Head of Procurement - Construction Industry

About The RoleA leading Construction & Contracting Group in the UAE is seeking a highly experienced Head of Procurement to lead and manage the complete procurement function across multiple civil, infrastructure, and MEP projects. The ideal candidate will have deep industry knowledge, strong supplier networks, and proven expertise in strategic sourcing, cost optimization, contract negotiation, and end-to-end procurement lifecycle management within the construction sector.Key ResponsibilitiesProcurement Leadership & Strategy Develop and implement the organization's procurement strategy aligned with project timelines, cost targets, and business objectives. Lead the full procurement cycle for construction materials, equipment, subcontractors, and services. Establish procurement policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with company standards and UAE regulations. Provide strategic recommendations to senior management on sourcing, cost-saving opportunities, and supplier performance improvements. Vendor & Supplier Management Build, manage, and maintain strong relationships with local and international suppliers, contractors, and service providers. Evaluate vendor capabilities, conduct commercial and technical assessments, and maintain an approved vendor list. Lead negotiations for major contracts to secure the best value, quality, and delivery terms for the company. Monitor supplier performance, adherence to specifications, and compliance with contract terms. Project Procurement & Coordination Coordinate closely with Project Managers, Engineering, Planning, and Finance teams to ensure timely availability of materials and services. Oversee procurement for civil works, infrastructure, structural steel, concrete products, MEP materials, joinery, finishing items, and heavy equipment. Ensure all procurement activities support project milestones and avoid delays or cost overruns. Manage procurement schedules and material delivery tracking across multiple running projects. Cost & Risk Management Lead cost benchmarking, price comparisons, and market analysis for construction materials. Identify and mitigate procurement-related risks affecting project delivery or pricing volatility. Implement cost-control strategies and value engineering initiatives to support business profitability. Ensure strict budgetary control across all procurement functions. Contracts & Compliance Manage tendering, bidding, RFP/RFQ processes, technical clarifications, and final award recommendations. Work closely with legal team to draft, review, and finalize procurement contracts and service agreements. Ensure compliance with company policies, HSE requirements, and UAE construction procurement laws. Team Leadership Lead and mentor a team of procurement officers, buyers, and coordinators. Build a high-performing procurement department with strong process discipline and accountability. Conduct training and continuous improvement initiatives within the departmentRequirementsRequired Qualifications & Experience Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Supply Chain or related field. Minimum 12-18 years of procurement experience in the UAE construction industry; at least 5 years in a senior managerial role. Strong knowledge of civil construction materials, MEP items, infrastructure components, and subcontracting works. Proven experience with large-scale projects such as buildings, villas, infrastructure, utilities, industrial or commercial developments. Excellent negotiation, vendor management, and contract management skills. Strong analytical, financial, and cost-control capabilities. Solid understanding of ERP-based procurement workflows (SAP, Oracle, Odoo, etc.). Strong communication and leadership abilities. Key Competencies Strategic sourcing & cost optimization Supplier negotiation & relationship management Contract drafting & commercial risk awareness Cross-functional project coordination Decision-making & leadership Market intelligence & price forecastingBenefitsCompensation & Benefits Monthly Salary: Up to AED 50,000 (based on experience and interview evaluation) Benefits: As per UAE Labour Law, including: Annual paid leave End-of-service gratuity Medical insurance Air ticket allowance (as per company policy) Standard working hours and public holidays Additional performance-based incentives may be provided in alignment with company policy