Category Lead

• Offsite Infrastructure relates to the development of rail and port facilities. Pre- and post-award activities are extensive and mainly outsourced to EPCM partners. Both EPCM partners are actively involved and travel regularly. They have a support team handling end-to-end commercial scope, and the Category Lead will coordinate stage gate approvals/interventions (planned and unplanned) to allow EPCMs to deliver and achieve target dates.
• Out-of-EPCM offsite infrastructure relates to contracts with government entities and contractors directly. These contracts are to be analysed, a cheat sheet developed, and actively managed.
• Services priorities mainly relate to Transport and Logistics, including the movement of cargo from point of origin to site. Although most work is outsourced to a Freight Forwarding entity, a portion will be fully managed internally. The Category Lead will manage commercial touchpoints to enable the Transport & Logistics team. Contracts include transportation agreements, customs clearing, storage facilities/laydowns, etc.
• PMC alignment and relations. The PMCs are involved in Freight Forwarding (active role), Port and Rail (EPCM oversight, independent verifications). Setting up and nurturing a two-way flow of information and communication is important. The Category Lead will drive this actively.
• A full reagents/chemical supply tender will form part of the category scope, covering planning, sourcing, storage, transportation, and management of products required in production.
• Indirect spend items, e.g., camp management (catering, laundry, housekeeping, supplies, etc.), will be extended to other items on an ad hoc basis.
• Although effectively on-site, the airport development programme is dealt with under this category scope, including runway extension, control tower, passenger terminal, aircraft hangar, fencing, etc.
• Various service contracts have been awarded in the past without attention to renewals or replacements. These are to be assessed and planned for incorporation into the commercial category plan.

• Set commercial baseline plans for multiple simultaneous projects.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand requirements and ensure category strategies support project timelines and budgets.
• Prepare, review, and issue internal control documents.
• Evaluate options, present scenarios, and recommend contractor selection for executive approval.
• Lead contract negotiations and manage commercial terms with suppliers.
• Ensure contracts align with project goals, legal compliance, and internal policies.
• Manage post-award contract changes, including variations and amendments.
• Measure post-award performance and intervene as required.
• Track and report on category performance.
• Drive open actions to closure.
• Lead regular progress meetings with EPCMs and provide support resolving scheduling, performance, and commercial matters.
• Maintain high-quality contract documentation and secure storage.
• Represent the organization in meetings with project stakeholders, including government organisations.
• Liaise with internal teams (Legal, Finance, Risk, Project Controls) for integrated contract support.
• Set up, prepare for, and record stakeholder engagement sessions.
• Support executive reporting and board presentations related to major contracts.
• Mentor and lead contract administration staff, promoting knowledge sharing and performance excellence.

Bayt