Head Of Tendering And Contracts MEP

TradesApp; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

TradesApp is seeking a seasoned Tenders & Contracts Manager in Abu Dhabi to lead the tendering department. You will own the full path from job hunting to contract signature, driving accurate estimates and successful awards.

You will manage a team of engineers, coordinate high-stakes negotiations, and ensure contracts reflect project costs and risks. A strong background in MEP tendering and fluent Arabic/English are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (Mechanical preferred).
• Minimum 15 years of experience in MEP construction and tendering.
• Strong exposure to high-rise residential and commercial projects.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate contracts with FIDIC terms.
• Experience leading client discussions through to contract award.
• Career stability with several years at prior employers.
• Fluent in Arabic and English.

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.

Skills

MEP tendering

Contract negotiations

Team leadership

FIDIC contracts

Project bidding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

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.