Senior Procurement Specialist Infrastructure & Building Projects

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 escalate 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.