Assistant Procurement Manager - Construction Projects

About the role

Al Sardar Group is looking for an Assistant to Procurement Manager in Erbil, Iraq. The role has a strategic and supervisory function in managing procurement for construction and infrastructure projects, supporting the Procurement Manager in planning, executing and overseeing project-based procurement while ensuring compliance, cost-effectiveness and timely delivery. It involves close coordination with the engineering, projects, finance and legal departments.

Key responsibilities

• Lead procurement for construction and infrastructure projects from planning to completion, working with Projects and Engineering on technical specifications, Bills of Quantities and tender documentation.
• Oversee tendering (RFQs/RFPs, bidding, supplier and contractor selection) and review and negotiate high-value contracts and framework agreements.
• Support the Procurement Manager with procurement plans, forecasts and budget monitoring, and prepare and coordinate project procurement contracts.
• Build relationships with suppliers and contractors, monitor contractor performance and lead post-award contract management, including change orders and variation analysis.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policy and internal controls, and prepare, review and validate purchase orders, contracts and payment documents.
• Maintain procurement records, update vendor databases, and help improve procurement templates, SOPs and workflows.
• Prepare procurement progress reports, risk assessments and KPI summaries, represent the department in technical and commercial meetings, and guide procurement officers and supervisors.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Master's preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of procurement experience, including at least 5 years in project or construction procurement.
• Fluency in English and Kurdish or Arabic; willingness to travel within Iraq for site visits and supplier inspections.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of construction contracting, tendering procedures and market dynamics.
• Experience with ERP or e-procurement systems.
• Negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills, and strong communication and leadership abilities.