Head Contracts and Procurement

Head – Contracts & Procurement (EHV Substation EPC)Location: Dubai, UAEReporting To: CEO / COODepartment: Contracts & ProcurementPosition OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Head of Contracts & Procurement will lead and oversee the Contracts and Procurement functions for an established Electro-Mechanical EPC contractor executing complex projects across Power Substations, Electrical Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, Pumping Stations, Water & Wastewater, E&I, Infrastructure, and Industrial sectors across the GCC.The ideal candidate must have strong EPC contractor-side experience with a proven track record in Power Substation and electrical infrastructure projects, including EHV substation environments (132kV and above), major electrical equipment procurement, subcontract management, FIDIC-based contract administration, utility client requirements, and complex EPC project execution.This role requires a commercially driven leader with substantial experience in EPC contracting environments, particularly within EHV substation and electrical infrastructure projects.Key ResponsibilitiesContracts ManagementLead and manage all contracts and commercial governance activities.Review, negotiate, draft, and administer client, subcontractor, supplier, and consultancy agreements.Manage contract administration throughout the project lifecycle, including:VariationsClaimsExtensions of Time (EOT)Dispute resolutionCommercial correspondenceConduct contractual risk reviews and develop mitigation strategies.Support tendering and estimating teams with contract reviews and commercial risk assessments.Ensure compliance with FIDIC conditions, contractual obligations, and corporate governance requirements.Provide contractual guidance to project teams and senior leadership.Coordinate with legal advisors on complex contractual matters and dispute resolution.Procurement ManagementDevelop and implement procurement strategies aligned with project and business objectives.Lead sourcing and procurement activities for:Major electrical equipmentLong-lead materialsSubcontract packagesSpecialist servicesManage supplier prequalification, commercial evaluations, negotiations, and award recommendations.Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, manufacturers, and subcontractors.Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, warranty terms, payment conditions, and commercial agreements.Monitor procurement performance, supplier KPIs, project delivery, and cost savings initiatives.Establish framework agreements and strategic sourcing programs.Commercial LeadershipLead commercial negotiations with clients, suppliers, subcontractors, and stakeholders.Identify contractual, commercial, and financial risks and implement mitigation strategies.Support project teams with commercial decision-making and contract interpretation.Drive continuous improvement, governance, and process optimization across Contracts and Procurement functions.Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing commercial and procurement teams.Required ExperienceMinimum 15 years' experience within EPC contracting environments.Minimum 10 years in senior Contracts and Procurement leadership roles.Proven experience managing both Contracts and Procurement functions.Strong experience within Power Substation or Electrical Infrastructure EPC projects.Experience working on EHV Substations (132kV and above).Strong knowledge of EPC project delivery models and commercial frameworks.Experience with:FIDIC contract administrationClaims managementContract negotiationsSubcontract managementSupplier managementProcurement governanceStrong exposure to both pre-contract and post-contract activities.Experience working with GCC utilities, consultants, and EPC stakeholders.Preferred Industry BackgroundPriority will be given to candidates with experience in:EHV AIS/GIS Substation ProjectsPower Transmission & Distribution InfrastructureElectrical Infrastructure EPC ProjectsRenewable Energy EPC ProjectsElectromechanical EPC ProjectsWater & Wastewater Infrastructure ProjectsCandidates with purely building construction experience and no electrical EPC exposure will not be considered.Technical Procurement ExperienceExperience procuring major electrical packages including:Power TransformersGIS/AIS SwitchgearHV/MV SwitchgearProtection & Control SystemsSCADA & Automation SystemsHV/MV Cables and AccessoriesElectrical Equipment PackagesSubstation Civil & Electromechanical SubcontractsQualificationsRequiredBachelor's Degree in EngineeringPreferredMBA or Master's DegreeQualification in Commercial Management, Supply Chain, Procurement, or LawProfessional certifications such as:MCIPSMRICSPMPCCMEquivalent commercial or contract management qualificationsKey CompetenciesEPC Contract ManagementFIDIC AdministrationClaims & EOT ManagementCommercial Risk ManagementStrategic ProcurementContract NegotiationSupplier & Subcontract ManagementCost OptimizationCommercial GovernanceStakeholder ManagementLeadership & Team Development