Mansour Al Blooshi Interview
Mansour Al Blooshi, Director of Supply Chain & Business Services at CPX, is a seasoned procurement leader with a proven track record across leading UAE institutions including Etihad Airways, Khalifa University, and MBZUAI. With over a decade of experience, he has been instrumental in developing strategic procurement frameworks, implementing digital transformation, and promoting sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. His leadership continues to drive efficiency, innovation, and long-term value creation within CPX and the broader supply chain ecosystem of the UAE.
Leadership Shaped by Experience
We began the conversation by asking, “You’ve led procurement functions across prestigious institutions such as Etihad Airways, MBZUAI, and now CPX. How has your experience shaped your leadership approach in supply chain management?”
Mansour Al Blooshi replied, “My journey through diverse organizations has taught me that supply chain leadership is about balancing strategy, agility, and innovation. At Etihad Airways, I learned the value of precision and compliance; at MBZUAI, the focus shifted to digital transformation and data-driven procurement; and now, at CPX, I’m integrating both to build a resilient, tech-empowered supply chain ecosystem. I believe in empowering teams with autonomy, aligning departmental goals with corporate strategy, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This holistic approach ensures operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainable value creation.”
Strategic Transformation at CPX
The Arab Today: What strategic initiatives have you implemented at CPX to enhance procurement efficiency and business service delivery?
Mansour Al Blooshi replied, “At CPX, my focus has been on designing an end-to-end procurement strategy aligned with the organization’s business vision. I introduced digital procurement tools that automate workflows, increase visibility, and support data analytics for smarter decision-making. Additionally, we streamlined vendor management processes, reducing cycle times by introducing quick procurement guidelines for end users. Through strategic sourcing and negotiation, we achieved measurable cost reductions while also improving quality and service standards. These initiatives have elevated procurement from a support function to a strategic value driver for the organization.”
The Power of Digital Procurement
The Arab Today: How do you see digital procurement transforming the traditional supply chain landscape in the UAE?
Mansour Al Blooshi replied, “Digital procurement is revolutionizing the UAE’s supply chain by bringing transparency, speed, and strategic insight. With tools like e-sourcing platforms, AI analytics, and automated approval systems, organizations can shift from reactive purchasing to proactive planning. In line with the UAE’s digital transformation vision, these technologies reduce manual errors, improve supplier collaboration, and ensure compliance with governance standards. I see the future of procurement as data-centric where predictive analytics and AI-driven forecasting become standard practices for efficiency and risk mitigation.”
Commitment to Sustainable Procurement
The Arab Today: You’ve been an advocate for sustainable and ethical procurement. How do you integrate these principles into corporate operations?
Mansour Al Blooshi replied, “Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s an operational necessity. I ensure that procurement strategies align with the Abu Dhabi Government’s sustainability goals and our corporate social responsibility framework. This involves sourcing from eco-conscious suppliers, promoting local vendors, and evaluating procurement decisions based on environmental and ethical criteria. Beyond compliance, we educate stakeholders on sustainability’s long-term economic value. The goal is to create a procurement culture that’s both responsible and future-focused, ensuring that every transaction supports a positive societal and environmental impact.”
Building Procurement from the Ground Up
The Arab Today: What was your approach to establishing a new procurement department within a government entity?
Mansour Al Blooshi replied, “Setting up a procurement department from the ground up required strategic planning and organizational alignment. I began by defining clear procurement policies and procedures consistent with government regulations and international best practices. We built a capable team, implemented digital systems for efficiency, and introduced a performance management framework to track KPIs. Training sessions ensured end-user familiarity and compliance. Within months, we transformed procurement from an administrative function into a structured, value-generating department that optimized costs and enhanced accountability.”
Pursuing Procurement Excellence
The Arab Today: As a CIPS-certified professional, how do you maintain procurement excellence and promote continuous improvement?
Mansour Al Blooshi replied, “My CIPS affiliation reinforces my commitment to global standards of procurement excellence. I emphasize professional development, benchmarking against best-in-class organizations, and leveraging CIPS methodologies to strengthen our internal frameworks. At CPX, we maintain a feedback-driven culture where each project is evaluated for lessons learned and improvement areas. Continuous improvement comes from listening to suppliers, engaging stakeholders, and staying updated with evolving technologies and market trends. Excellence, in my view, is not an achievement but a continuous pursuit.”
Advice for Future Procurement Leaders
Lastly, we asked, “What advice would you give to emerging procurement leaders who aspire to manage supply chain and business services at a strategic level?”
“My advice is to think beyond transactions—focus on transformation. Build a solid understanding of both business strategy and emerging technologies. Learn negotiation, stakeholder management, and sustainability practices. Most importantly, develop emotional intelligence and resilience; procurement leadership is as much about people as it is about processes. Stay adaptable, embrace digital innovation, and continuously align procurement objectives with your organization’s strategic mission. The best leaders in this field are not just cost-savers; they are value creators and strategic enablers of growth.” Mansour Al Blooshi concluded
Connect with Mansour Al Blooshi on LinkedIn
For more information, visit CPX
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