Head of Contracts

Role/Specialization: Commercial, Procurement & Contracts (CPC) Lead – Mixed-Use Development

Reporting To: Project Director

Role Summary: The Commercial, Contracts & Procurement Lead will provide strategic leadership for all commercial, procurement, contracting, and cost management activities for a landmark mixed-use development comprising a museum/cultural asset, food & beverage destinations, retail spaces and high-quality public realm. The role will be responsible for developing procurement strategies, managing tendering and contract administration, ensuring commercial governance, optimizing project costs, and establishing strong supplier and contractor partnerships to support timely and cost-effective project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

1. Commercial Strategy & Cost Management

• Develop and implement commercial strategies aligned with project objectives, delivery timelines, and approved budgets.
• Lead project cost planning, budgeting, estimates, and value engineering initiatives across all development packages.
• Monitor commercial performance, cost trends, and budget utilisation while identifying opportunities for cost optimisation.
• Support the Project Director and Finance Lead with commercial analysis, forecasting, and financial decision-making.

1. Procurement & Vendor Management

• Develop procurement strategies for consultants, contractors, long-lead materials, equipment, and specialised museum installations.
• Lead vendor identification, prequalification, capability assessments, and supplier onboarding.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with contractors, suppliers, and service providers to ensure competitive sourcing and reliable delivery.
• Drive procurement planning to support project schedules while mitigating supply chain risks.

1. Tendering & Contract Administration

• Lead end-to-end tendering processes including preparation of tender documents, bid evaluations, negotiations, contract awards, and execution.
• Develop appropriate contracting strategies for major construction, specialist, MEP, museum, fit-out, and public realm packages.
• Administer contracts throughout the project lifecycle, including change management, variations, claims, extensions of time, and contract close-out.
• Ensure contractual compliance and effective management of commercial risks across all project packages.

1. Commercial Controls & Project Coordination

• Monitor contractor performance against commercial obligations, project milestones, and contractual deliverables.
• Coordinate closely with Planning, Construction, Finance, Design, and Project Management teams to align procurement and commercial activities with project requirements.
• Review bills, payment certifications, procurement schedules, and commercial documentation to ensure timely processing and governance.
• Support resolution of commercial issues through effective negotiation and stakeholder engagement.

1. Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Establish robust commercial governance frameworks, procurement policies, and contract management processes.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies, statutory regulations, contractual obligations, and internal approval frameworks.
• Identify commercial risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimise project exposure.
• Promote transparency, ethical procurement practices, and continuous improvement across commercial operations.

Required Qualifications & skill-sets:

1. Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline.
2. Postgraduate qualification in Construction Management, Contracts Management, NICMAR, or Business Administration will be an added advantage.
3. 15–18 years of experience in commercial management, procurement, contracts, and cost management for large-scale commercial, mixed-use, hospitality, or institutional developments.
4. Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, estimation, tendering, procurement strategy, contract administration, and commercial negotiations.
5. Strong knowledge of construction contracts, procurement practices, cost planning, value engineering, and project commercial controls.
6. Experience managing high-value contractors, consultants, suppliers, and multidisciplinary procurement packages.
7. Familiarity with statutory requirements, construction contracting frameworks, and commercial practices applicable to projects in Mumbai.
8. Experience working with premium mixed-use developments, international consultants, and complex stakeholder environments will be highly desirable.

Key Competencies

1. Commercial strategy and cost management
2. Procurement and supply chain management
3. Contract administration and negotiations
4. Budgeting and value engineering
5. Commercial risk assessment and mitigation
6. Vendor and stakeholder management
7. Financial and commercial acumen
8. Strategic sourcing and decision-making
9. Leadership and cross-functional collaboration
10. Governance and continuous improvement