About the Role
This role is for a diversified construction and engineering group with business units Civil, MEP, Power, and Facilities Management. The Chief Procurement Officer will lead procurement and supply chain across the group, with full accountability for cost, quality, delivery, supplier risk, and governance.
This is a senior executive role for a leader who can run project-driven procurement (materials, equipment, subcontracts) alongside recurring operational procurement , and who can turn the group's combined spend into a competitive advantage.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy and leadership
- Define and execute the procurement strategy, aligned to business plans, margin targets, and project pipelines across all four divisions.
- Build a category management model that balances group-level leverage with division-specific needs.
- Serve as a member of the executive leadership team, advising on make-vs-buy, subcontracting strategy, and supply risk during bidding and project planning.
Category and spend management
- Own procurement across the major spend categories:
- Civil: cement, rebar and structural steel, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, asphalt, precast, formwork, plant and equipment hire.
- MEP: HVAC equipment, chillers, pumps, cables and containment, switchgear, lighting, fire fighting and fire alarm systems, plumbing, BMS and ELV.
- Power: transformers, MV/LV switchgear, overhead line and cable materials, substation equipment, protection and control systems, and long-lead OEM items.
- FM: spares and consumables, specialist subcontracted services, outsourced manpower, vehicles, and annual maintenance contracts.
- Deliver measurable savings through consolidation, strategic sourcing, framework agreements, and value engineering with project teams.
- Manage commodity price exposure through contract structures, forward buying, and price-adjustment mechanisms.
Subcontractor and supplier management
- Run subcontractor and supplier prequalification, performance evaluation, and development programs.
- Oversee tendering, bid evaluation, negotiation, and award for major packages, in close partnership with commercial, contracts, and project teams.
- Ensure subcontract and supply agreements are aligned with the main contract terms (e.g., FIDIC), with clear risk allocation, payment terms, and back-to-back obligations.
- Manage supplier risk including financial health, capacity, HSE, quality, and concentration risk.
Project delivery support
- Ensure materials and equipment arrive on time for project programs, with strong expediting, logistics, and inspection processes.
- Work with project managers on long-lead items, import and customs planning, and site delivery.
- Resolve disputes, variations, and claims with suppliers and subcontractors.
Governance, compliance, and systems
- Establish procurement policies, delegation of authority, and approval workflows with strong internal controls and audit readiness.
- Enforce ethical sourcing and anti-bribery standards, conflict-of-interest declarations, and fair, transparent tendering.
- Ensure compliance with local regulations, client requirements, and local content or in-country value commitments where applicable.
- Lead digital procurement: ERP integration, e-tendering, supplier portals, spend analytics, and contract management tools.
People and organization
- Build and lead a high-performing procurement team across head office, divisions, and projects.
- Set clear KPIs, develop succession, and create a culture of commercial discipline and accountability.
Requirements
Experience
- 20+ years in procurement, supply chain, or contracts within construction, EPC, MEP, or infrastructure, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (Head of Procurement, Director, or equivalent).
- Proven experience across several of: civil works, MEP packages, power and utilities projects, and facilities management.
- Track record of delivering significant cost savings and strengthening procurement governance in a multi-division organization.
- Strong experience in subcontract procurement and negotiation of large-value packages and long-lead equipment.
- Working knowledge of construction contracts (FIDIC or equivalent), Incoterms, letters of credit, and import and customs processes.
- Experience implementing or improving ERP and e-procurement systems.
Skills and attributes
- Commercially sharp negotiator with strong analytical skills and sound judgment on risk.
- Credible, collaborative leader who can influence project directors, division heads, and the board.
- High integrity, with a firm stance on ethics and compliance.
- Strong network among regional and international suppliers, OEMs, and subcontractors.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, project-driven environment with tight deadlines.
Education and languages
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business; MBA or master's degree preferred.
- Professional certification such as CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent is an advantage.
- Fluent English required; Arabic or other regional languages are an advantage.
Key Performance Indicators
- Procurement savings and cost avoidance versus budget.
- Percentage of spend under framework agreements and approved suppliers.
- On-time delivery of materials and equipment to project sites.
- Supplier performance scores, including quality, HSE, and delivery.
- Compliance and audit results; working capital and payment-term improvements.
