A senior leader in Procurement and Supply Chain, Sofiya Poland brings over 18 years of experience in this field. Currently leading the Group Procurement Operations for a major diversified conglomerate in the UAE, Sofiya Poland is also a Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Fellow (FCIPS) and Member (MCIPS), with an MSc in International Transport & Logistics and an executive certification in Digital Transformation from MIT and NUY Alumni.
Driven by a passion for creating transformative strategies that yield sustainable and substantial commercial value, Sofiya Poland has an exceptional track record of spearheading end-to-end transformation initiatives. With expertise in building high-performing teams and optimizing organizational processes, Sofiya Poland looks forward to contributing her part to forward-thinking, global organizations focused on strategic innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Early Life And Background
Growing up in a modest household, Sofiya Poland learned at quite a young age that hard work was a necessity rather than a choice. Inspired by her parents’ dedication, Sofiya Poland ensured to excel academically, and graduated secondary school with distinction, earning a scholarship to Azov State Technical University in Mariupol. “I studied the Organization of International Transportation, and my thesis, ‘Modes of Logistics Solutions,’ which I defended in English, earned me distinction—a rarity in Ukraine at the time.” She adds.
After an apprenticeship with a freight forwarding company at university, Sofiya Poland ventured into procurement and supply chain management. Her career took off unexpectedly when she moved to Northern Ireland and joined B/E Aerospace, transitioning from a production role to a Planner-Buyer position within three months. “Later, a move to the Middle East allowed me to grow into my current role as Group Procurement Director at the Abu Dhabi family conglomerate. My professional journey has been shaped by both chance and a conscious decision to embrace the dynamic world of procurement.” Sofiya Poland shares.
Presence Of Sofiya’s Organization
Sofiya Poland represents a leading family conglomerate in the UAE, which plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of the region. As a service-oriented company, they rely heavily on both local and global suppliers. The Procurement Division actively supports the UAE’s National In-Country Value (ICV) Program, fostering local talent and aligning with the nation’s economic diversification goals.
She mentions, “Our organization is undergoing significant digital transformation, particularly through the implementation of SAP systems and SaaS platforms. These initiatives enhance efficiency, transparency, and decision-making, placing procurement at the core of our business strategy. Furthermore, we emphasize ethical and sustainable procurement, having earned CIPS Corporate Ethics Awards and Kitemarks consecutively for our practices.”
Leading By Doing
A successful leader in procurement must exhibit transparency, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. Sofiya believes leading by example is essential to fostering a culture of excellence, as is creating an environment of trust and collaboration. Building strong relationships—both within teams and with external stakeholders ensures seamless communication and operational success in any organization.
Additionally, strategic vision and a proactive approach to challenges, such as digital transformation and sustainability, are crucial. “A leader must act as both a guide and a motivator, ensuring that their team embraces innovation and remains aligned with the organization’s objectives.” She adds.
Adaptability To Tech-Driven Innovations
Fast-paced digital transformation has been redefining businesses across industries. Sofiya Poland let us know her organization has embraced digital transformation as a strategic priority, which is evident in their ongoing implementation of SAP across all business streams. This initiative incorporates advanced analytics to automate tasks, enhance transparency, and improve decision-making.
“My certification in digital transformation from MIT has been instrumental in negotiating and implementing IT solutions and SaaS platforms. By understanding the catalysts of change—such as blockchain and AI—I have facilitated smoother collaborations between internal stakeholders and technology providers, ensuring we stay competitive in a tech-driven world.” She reflects.
Insights For Aspiring Professionals
As an industry expert, Sofiya’s suggestions can act as a guide for beginners in her field. Addressing aspiring professionals, Sofiya Poland shares, “For those beginning their journey in procurement and supply chain management, I recommend embracing a mindset of continuous learning. Understanding industry trends, developing technical skills, and staying informed on sustainability practices is key to staying relevant in this dynamic field. Networking is equally important; engage with professional organizations like the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) and attend industry events to exchange insights and build connections.”
She even suggests maintaining a proactive and adaptable approach at all times. Challenges like supply chain disruptions and regulatory changes demand resilience and strategic thinking. So, beginners need to start by learning the fundamentals and should always be ready to innovate and contribute meaningfully to their organization’s goals.
Follow Sofiya Poland on LinkedIn.
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