inventory control, and team development.

What you will be DOING:

·  Provide courteous, professional, efficient, and flexible service at all times in accordance with Accor Standards of Performance.       ·  Implement, maintain, and ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and internal control requirements.
·   Support day-to-day audit reviews and advise the Director of Finance on market conditions, pricing trends, and sourcing opportunities.
·   Obtain quotations, conduct market surveys, analyse comparative pricing, and negotiate with suppliers to achieve best value sourcing.
·  Place purchase orders and ensure timely delivery of supplies, services, and equipment in line with operational requirements.
·   Maintain accurate purchasing records and regularly review minimum and maximum stock levels.
·   Ensure all purchases are streamlined, properly authorised, traceable, and aligned with cost control objectives.
·  Identify, evaluate, and establish new and alternative vendors as required.
· Implement and administer the supplier certification process, particularly for approved food vendors.
·   Liaise closely with the Executive Chef to ensure food purchases meet required quality standards and delivery timelines.
·   Keep up to date with import regulations, duties, and banking practices to facilitate efficient importation of goods.
·   Review and refine equipment specifications with Department Heads to support Capital Expenditure planning and execution.
·  Organise and attend supplier and information meetings for major purchases and projects.
·   Maintain updated catalogues and market intelligence on equipment and supplies to support operational needs.
·   Carry out quarterly, bi-annual, and annual inventories of operating equipment and supplies.
·   Assist in shipping, receiving, and storage of goods whenever operationally required.
·   Support the recruitment, development, scheduling, training, and performance management of Purchasing ambassadors.
·   Prepare weekly work schedules for approval by the Director of Finance and ensure timely submission of rosters and timesheets.
·   Conduct performance appraisals and provide regular feedback and coaching to ambassadors.
·   Ensure departmental budgets are adhered to and expenditures are properly controlled and approved.
·   Ensure ambassadors comply with hotel policies, procedures, grooming standards, health & safety, hygiene, and local legislation.
·   Attend and contribute to training sessions, meetings, and departmental communication briefings.
·   Remain flexible and carry out any other reasonable duties as assigned by the Director of Finance to meet business needs.

Your experience and skills include:

Education & Certification

·       Diploma or Degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.

·       Professional certification in Procurement / Supply Chain (e.g. CIPS or equivalent) is an advantage.

Relevant Experience

·       Minimum 5 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably within luxury hotels, resorts, or hospitality environments.

·       Prior experience in an Assistant Manager or Senior Executive Purchasing role is preferred.

·       Strong exposure to Food & Beverage, OS&E, capital items, and general supplies procurement.

·       Experience working closely with Culinary, Engineering, Housekeeping, Finance, and Operations teams.

Technical & Functional Competencies

·       Strong knowledge of procurement processes including sourcing, vendor evaluation, PO management, contracts, and inventory control.
·       Familiarity with hotel procurement systems / ERP platforms (e.g. BirchStreet, Oracle, SunSystems – or equivalent).
·       Sound understanding of cost control, budgeting, forecasting, audit, and compliance requirements (USALI knowledge is an advantage).
·       Strong analytical and negotiation skills with a focus on value-for-money sourcing.

Operational, People & Personal Skills

·       High attention to detail with strong organisational and documentation skills.
·       Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced luxury hotel environment.
·       Effective communicator with strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
·       Professional, firm, and fair in supplier and team management.
·       High level of integrity, accountability, and confidentiality.
·       Proactive, resilient, service-oriented, and a strong team player.

Language & Systems

·       Proficient in written and spoken English.
·       Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.