Procurement Manager - Interior Fit-Out / MEP / Joinery

Overview

We are looking for a seasoned Procurement Manager to spearhead our procurement activities across multiple high-profile interior fit-out projects in the UAE. This pivotal role demands a commercially savvy and technically adept professional with broad experience in UAE fit-out sectors, including interior fit-out, joinery, MEP, FF&E, and other specialist packages. The successful candidate will not only lead the procurement team but also remain directly involved in key procurement tasks to ensure smooth project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and develop the procurement department, initially managing a team of two procurement professionals.
• Establish and refine procurement workflows, performance tracking systems, and accountability frameworks.
• Mentor and guide procurement team members to foster growth aligned with company expansion.
• Promote a work environment centered on commercial insight, responsibility, and continuous progress.
• Oversee procurement operations across several ongoing fit-out projects simultaneously.
• Analyze project plans, specifications, BOQs, procurement timelines, and material needs following project awards.
• Maintain procurement schedules, monitor long-lead items, track subcontractor awards, and log material procurement efficiently.
• Align procurement actions with project timelines and delivery targets, proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
• Source, evaluate, and finalize supplier and subcontractor engagements for fit-out, joinery, MEP, and specialized packages, nurturing solid relationships within the UAE supply chain.
• Review supplier credentials including capability, financial health, and past performance to ensure suitability.
• Personally handle critical, high-value, or technically demanding procurement packages, managing enquires, bids, negotiations, and awards.
• Benchmark vendor pricing rigorously against current market rates to safeguard project margins.
• Negotiate contractual conditions such as payment terms, warranties, delivery, and post-sale services.
• Identify and implement value engineering opportunities that uphold quality and compliance.
• Evaluate and approve technical documents including submittals, samples, and compliance certificates, ensuring strict adherence to project specifications and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate seamlessly with Project Management, Commercial, Design, Planning, Site, and Finance teams to meet procurement targets.
• Deliver regular comprehensive procurement reports highlighting risks, cost savings, delays, and vendor performances to senior leadership.
• Support tender preparations by offering current market insights and competitive supplier pricing.
• Minimize uncontrolled purchase orders, last-minute sourcing issues, and procurement delays adversely affecting projects.

Candidate Profile

• At least 10 years of procurement experience with a focus on the UAE construction and interior fit-out industry.
• Extensive hands-on knowledge of interior fit-out procurement and supplier markets within the UAE.
• Proven track record in procurement leadership roles such as Procurement Manager or Senior Procurement Manager, managing multiple rapid-turnaround projects.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop procurement teams.
• Strong operational experience including sourcing, negotiation, and contract finalization.
• In-depth understanding of MEP packages and local supplier and subcontractor networks in the UAE.

Exclusions

• Candidates with experience limited to general construction procurement or lacking UAE fit-out exposure will not be considered.
• Applicants with only buyer or procurement officer-level experience, or those primarily involved in purchase order processing, will not qualify.
• Those without MEP knowledge or without direct UAE supplier experience are not suitable.
• Individuals lacking team leadership experience or who focus exclusively on managerial duties without operational involvement are also excluded.