Purchasing Power: W Doha's Anis Dawood
Anis Dawood, director of purchasing at W Doha Hotel & Residences, looks for consistent quality
How long have you been in hotel purchasing?
I have been in purchasing for the last 18 years. I worked at Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai and then moved to W Doha Hotel & Residences.
What products are you on the lookout for?
We have two signature restaurants by three-Michelin star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and an Italian restaurant, La Spiga by Paper Moon, that require the best quality of products to deliver the best culinary experiences to our guests. For every transaction we do, we take into consideration the quality and prices to improve either our operation or our cost.
What area of your hotel are you most proud of?
The overall management team of the hotel. Each one of them works with passion to make sure we are the best in everything we do. It’s because of this that the hotel has an international reputation.Another area that I am proud of is the F&B outlets. Great service, amazing cuisine and an electrifying overall culinary experience are offered consistently in each and every one of our award winning restaurants.
Tell us about one of your most successful deals
I can’t point out just one. In all the transactions we do, it’s important to look after the price but without compromising on the quality of the product —this is my guiding principle at all times. I have been entrusted with ensuring that the hotel has everything it needs to serve our guests better, at the same time as securing the best deals from suppliers for the benefit of the hotel’s resources.
How is procurement evolving in the hotel industry?
Hospitality procurement is evolving rapidly and the entire process has been hugely modernised. E-procurement is the current trend and the supplier is also adjusting based on market needs. As much as possible we aim to have a paperless work environment.
What does a supplier have to do to impress you?
Everything starts with our guest’s satisfaction. The suppliers that can anticipate the market instead of reacting to it create the relationships that add the most value to our business. This includes consistent quality, price stability, delivering on time, and open communication.