Contracts Specialist - Aldar Education

Job DescriptionAldar Education are currently seeking a Contracts Specialist to support our growing family of owned and operated schools in the UAE. This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly successful Aldar family of schools and to help shape the future of Abu Dhabi’s leading school group.As the leading education group in Abu Dhabi, we provide inclusive and innovative learning that inspires and empowers communities. We offer a range of brands for all learners in our community, from nursery through to adult education. We offer the broadest choice of curricula. In the largest number of locations in Abu Dhabi.Starting with one school and 250 students in 2007, Aldar Education has grown into a highly sought after education provider, now supporting over 38,000 students in 31 schools and a growing network of almost 5,000 educators, with over 100 nationalities, offering a wide range of curricula and ancillary services such as a Teacher Training Academy.Working collaboratively, our education network’s purpose is to empower the next generation to shape our future, directly supporting the educational goals of Abu Dhabi’s government. Today, Aldar Education’s efforts are guided by the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 plan, which aims to build a sustainable knowledge-based economy through premium educationBeing a member of the procurement team, you will be responsible of ensuring that schools requirements are fulfilled for excellent delivery of education to all our students across all groups of schools.The incumbent will continuously strive to exceed internal & external customer expectations while embracing the Aldar Education Core Values.ResponsibilitiesMain Duties Developing contracts’ standards and maintain ERP contracts module by creating and maintaining approved clauses and contract templates.Review requests for variation orders and ensure reasonable market pricing, liaison with requester/consultants for any clarifications.Maintain a detailed contracts records, providing performance information, and contract documentation related to bank guarantees, performance bonds, insurance policies, etc.Negotiating contracts terms and conditions with vendors.Maintaining relations with preferred vendors to ensure procurement of high-quality goods/services, expedient delivery, and dependable service at optimum price.Specific Duties:Evaluate bids to ensure compliance with specification.Ensure protection of Aldar Education’s interest in all contractual agreement to mitigate any identified risks.Receive requests; obtains estimates; updates records, initiates paperwork and follows up on request for approval of work not previously covered in the contract; processes and obtains approval of contract changes.Review agreements (and direct team/peers for agreement review) in coordination with the legal team for contractual matters, mainly related to contract clauses for non-standard contracts, contractual claims and disputes.Draft procurement contracts, agreements, variation orders and formal correspondencesAssist in managing the signing and distribution of contracts, tracking expiry of the agreements, and ensuring their timely renewal/replacement.Support in developing new contractual templates as and when needed by different organization departments in coordination and collaboration with legal team.Compilation and preparation of reports and analyses setting forth progress, adverse trends, and appropriate recommendations or conclusions. Ability to develop dashboards would be an added asset.Maintain track of the procurement plan to achieve department goals and KPIs.Analyse markets to determine vendor’s sources and product availability.Ensure compliance with corporate governance.Establish and updates records of all correspondence related to contract activity.As necessary, liaise with Legal, for clarification and direction about legal aspects and liabilities.Supplier relation management aspectsPeriodically review and check contracts to ensure compliance.Provide support to the Manager on tasks related to contractsSupport the Procurement Manager in reviewing low value POs and any other task related to ProcurementOther tasks as reasonable assigned.QualificationsMinimum Qualifications Minimum graduate level degree or related Procurement/Contracts specific qualification. CIPS Certified would be an added value.Minimum Experience A minimum of 5 years’ experience in procurement within the region with at least 2 years in contracts related roles within a corporate environment. Having education procurement experience is preferable.Job Specific Knowledge & SkillsKnowledge of contractual terms and conditions, insurance requirementsFluent English communication skills, written and oral. Arabic is an added valueExcellent attention to detail with diligent follow up, and ability to execute in a timely manner.Skilled in multi-tasking and handling pressure.Excellent interpersonal skills.Excellent knowledge of ERP systems is a must (SAP Ariba preferred).Detailed knowledge in agreements Terms and ConditionsNegotiation skills.Dynamic personality and the ability to work in fast paced and multinational environment.Knowledge of the education supplier base is of advantageAldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.