Assistant Director, Procurement and Contracts Management (OCIS)

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Singapore Management University is a place where high-level professionalism blends together with a healthy informality. The 'family-like' atmosphere among the SMU community fosters a culture where employees work, plan, organise and play together building a strong collegiality and morale within the university.

Our commitment to attract and retain talent is ongoing. We offer attractive benefits and welfare, competitive compensation packages, and generous professional development opportunities all to meet the work-life needs of our staff. No wonder, then, that SMU continues to be given numerous awards and recognition for its human resource excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position is for Office of Campus Infrastructure and Services (OCIS).
• Contract Management
  • Undertake the day-to-day Contracts Management for Facilities Management, A&A works and construction projects.
  • Responsible to lead and work with facilities managers/project managers in contractual and costing matters and ensure compliance with appropriate tendering and procurement procedures.
  • Responsible for the preparation of tender documents and procurement management framework.
  • Undertake tender and procurement administration of consultants and contractors through QFM and PQM tenders and quotation exercises.
  • Closely monitor and validate work progress, payments, variations, and final accounts through site visits and document verification, ensuring alignment with contract terms and agreed schedules and maintaining optimal cash flow.
  • Organize and lead variation meetings regularly to keep track of the approved budget.
  • Judiciously evaluate, process and put up recommendations for accepting tenders, quotations, variation orders, payment of consultants' fees, contractors' progress payment and final accounts.
  • Manage resolution of contractual claims of various projects from pre-tender to post-contract stages and implementation of cost control measures.
  • Represent the University during progress and technical discussions/meetings with the project's consultant team.
  • Assist in conducting technical reviews of consultant's proposals to ensure designs are optimal, fit-for-purpose, within the approved budget and meet the university's goals and aspirations.
  • Track work progress and project expenditure to ensure the project is completed within budget and on schedule.
• Vendor and Category Management
  • Identify, evaluate, and select vendors/suppliers based on quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Maintain strong vendor relationships to leverage cost savings, innovation, and improved service opportunities.
  • Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions to secure favourable agreements while mitigating risks.
  • Secure the best value for money by identifying cost-saving opportunities and implementing strategies to achieve favourable terms, pricing, and service levels in agreements.
  • Supervise contractors' performances to ensure the contract stipulations are met.
• Risk Management and Compliance
  • Assess and mitigate risks associated with procurement activities, ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements and the University's policies and procedures.
• Budget Management/Coordinator
  • Manage OCIS internal stakeholders' budget.
• Supervise and manage the procurement sub-team
  • Provide guidance, support, and performance feedback to sub-team members to maintain high productivity and morale.
  • Assign tasks and monitor performance to ensure the successful execution of procurement activities.
  • Ensure balanced workload distribution among sub-team members to optimize efficiency.
  • Mentor, train, and support the professional development of procurement staff to enhance team capabilities and performance.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Always seek to improve internal systems including processes and procedures for greater efficiency, maximizing commercial opportunities, and minimizing business exposure to commercial risk.
  • Explore and implement innovative solutions and best practices on procurement and contract strategy, and related functions.
  • Establish any improvement opportunities relating to efficiencies, providing value to stakeholders and/or reducing non-value-added process activities through review of policies, procedures, and workflows.

• Degree in Building or Quantity Surveying, Construction/Project Management, or other building/facilities management related fields.
• At least 20 to 25 years of hands-on, relevant experience in the Singapore building industry, preferably in both the private and public sectors and have performed the role of a consultant or a developer/owner's representative, or both.
• Experience in facilities management, project management, contracts management, procurement methodologies and evaluation of cost norms.
• Ability to innovate and provide value-add in campus development matters.
• Good communications (both written and spoken) and interpersonal skills.
• Good organizational, analytical skills and a team player.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement strategies and sourcing techniques.
• Experience in vendor/supplier management and relationship building.
• Proficiency in using procurement software and tools.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, assess supplier performance, and make data-driven decisions.

#LI-ST1

Candidates who do not possess the stipulated qualifications but have relevant work experience may still apply. Remuneration and appointment terms shall commensurate with qualifications and experience. SMU reserves the right to modify the appointment terms where necessary.