Purchasing Power: Raffles Dubai's Jayaprakas Karimbanakkal

How long have you been in hotel  purchasing?

I have been in hospitality purchasing for more than 15 years.

What products are you on the lookout for?

Products need to be the best quality possible to match our guests’ high standards. I also need to make sure that I can get the best value for money. We always look for products that can maximise efficiency and productivity. Lastly, we source environmentally friendly products that comply with AccorHotels’ Planet 21 programme.

What is the biggest challenge in purchasing today?

Finding a cost-effective supplier that can consistently deliver quality products year after year. The increased ‘price’ competition in the market is affecting the consistent supply of quality products.

Tell us about one of your most successful deals?

One in particular is our rooms’ enhancement project. I have been leading the negotiation process and have successfully sourced quality products to reduce our costs, during which we generated substantial savings.

What does a supplier have to do to impress you?

The supplier should be innovative, reliable, and flexible, and should always delivery quality products with good value for money. Most importantly, the supplier needs to be consistent.