Head of Contracts - Commercial, Procurement & Contracts Lead for Mixed-Use Development

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic Commercial, Procurement & Contracts Lead to spearhead all strategic commercial and procurement activities related to a landmark mixed-use development project in Mumbai. This project features a museum/cultural asset, diverse food and beverage outlets, retail spaces, and exemplary public realm areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Craft and execute commercial strategies ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines, and budgets.
• Oversee cost planning, budgeting, estimations, and value engineering across all development segments.
• Track commercial metrics including performance, cost trends, and budget consumption to uncover cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with Project Director and Finance Lead on commercial forecasting and financial decision-making.
• Formulate procurement strategies targeting consultants, contractors, long-lead materials, specialized museum installations, and equipment.
• Lead vendor management activities such as identification, prequalification, capability evaluations, and onboarding.
• Establish and nurture strong partnerships with contractors, suppliers, and service providers for competitive sourcing and on-time delivery.
• Manage procurement schedules to align with project milestones while mitigating supply chain risks.
• Direct comprehensive tendering processes, including preparing tender documents, evaluating bids, conducting negotiations, awarding contracts, and overseeing execution.
• Develop contracting approaches for key construction, specialist, MEP, fit-out, museum, and public realm works.
• Administer contracts throughout their lifecycle handling change orders, variations, claims, time extensions, and close-outs while ensuring compliance.
• Assess and manage commercial risks and enforce contractual adherence across project packages.
• Monitor contractor adherence to commercial commitments, contract deliverables, and project timelines.
• Liaise extensively with planning, construction, finance, design, and project management teams to synchronize procurement and commercial efforts.
• Ensure timely review and processing of bills, payment certifications, procurement schedules, and related commercial documentation.
• Resolve commercial disputes and issues effectively through negotiation and stakeholder engagement.
• Implement robust governance frameworks, procurement policies, and contract management systems to maintain compliance with organizational and statutory standards.
• Identify commercial risks and devise mitigation plans to minimize exposure.
• Champion transparency, ethical procurement, and ongoing enhancements in commercial operations.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or equivalent disciplines.
• Advanced qualifications such as a postgraduate degree in Construction Management, Contracts Management, NICMAR certification, or Business Administration are advantageous.
• 15 to 18 years of extensive experience in managing commercial, procurement, contracts, and cost controls within large-scale commercial, mixed-use, hospitality, or institutional projects.
• Proven expertise in budgeting, estimation, tendering, procurement strategy, contract administration, and commercial negotiations.
• Comprehensive understanding of construction contracts, procurement norms, cost planning, value engineering, and project commercial management.
• Experience managing high-value contractors, consultants, suppliers, and diverse procurement packages.
• Knowledge of statutory requirements, construction contract frameworks, and commercial practices relevant to Mumbai projects.
• Exposure to premium mixed-use developments, international consultants, and complex multi-stakeholder environments is highly preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strategic commercial planning and cost management
• Procurement and supply chain leadership
• Contract negotiation and administration
• Budget preparation and value engineering expertise
• Commercial risk evaluation and mitigation
• Vendor relationship and stakeholder management
• Financial and commercial insight
• Informed strategic sourcing and decision-making
• Effective leadership and cross-disciplinary collaboration
• Governance and a focus on continuous process improvement