Duties and Responsibilities
1. Review Project Documents and Analyze Items
- Read and understand Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Bills of Quantities (BOQs), technical specifications, drawings, and Purchase Requisitions (PRs).
- Analyze each item's description, quantity, unit of measurement, dimensions, material, performance requirements, approved brand or manufacturer, and applicable standards.
- Confirm whether the scope includes supply only or supply and installation, testing and commissioning, accessories, spare parts, and training.
- Identify discrepancies or missing information between BOQs, drawings, and specifications, and obtain clarification from the technical department before purchasing.
- Prepare a clearly defined procurement scope to prevent missing components and subsequent additional costs.
2. Understand Materials and Identify Supply Sources
- Handle infrastructure procurement, including pipes, fittings, valves, pumps, water and sewerage networks, stormwater systems, road materials, lighting, and cables.
- Handle building procurement, including steel, concrete, waterproofing and insulation, façades, doors, finishes, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
- Identify the original manufacturer, supplier or authorized distributor, country of origin, and whether materials are available locally or require importation.
- Evaluate suppliers technical capabilities, production capacity, delivery reliability, quality, and after-sales service.
- Propose compliant alternatives when necessary and obtain technical approval before committing to a purchase.
3. Request Quotations and Conduct Detailed Evaluations
- Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation (RFQs) specifying technical requirements, quantities, supply scope, and required delivery dates.
- Review quotations item by item to identify compliance, exclusions, omissions, and pricing assumptions.
- Prepare standardized technical and commercial comparisons covering:
- Manufacturer, model, country of origin, and technical compliance.
- Unit prices and total quoted cost.
- Transportation, freight, insurance, and customs duties, where applicable.
- Unloading, installation, testing, and commissioning, where included in the procurement scope.
- Manufacturing lead time, delivery schedule, and delivery location.
- Payment terms, warranties, and after-sales service.
- Evaluate the lowest price against the best overall value and submit a documented purchase recommendation with clear justification.
4. Negotiate Commercial Terms
- Negotiate prices, discounts, price validity, delivery schedules, and payment terms.
- Review Purchase Order (PO) terms and link payments to clearly defined milestones, such as approval, manufacturing, delivery, or acceptance.
- Verify advance payment guarantees or performance guarantees when required by the transaction and company policy.
- Clarify the warranty period, commencement date, coverage, exclusions, and repair or replacement procedures.
- Coordinate provisions for delays, cancellation, and changes with the Procurement Manager and Contracts Department, within approved authority limits.
5. Manage Technical Approvals and Purchase Orders
- Follow up on the submission and approval of samples, catalogues, technical data sheets, material submittals, and conformity certificates.
- Ensure that the final quotation and purchase order match the approved technical submission.
- Prepare clear purchase orders covering specifications, quantities, prices, technical attachments, delivery schedules, payment terms, and warranties.
- Ensure that any changes to the brand, model, country of origin, or specifications receive written approval.
6. Monitor Manufacturing, Delivery, and Receipt
- Prepare procurement schedules aligned with the project programme and identify long-lead items early.
- Verify realistic lead times, including approval, manufacturing, inspection, shipping, customs clearance, and final delivery.
- Monitor manufacturing and shipping progress, update expected arrival dates, and elevate potential delays promptly.
- Coordinate with site teams, warehouses, and quality personnel to verify quantities, condition, and compliance upon receipt.
- Resolve shortages and damaged or non‑compliant materials, follow up on replacements, and close outstanding issues.
7. Manage Invoices, Records, and Reporting
- Match purchase orders, goods receipt records, and invoices before submitting payment documents to Finance.
- Follow up on supplier payment requests in accordance with agreed payment, receipt, and acceptance terms.
- Maintain complete records of quotations, evaluations, approvals, correspondence, and warranties.
- Prepare periodic reports on procurement status, financial commitments, savings, supply risks, and supplier performance.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, depending on the procurement scope. A degree in Supply Chain Management or Business Administration may be accepted if supported by strong technical knowledge of construction.
- 7-10 years of experience in construction procurement, including at least three years handling advanced procurement responsibilities.
- Demonstrated experience in infrastructure and building projects, with knowledge of the Saudi supplier market and international sourcing.
- Ability to read specifications, drawings, and BOQs and prepare technical and commercial evaluations.
- Proficiency in Excel and ERP systems, with strong technical and business English.
- CIPS or a relevant professional qualification in procurement or supply chain management is preferred.
Essential Skills and Attributes
High attention to detail, analytical thinking, negotiation skills, consistent follow-up, strong document control, and professional integrity. The candidate must be able to identify omissions, exclusions, and hidden costs, and thoroughly verify details before committing to a supplier.
Key Performance Indicators
- Accuracy and completeness of purchase orders and quotation evaluations.
- Delivery within the project's required dates.
- Reduced material non‑conformities and shortages.
- Documented savings while maintaining required quality and specifications.
- Timely closure of approvals, outstanding issues, and supplier claims.
Recommended Practical Recruitment Assessment
Provide the candidate with a BOQ item, its specifications and drawing, and three supplier quotations. Ask the candidate to prepare a comparison and purchase recommendation.
A suitable candidate should identify missing information, calculate the complete cost, verify lead times, payment terms, and warranties, and clearly justify the recommended supplier.