Purchasing Power: Sherif Noor

Hala Arjaan by Rotana purchasing officer Sherif Noor has more than eight years' experience in hospitality - we talk to him about his procurement experience:

How long have you been in hotel purchasing?

I’ve worked in purchasing and procurement for the last decade, with eight of those in hospitality alone.

What products are you on the lookout for?

As a purchasing officer, I am looking for all types of quality products related to Hala Arjaan’s day-to-day operations. I consider quality items with good price and service to bring guest satisfaction. These include items like food & beverage materials, engineering materials, linens, guest amenities, chemicals, stationeries and more.

What area of your hotel are you most proud of?

Guest satisfaction is the top priority and there is no compromise on the quality delivered. I love the teamwork here which eventually leads to satisfied guests.

Tell us about one of your most successful deals?

As a purchasing officer I try to source the best value deals for the hotel. The most successful project is the gym repair works I carried out. The brand we bought the machine from quoted a very high price, and the vendor’s repair quote was as much as a new unit. I sourced the parts my self in the local market for 10% of the amount quoted.

What does a supplier have to do to impress you?

For me, a supplier should offer genuinely quick service. It is also essential that the supplier keeps me updated about the new, changed or discontinued products. Often vendors do not state the promotions they are running and to find out from sister properties creates distrust. And most importantly, a good price without compromised quality and consistent delivery of items.