Head Of Tendering And Contracts MEP

Ikonhouse LLC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Ikonhouse LLC in Abu Dhabi seeks a seasoned Tenders & Contracts Manager to lead its tendering department, succeeding a longtime retiring manager with a structured handover.

You will own the full path from opportunity hunting to contract signature, driving accurate MEP estimates, negotiating with clients, and closing contracts that shape pricing and awards.

This role requires 15 years in MEP tendering, a Mechanical or Electrical engineering background, and fluency in Arabic and English.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum 15 years' experience in MEP construction with tendering.
• Strong track record in high-rise residential and commercial projects.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate contracts with FIDIC terms.
• Experience leading client discussions through to contract award.
• Led teams of engineers or estimators; career stability (4+ years).
• Fluent in Arabic and English, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers preparing tenders.
• Ensure tender estimates reflect actual project costs.
• Identify and pursue new project opportunities across developments.
• Prepare and review contracts, including FIDIC-based contracts.
• Lead client discussions and negotiations through to award.
• Build long-term relationships with clients and consultants.
• Own the tendering department within 3–6 months, with handover.
• Report tender pipeline, win rate, and estimate accuracy to GM.

Skills

Tenders management

Team leadership

Contract negotiations

Estimating accuracy

FIDIC knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

FIDIC standards

Job description

Job Description:

Our partner company is looking for a seasoned Tenders & Contracts Manager to lead its tendering department. You will succeed a manager retiring after more than 30 years with the company, with a structured handover under their guidance.

You will own the full path from job hunting to contract signature: finding opportunities, leading accurate MEP estimates, negotiating with clients and closing contracts. Your work directly drives the companys job awards and the accuracy of its pricing.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, guide and review the work of a team of 5 Mechanical and Electrical Engineers preparing tenders.




• Ensure MEP tenders are priced correctly, with estimates that hold up against actual project costs.




• Identify and pursue new project opportunities (job hunting) across high-rise residential and commercial developments.




• Prepare, review and finalise contracts, including FIDIC-based contracts, and manage contractual risk.




• Lead client discussions and negotiations through to contract award and sign-off.




• Build and maintain long-term relationships with clients, consultants and main contractors.




• Take full ownership of the tendering department within the first 3-6 months, working alongside the outgoing manager during handover.




• Report on tender pipeline, win rate and estimate accuracy to the General Manager.

How success is measured: job awards won, and how closely tender estimates reflect actual project prices.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (Mechanical preferred).




• Minimum 15 years of experience in MEP construction, with a solid track record in MEP tendering and contracts.




• Strong exposure to high-rise residential and commercial building projects.




• Proven ability to draft and negotiate contracts, with strong working knowledge of FIDIC conditions of contract.




• Experience leading client discussions and negotiations through to contract award.




• Experience leading a team of engineers or estimators.




• Career stability, ideally with at least 4 years at your current or a previous employer.




• Strong client references.




• High integrity and honesty in commercial dealings.




• Fluent Arabic and English, spoken and written.

Nice to have

• Professional certifications relevant to contracts, estimating or project management (for example in FIDIC, quantity surveying or PMP).




• An established network of clients and consultants in the regional building market.