Lotfi Askour

• Led IT & Technology procurement, aligning initiatives with Group IT strategy to drive improvement in efficiency, in Maverick spend reduction and cost reduction on projects’ lifecycles while capturing innovation and rationalising supplier base.
• Managed multi-million-dollar sourcing projects, enhancing infrastructure, applications, AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity data science, analytics, smart devices, DevOps, e-commerce, data centres and more.
• Developed sourcing calendars, led RFx, vendor evaluations, and negotiations, delivering projects on time and under budget, with a service level improvement.
• Streamlined procurement processes, reducing operational costs through automation and efficiency improvements.
• Oversaw the entire sourcing lifecycle, from market analysis and demand identification to contract closure and supplier management.
• Mentored and developed a high-performing team, resulting in enhanced productivity and stronger employee retention.
• Ensured robust IT governance, set a roadmap and proactively mitigated procurement risks with a category plan & strategies.

• Developed data-driven category plans based on market analysis, spend assessments, demand management, and risk evaluations.
• Directed Source-to-Contract (S2C) activities, including supplier engagement, negotiations, and contract finalisations, ensuring operational efficiency and value-driven outcomes achieving substantial cost savings through optimised sourcing and group synergies.
• Implemented advanced KPIs and supplier management systems, enhancing performance evaluation accuracy, cultivating strategic partnerships, and driving procurement savings through BATNAs, and collaborative & value-based supplier engagement.
• Led global sourcing initiatives to secure high-quality medical devices at competitive prices, supporting revenue growth.

• Spearheaded end-to-end supply chain management to support hospital operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring uninterrupted access to supplies, medicines, and medical equipment while contributing to enhance overall customer experience.
• Developed and implemented procurement strategies, achieving 80% spend control, reducing risks, and maximizing supplier performance.
• Designed sourcing plans and enhanced procurement processes, driving operational efficiency and enhancing supplier collaboration.
• Maximised Spend through strategic sourcing, Procure-To-Pay (P2P) activities, and contract management.
• Established a centralized Procurement Center of Excellence across UAE business units, streamlining processes and improving efficiency.
• Optimised inventory & logistics for Hospitals, improving C/R ratio and reducing stock-outs and excess inventory.
• Led digital transformation initiatives to enhance business performance by implementing Oracle Fusion, SAP Ariba, Per Angusta, and other digital tools, refining processes, policies and DOAs improving compliance, processing time, and enhancing cost efficiency.

• Developed and executed category strategies for indirect categories, ensuring timely, cost-effective delivery to meet business objectives.
• Collaborated with stakeholders to identify needs and deliver high-quality services, boosting stakeholder’s satisfaction.
• Designed a Sourcing Calendar and led RFx processes in alignment with business needs, sustainability and cost optimization goals.
• Initiated strategic sourcing initiatives reducing procurement costs and improving operational efficiency.
• Drove process improvements and vendor performance reviews, improving contract compliance and on-time PO delivery.

• Led end-to-end supply chain operations, including source-to-contract, inventory management, supply & demand.
• Developed forecasts reports & dashboards to monitor and optimize the inventory and overall upstream supply chain performance.
• Ensured seamless coordination between procurement, supply chain, distribution to support products activations and lifecycles.

• Executed end-to-end procurement for S&IM categories, including supplier negotiations, contract management, and delivery tracking.
• Achieved goals by implementing PDCA action plans and contributing to e-auctions, pricing, and payment terms optimization.

• Owned commodity strategy, managed vendor panel, and led performance reviews to optimize cost and supplier performance.
• Performed sourcing for new projects, including RFx, design to cost activities, BOM & offers analysis, and business award processes.
• Developed performance initiatives leading to a reduction in supplier lead times, production development plans, supply chain disruption risk mitigations, and improved cost control while identifying market opportunities and innovation.
• Handled product life cycles, ensuring alignment of quality, cost, delivery, and performance (QCDP) for Renault and Nissan models.

• Enhanced supplier relationships and performance through RFx, audits, charters, Business continuity plans and annual assessments.
• Cut operational costs through cost savings plans, cost avoidance strategies, category strategies and international benchmarking.
• Achieved up to 50% cost savings by sourcing from low-cost countries and overseeing design-to-cost projects.
• Drove end-to-end operations of 20+ Products innovation, activations & development projects across various categories.
• Headed a major outsourcing project with a strategic “make or buy” case.

• Led the compliance campaign for the Suppliers Charter, ensuring adherence to sustainable and responsible purchasing practices.
• Assisted in sourcing capital expenditure (CAPEX) materials and services.
• Implemented KPIs to track procurement performance, enhancing monitoring systems.
• Analysed procurement data, identified trends, and recommended improvements in sourcing and supplier relations.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely and budget-compliant project completion.

• Assisted in retail sales activities and organising events, ensuring smooth execution and maximising customer engagement.
• Managed social media communication, enhancing the brand's presence online and fostering customer interaction through promotional content, resulting in a growth in social media followers.
• Played a key role in updating and maintaining the website, ensuring that product listings were current, accurate, and appealing to customers, improving the user experience.

• Managed and trained a team of 20 salespeople, providing guidance and support to maximize their potential and align efforts with company goals.
• Organized and planned daily tasks for the team, ensuring a streamlined and efficient sales process.
• Developed performance metrics to monitor and evaluate team success, ensuring targets were met consistently.
• Led a key project aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the sales department, contributing to the company’s growth and supporting its market leadership.

• Provided personalized advice on products and services to ensure their needs were met and expectations exceeded.
• Sold products and services, processed transactions efficiently, and maintained a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Prescribed tailored products and services based on customer requirements, enhancing their overall experience and contributing to increased sales.
• Actively promoted complementary products, resulting in an increase on average transaction value over the course of my tenure.
• Built rapport with customers, offering loyalty programs and follow-up services that helped increase customer return rates.