Purchasing power: Four points by Sheraton Dubai

Thankappan Sathyababu, purchasing manager at Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai, says transparency is key to a good deal

How long have you been in hotel purchasing?
I have more than nine years of experience in the purchasing department and have been working with Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai since 2008.

What products are you on the lookout for?
I’m focused on all food and beverage items, OS&E, and whatever else the business requires.

What area of your hotel are you most proud of?
I am really proud of the location of Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai and our exquisitely renovated guest rooms.

Tell us about one of your most successful deals?
Out of so many successful deals, the purchase of computers and laptops was something interesting. I had invited tenders from four different vendors for the same products with same specifications (HP products); they realised they had to compete with each other to get this order and at the end we managed to finalize the deal, which was 35% less than the initial proposal. In addition, I would like to add that we would be in a position to acquire very good deals based on volume purchases. For instance, the Starwood Hotels’ purchasing managers in Dubai together did some group contracts for services and products and gained substantial savings for all participating properties.

How is procurement evolving in the hotel industry?
Now purchasing managers can source or search for better deals and more profitable vendors on a worldwide scale through vendor websites. Purchasing managers need to be cost effective and at the same time they should consider other factors such as sustainability and food hygiene. Sustainable procurement decisions should consider the environmental impacts (both positive and negative) from products and services alongside the cost. According to the HACCP guidelines to enhance food safety, hygiene audits on suppliers’ warehouses should be carried out and monitored scrupulously.

What does a supplier have to do to impress you?
Vendors should be able to provide good quality products with better price, prompt and consistent delivery. Needless to say they should be transparent on all deals.