HOTELIER AWARDS 2012: Five procurement pros named

These five finalists will compete for the Procurement Person of the Year 2012 in the Hotelier Middle East Awards to be held on October 31 at The Ritz-Carlton DIFC.

Below you will find extracts and testimonials from the shortlisted nominations for each of the five candidates...

Bhanu Pratap Singh, director of procurement, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

About Bhanu
Bhanu joined Atlantis, the Palm Dubai in May 2008 as associate director of procurement and actively contributed towards the pre-opening planning and the successful opening of the resort. Due to the excellent work he did he got promoted to director of procurement in September 2009 and since then has been assisting the business. Before joining Atlantis, Bhanu worked for Hyatt Dubai as purchasing manager at their central purchasing office. He has been known for his breakthrough ideas, business process innovations, collaborating and consensus-building approaches. Bhanu believes that we all are living in a world of extreme competition, tougher customer demands, higher cost reduction pressure, longer supply chain and heavy reliance on outsourcing of certain business functions. In such an environment, business has no other option but to manage these uncertainties, especially in today’s tough economic environment. Procurement professionals are required to be highly creative and innovative to resolve business issues across the broader management arena. Purchasing is on the road to change. However, in many organizations, the new role of purchasing is an emerging one, including ours. It requires further integration into the company decision making process. Today, procurement within Atlantis The Palm has positioned itself as a value of contributor thus assisting the business to achieve profitability and deliver outstanding customer experience.

Above and beyond the call of duty…
Bhanu has implemented key successful projects in Atlantis, The Palm. He successfully completed MDP –General Management Program in October 2011 at his own cost and time. This was a 20 day intensive programme conducted by IIM Ahmedabad. He played a key and leading role in the certification and implementation process of ISO9001 and ISO 22000. Bhanu was a member of the ISO steering committee and as the procurement departmental head he contributed in bridging the gaps identified by the Quality Assurances Certification and Consultants Bureau Veritas, by introducing the vendor performance evaluation programme. His contribution was immensely appreciated by the resort’s management. To further strengthen his team member’s analytical, negotiation skills, category spend and contract management he organized two separate in house courses from highly acclaimed outsourced companies like CIPS UK and Blue Ocean Dubai.

Testimonials for bhanu
“As Bhanu’s ex-boss I had the pleasure of working with Bhanu during the pre and post opening period (2008-2009) of Atlantis The Palm in Dubai where Bhanu as an Assistant Director had excelled in all the facets of hospitality procurement, from tough negotiation to professional presentation, to collaborative working with all parties, internal and external, to a strong project management ship, just to name a few. I found Bhanu to be reliable, passion driven and honest with a high degree of integrity. He possesses a great ‘can-do’ attitude with a positive mind-set and is always willing to go the extra mile. Bhanu is very conversant with ERP, and is always keen to train and develop his team members for them to grow and advance their careers, which is one of many reasons why his peers, co-workers and suppliers hold him in high regard with genuine respect. I have no doubt that Bhanu will go far and will be an asset to any organisation. I have no hesitation to endorse Bhanu to be in the elite group of successful hospitality procurement professionals, and only wish him the best of luck in the future.” Choi, Jae-Hong VP, procurement & supply chain, Venetian Macau Limited (Bhanu’s former boss).

“Instrumental in the successful management of the procurement area of the business and meet the needs of 3500 employees as well as meet the fiscal standards, inspires the rest of the staff with his work ethic and positive attitude, consummate team worker and leads by example. His insight and methodical approach to solve problems and seize opportunities are exemplary. In the time that I have known him, he has demonstrated commitment, knowledge and passion in his responsibilities. His ability to get tough projects completed in a timely manner with an optimal cost makes him one of the best negotiators I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Over the past 4 years, Bhanu has built a strong procurement & supply chain foundation network for this company and as a result it’s making a big difference in this company as well in the business community. He has not only provided his services to Atlantis, The Palm but has also extended his assistance and shared his experience with our sister properties One and only Royal mirage Dubai, Cape town and Reethi Rah Maldives.” Conor Lawler, vice president Atlantis The Palm Dubai.

Giridhar Hublisai, group financial controller, Citymax Hotels

About Giridhar
Giridhar brings 15 years of comprehensive finance experience from well-known hotels and grew in increasing responsibilities throughout time. His industry segment experience includes budget hotels, three star hotels, four star hotels, five star hotels, five star deluxe hotels, business hotels, resorts, airport hotels, hotel projects. His portfolio includes but not limited to Core Finance functionalities, working capital management, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, inventory management. He started his career as assistant accounts manager in year 2000 for GRT Hotels and Resorts Association Private Limited where he learned all the financial fundamentals of a hotel In 2004 he joined as Financial Manager in Hulhule Island Hotel where he learned about procurements at difficult locations and difficult logistics He then joined as Financial Controller in 2008 for the Leela Kempinski Mumbai In 2009 he joined the Hyderabad Marriot Hotel as Unit Financial controller which further exposed him to the financial operations and project procurements Mr. Giridhar currently holds the position of Group Financial Controller in Citymax Hotels after joining in 2011. He leads the Finance team of all three Citymax hotel properties and projects.He overlooks all operationaland project procurement

Above and beyond the call of duty…
Being a midmarket segment and budget hotel, it is very much difficult to maintain the profitability to investors, meet the guest requirements without compromising quality / offerings. We uplift our hotel philosophy of three star prices, four star offerings with five-star service. With this philosophy and thin bottom lines there is tremendous pressure on finance and purchase folks to keep-up the complete knowledge on the cost factors and control the same without compromising the guest experience. We have implemented as a cost control and efficiency optimisation measure a renegotiation with vendors, explaining the price point we are at and negotiating the competitive rates for the supplies. Reduction in AMC charges by 5%. We have negotiated with major service providers like laundry and outsource contractors, reduction of the charges by 15% and continue the service quality without any compromise. Annual savings are around AED 500K for three properties. There was no skeleton for the finance team, with his leadership he was able to unite the team towards achieving the goal in the same direction. Finance team was able to achieve work life balance in his term.

Testimonials for Giridhar
“Indeed, it’s my pleasure to drop you a testimonial on what you have achieved in a short span of time, your demonstration on streamlining procurement policy and procedure as well as successful implementation of the same was a big achievement across the hotels therefore all the users of the hotels are feeling comfortable, easy to follow the process. You never stopped yourself only on this, your unique skill on vendor negotiation on any purchases no matter how small or large in investment is extra ordinary. Selection of “the best” laundry service for the hotel guest is another example of your capability. Extensive knowledge in system software and hardware is added value for Citymax Hotels, you have always been a supportive for IT department to move forward and deployment of the same to achieve hotel target as well as to equip with latest technology in the hotel.” anon.

“I am pleased to know that you have been rightly nominated for a Hotelier award. You are heading our Corporate Finance & Procurement for over a year and have successfully centralized purchase systems for all three properties. Your thorough knowledge about procurement & related field has not only helped us choose the right products but has also helped us control costs through your supplier relationship & negotiation skills. I strongly recommend your candidature and take this opportunity to wish many such accolades.” anon.

Mohammed Naeem, purchasing manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa

About Mohammed
Mohammed Naeem began his career in hospitality in September 1996 and has been passionate about enhancing the service industry through all the work he does. He first joined The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa in 2004 as a part of the Finance & Administration team.

Above and beyond the call of duty…
Naeem took the initiative and worked on leverage opportunities among Marriott Executive apartments. He had a meeting with the F&B manager and executive chef of Marriott executive apartments and discussed the idea with them and sought their support and also involved the regional assistant director of international procurement. He obtained the data from them and prepared the comparison and briefed them about the advantages of leveraging volume which the executive chef & F&B Manager accepted. After negotiating the contract with a fresh fruit and vegetable vendor, Marriott Executive apartment’s veg cost was reduced by 30% and the hotel was able to get 4% additional discount on monthly invoices. Naeem has taken initiative and with the support of the finance team & Hotel Sports Committee organised the first Inter Hotel Tennis ball Charity cricket tournament to raise the funds for Blind Association. This tournament was very successful event as crowds were entertained by DJ and live cooking stations and was able to raise $4000. Naeem is participating in all hotel community footprint activities as well supporting community footprint activities by involving supplier and getting sponsorship for different activities to help the local community.

Testimonials for Naeem
“Naeem is an excellent team player and a great leader. He makes thing happen. His work is appreciated by all the departments in the hotel. He drives the results with the team and delivers excellence in all aspects whether it is customer engagement, employee engagement, audits or profits/savings. His excellent performance commitment and dedication makes me to nominate for this prestigious award.” Sanjay Gupta, hotel controller, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa.

“Always ready to assist with any request from the hotel. A true Ritz-Carlton gentleman in all his interactions with the ladies and gentlemen and the suppliers Horses were out of water for the Equestrian Event. He came in late night on weekend to organize the water from supplier on Friday. He has excellent relationships with suppliers and is therefore able to get the most complicated requests fulfilled at very short notice. He was instrumental in helping set up the electronic purchase order system saving lot of time and the environment by reducing paper. He has created a team of seasoned professionals around him in the purchasing dept and they share his vision of service and cost control.” BharatiKejriwal, assistant director of human resources, The Ritz-Carlton Doha.

Jean Manuel, purchasing manager, Fairmont Dubai

About Jean
A resident in Dubai for more than 15 years, Ms. Jean Manuel’s career in hospitality started in the 1990s at the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel as an administrator in the purchasing department. Some years later in 2001, she joined the pre-opening team of the Dusit Thani Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road as the purchasing officer, responsible primarily for setting up the department, creating SOP’s and internal processes. In 2006, she became the procurement manager for the Desert Palm Hotel, and two years later she joined Fairmont Dubai as the assistant purchasing manager. The latter was no small feat as she took the helm during the height of the recession, in a department that was short staffed by 2 colleagues (out of 6), and was responsible for streamlining the purchasing process, renegotiating contracts with suppliers for better rates without compromising on quality, and for leading and mentoring junior colleagues in her department, all of which were new to this specialized department. She was promoted to purchasing manager in 2010.

Above and beyond the call of duty…
As the ‘nerve’ centre of the hotel, and one of the very few departments that has works intimately with several other (if not all) departments, purchasing/procurement is often overlooked and viewed primarily as the shipping and receiving arm of the hotel. Under Jean’s leadership, this image has been transformed at the Fairmont Dubai. She sees her role and that of the department not simply as order takers for the needs of other departments in the hotel, but as the right hand in procuring much needed and vital equipment, ingredients, food stuff and supplies while applying good and sound management; namely, working with trusted suppliers that offer good quality in line with the company’s global brand standards and at favourable rates. In September 2011, the hotel welcome one of its most prominent guests from the GCC who was also very affluent. He booked the hotel’s largest penthouse suite the night before his arrival and on the morning of his arrival, requested that caviar and other items be placed in the suite as he would be arriving in a few short hours. Upon receiving this request at 9am, Patrick Duff, the executive chef, ran over to the purchasing department, alarmed as the kitchen kept very small par stock of caviar due to its very perishable nature, and on this occasion he had run out completely. Although this request was next to impossible to fulfil within the next two hours, Jean’s relationship with the caviar supplier went into full swing as she quickly explained the situation to him. Although emergency requests for such an item would take 48 hours or more from order to delivery, on this occasion he made an exception. Jean quickly put together the LPO for the order, raced over to the various departments for sign off and asked the supplier to package up the caviar. She then drove herself to the supplier’s warehouse in Al Qouz (getting lost along the way), and manage to collect and deliver the caviar back to the hotel and to the chef before the guest’s arrival at 11:30am. Suffice to say, her efforts not only resulted in a very happy (repeat) guest who brought thousands of dirhams into the hotel every year, but the direct profit from this item (valued at AED 5000 at cost), was over AED 12,000 on this occasion.

Testimonials for Jean
“Thank You for nominating our leader for Procurement Person of the Year for the 2012 Hotelier Middle East Awards. Ms. Jean is doing a commendable job as a leader. She is full of energy and always inspires us to be best in whatever we do. She has been a guiding force for us. She is very efficient and a true ambassador for our hotel. Whenever we need any advice from her she will explain us and guide us to finish the task efficiently. She is full of energy and always enthusiastic about her work. Her presence is always there with us. She is very energetic and has a friendly personality. She is always on forefront if we face challenges and ready to guide us. Her presence in office motivates us. She always supports and brings out best in us. For us she is guiding force and great leader to work with. She also motivates us and and gives regular inputs about our work. I am delighted to be a team member of such a great leader.” Shaikh Usman, receiving clerk, Fairmont Dubai.

“Ms Jean is an able leader who always Motivates an Encourages us and brings out best in us. She creates a great working Environment with her supportive personality. She treats all her team Equally and always there if we need advice and Guidance. She is always Enthusiastic and very helpful, working with her brings out best in every one. She is alert and active every moment and gives her maximum in solving problems, she is always there whenever team needs her. “ Mohammed Hussein, store supervisor, Fairmont Dubai.

Nassir Al-Assiri, assistant materials manager, Dar Al Tawhid InterContinental

About Nassir

Nassir joined Dar Al Tawhid InterContinental – Saudi Arabia in 2006 as the duty manager. Nassir kept himself updated thoroughly and constantly pertained to market trends and activities as a result of which he was able to support the business successfully. Moreover, he made all possible attempts and succeeded in delivering the best to our customers.

Above and beyond the call of duty…
On a continuous basis Nassir has extended his full support to enhance the customer experience through providing all logistical and material support directly and indirectly aimed at guest comfort. he has delivered imported cheese, juice and milk dispensers, polycarbonate containers, induction burners, glassware, an LCD TV during Ramadan based on a guest’s needs. He also negotiated to increase internet speed on the Royal Floor from 1MB to 3MB during Ramadan without any additional charge for better and enhanced access. He arranged for the installation of an air freshener system in the guest elevator landing area, health club, club lounge, ladies lounge and kids play ground. Furthermore, he coordinated the delivery of brand new TVs and printed special key cards to ease identification and easy access to guests during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Moreover, he extended special attention on VIP needs such as purchasing exotic fruits with the highest quality available in the market to support guest relations and the kitchen department, purchased special dates, smoked items, imported cheese, nuts and different varieties of imported water.

Testimonial for Nassir
“He was able to support the business successfully and he made all possible attempts and succeeded in delivering the best to our customers and hotel.” anon.