VP Global Procurement
Vice President, Global Procurement
Location: Dubai, UAE
Reports to: Head of Procurement
Start Date: ASAP
About Our Client
Our Client is one of the fastest‑growing real estate and infrastructure groups in the region, with a portfolio exceeding 40,000 delivered units, over 30,000 units currently in development, and diversified investments across hospitality, luxury residential, master‑planned communities, and-most recently-hyper‑scale digital infrastructure. Their data center division is undergoing significant global expansion, with large‑scale facilities under development across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
This role is a key strategic hire in shaping the procurement function for their rapidly scaling digital infrastructure and data center platform.
Position Overview
The Vice President of Global Procurement will lead end‑to‑end procurement for the data center business, establishing world‑class sourcing strategies across design, construction, technical infrastructure, and operations.
This is a senior, highly visible, global role suited to a seasoned procurement leader, Commercial Director, or QS‑based profile with deep experience in complex, capital‑intensive build environments. The individual will be responsible for shaping procurement governance, category strategies, global supplier partnerships, and execution frameworks to support an accelerated pipeline of data center developments.
Initially an individual contributor role, this position will scale to lead a team of approximately 10 as the business expands.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Define and execute the global procurement strategy for the data center business, covering architecture, PMC, MEP, civil works, critical equipment, and hyperscale technology infrastructure.
- Develop category plans, long‑term cost frameworks, and commercial risk‑mitigation strategies aligned with rapid multi‑country expansion.
- Establish procurement governance and standardized sourcing methodologies across regions.
End‑to‑End Procurement Execution
- Lead full procurement lifecycle from planning to contract award across all data center construction stages.
- Manage RFPs, competitive tendering, contract structuring, and negotiation for multi‑million‑dollar packages.
- Drive disciplined vendor evaluation and selection processes based on cost, quality, lead‑time, and risk KPIs.
Data Center Expertise
- Apply strong knowledge of architecture, project management consultancy, and data center construction cycles, including sequencing, commissioning, and specialized vendor dependencies.
- Oversee long‑lead‑item procurement (generators, transformers, UPS, switchgear, chillers, etc.) ensuring accurate forecasting, lead‑time control, and supplier performance.
- Coordinate effectively with design, PMO, engineering, and construction teams to maintain schedule adherence.
Supplier & Contractor Management
- Build and maintain robust global supplier networks across contractors, technology players, specialist OEMs, and EPC partners.
- Monitor and benchmark cost structures, market trends, and pricing movements across regions.
- Ensure consistent commercial management, claims mitigation, and performance governance across all partners.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a trusted commercial advisor to senior leadership, project directors, and technical teams.
- Influence decision‑making with data‑driven insights, cost modelling, and scenario analyses.
- Represent procurement in global steering forums and cross‑functional project reviews.
Team & Capability Development
- Build a high‑performing global procurement team as the portfolio scales.
- Establish procurement training, development frameworks, and succession planning.
Qualifications & Experience
- 15+ years' experience in procurement, commercial management, or QS in large‑scale construction, infrastructure, or data centers.
- Proven capability running end‑to‑end procurement for complex, high‑capex build environments.
- Strong understanding of PMC structures, architectural workflows, engineering disciplines, and full data center construction cycles.
- Demonstrated experience managing long‑lead items, cost structures, forecasting, and supplier/contractor coordination.
- Global or multi‑regional procurement leadership experience strongly preferred.
- Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and ability to engage credibly at executive level.
- Highly polished professional image and strong stakeholder presence-critical for the role.
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