A well established Construction company in Dubai requires a Head of Commercial with proven experience in Tendering, Contracts Administration and procurement or supply chain management with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

Position Overview: The Head of Commercial Department (tendering & Procurement) will oversee and manage the tendering, contracts and procurement required by various business under the group umbrella, ensuring that all bids, tenders and purchases are prepared, evaluated, and negotiated in line with the Group company’s financial goals, risk management strategies, and contractual requirements. This position involves working closely with the Quantity Surveyor, contracts administration and procurement teams to ensure a seamless flow from bid preparation to contract award and procurement to ensure a seamless flow from the purchase request till material/service receipt. The role also requires overseeing project costs, contracts, and ensuring profitability throughout the business and project lifecycle.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement commercial tendering and procurement strategies aligned with the Group & Subsidiaries company’s business goals.
• Collaborate in the identification of new business opportunities and markets for expansion through Joint ventures, partnerships and channels.
• Oversee the preparation and negotiation of commercial contracts to ensure favorable terms for the group and BUs.
• Collaborate with shared services department heads (finance, IT, HR, Quality and legal) teams to manage risks and ensure compliance of commercial agreements.
• Lead end-to-end tendering process, develop and oversee the preparation of tender documents, evaluation of bids and awarding contracts, including Bills of Quantities, specifications, pricing schedules, and scope of work in collaboration with the inhouse Quantity Surveyors.
• Oversee the Quantity Surveyor’s work on budgeting, cost planning, and cost-value reconciliations throughout the project.
• Lead the evaluation of tenders from suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors, assessing technical compliance, financial feasibility, and overall value.
• Preparation of claims or variations that arise during the project, ensuring swift and fair resolution without compromising the financial standing of the project.
• Work closely with stakeholders (internal and external) to define tender requirements and ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Engage in negotiations with bidders to secure the most competitive offers, ensuring that all aspects of the tender align with the project’s financial and contractual requirements and favorable terms and conditions that align with the company’s financial goals and risk tolerance.
• Ensure timely submission of tenders and provide recommendations to the planning committee and top management for final approval.
• Ensure all tendering activities comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and execute procurement strategies to meet the company’s operational budget.
• Oversee the sourcing and selection of suppliers, ensuring the best combination of quality, reliability, cost and delivery time.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and vendors.
• Implement procurement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to drive efficiency
• Monitor and analyze procurement performance metrics to optimize process and achieve cost saving.
• Oversee inventory levels to ensure optimal stock levels while minimizing excess inventory and stockout.
• Lead and manage team of tendering and commercial professionals providing guidance, support and training as needed.
• Set clear performance goals and conduct regular evaluation to track progress.
• Mentor and develop team of procurement professionals, providing guidance and support to achieve departmental goals.
• Identify, assess, and manage risk associated with tender submission, including understanding their needs and requirements.
• Identify and mitigate procurement-related Risks, such as supply chain disruptions, quality issues and price fluctuations.
• Track and monitor procurement performance metrics, analyze data and prepare reports to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Promote and implement sustainable procurement practices to support the organization’s environmental and social responsibility.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement best practices to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the tendering, procurement and commercial department.

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, engineering, finance or related field. MBA or relevant professional certifications (CIPS, CSCP) is a plus.

2. Experience

• Proven experience in Tendering, Contracts Administration and procurement or supply chain management with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Negotiation and persuasion abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight budgets and deadlines.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong Analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a strategic mindset.
• Proficiency in financial software and systems (ERP SYSTEM)