Procurement Specialist (Battery Storage)

Masdar is the UAE’s clean energy champion and one of the largest companies of its kind in the world, advancing the development and deployment of renewable energy and green hydrogen technologies to address global sustainability challenges. Established in 2006, Masdar is today active in over 40 countries, helping them to achieve their clean energy objectives and advance sustainable development.

Purpose of the Job:

To manage and execute the tender process for Masdar’s 3GWh+ BESS pipeline, ensuring detailed cost/benefit analysis of key suppliers. To optimise procurement processes, analyse supply chain data, and identify strategic sourcing opportunities. To support all aspects of procurement in collaboration with the Contracts Manager, Delivery team, Finance, external stakeholders and consultants to manage and oversee the pre-tender and construction phase of BESS projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough market research to identify potential suppliers of battery energy storage components and materials.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, and delivery timelines.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key suppliers, negotiating contracts and agreements to secure favorable terms and conditions.
• Monitor supplier performance and conduct regular assessments to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and quality standards.
• Lead the management of the Request for Proposal (RfP) tender process for battery energy storage projects.
• Coordinate the preparation and issuance of RfP documents, including specifications, terms and conditions, and evaluation criteria.
• Evaluate supplier proposals and bids received in response to RfPs, analyzing cost proposals, technical specifications, and compliance with project requirements.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to assess supplier capabilities and select vendors that best meet project needs.
• Support contract negotiation efforts with selected vendors, ensuring alignment of terms and conditions with project objectives and company policies.
• Facilitate discussions on pricing, delivery schedules, warranties, and other contractual provisions.
• Utilize procurement data and supply chain metrics to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
• Present insights and recommendations to stakeholders using data visualization tools and techniques.
• Understand BESS technology roadmaps and other innovations in the sector.
• Review costs of raw materials and consider raw materials index-linked CAPEX models.
• Identify and mitigate procurement risks, including supply chain disruptions, market volatility, and regulatory changes.
• Develop contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply and minimize operational disruptions.
• Identify opportunities to streamline and standardize procurement processes, implementing best practices and automation tools where applicable.
• Monitor procurement performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Preferred Experience:

• 4-6 years' experience in supply chain management, market research or energy sector with a strong preference for BESS experience.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes, including strategic sourcing, supplier evaluation, and contract negotiation.
• Familiarity with RfP tender processes is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical skills, with proficiency in data analysis and modeling techniques.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is advantageous.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards governing procurement and supply chain management in the energy sector.

Job-Specific Skills:

• Exceptional communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills leading to a consultative approach within a corporate/multifunctional environment.
• Strong understanding of the complexity and challenges of driving/building a project delivery culture and strong project management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of drafting and negotiating contracts suitable for offshore wind businesses.
• Knowledge of renewable energy and traditional energy industry.
• Knowledge of processes, templates, tools and systems used in bids and proposals.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize actions and manage a diverse cross-functional team.
• Strong commercial risk knowledge base.
• Sound understanding of corporate/project finance transactions.