Tendering Manager – Overhead Transmission Lines & Underground Cable Projects

About the Role

This position is for a seasoned Tendering Manager specializing in Overhead Transmission Lines (OHTL) and Underground Cable (UGC) projects within the power transmission sector in Saudi Arabia. The role involves spearheading the preparation, coordination, and submission of thorough and competitive tender bids that comply with technical and commercial stipulations. An in-depth knowledge of EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) power transmission projects and the Saudi market, particularly dealings with Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and other key utilities and contractors, is crucial.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all tender-related activities from receipt of tender documents to final bid submission and clarifications, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
• Analyze tender documents including ITT/RFP, technical specifications, BOQs, schedules, and contractual terms to formulate effective tender strategies and plans.
• Coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams including engineering, procurement, construction, and commercial departments to ensure tender submissions meet all requirements.
• Manage technical bids related to high-voltage transmission lines, underground cables, substations, and associated civil and structural works.
• Obtain and evaluate competitive quotations from suppliers and subcontractors and analyze costs, making comprehensive pricing and commercial assessments.
• Develop detailed EPC cost estimates factoring resources, productivity, logistics, and subcontracting to prepare accurate tender pricing, including components such as conductors, towers, foundations, insulators, cables, civil works, testing, and logistics.
• Review contracts comprehensively covering scope, payments, liquidated damages, guarantees, warranties, bonds, delays, changes, insurance, taxes, and identify associated risks with mitigation strategies.
• Maintain communication with clients, consultants, utilities, and partners during tender stages, supporting clarifications and negotiations.
• Stay abreast of Saudi power transmission market trends, SEC requirements, local content policies, and maintain a database of suppliers and rates relevant to tenders.
• Lead tender teams across disciplines ensuring effective assignment, monitoring deliverables, reviewing submissions, and mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Civil, Power Engineering, or related fields.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in tendering, estimation, proposals, or commercial management within power transmission EPC projects.
• Demonstrated expertise with OHTL and/or UGC projects, including Saudi market experience and working with SEC or major utilities preferred.

Technical Skills

• Expertise in high-voltage transmission systems and EPC project execution.
• In-depth knowledge of OHTL construction components such as towers, conductors, OPGW, insulators, and fittings.
• Comprehensive understanding of underground cable installation, jointing, trenching, civil works, and related testing.
• Strong cost estimation, pricing, BOQ, and MTO analysis skills.
• Contractual and commercial acumen including risk assessment and vendor negotiations.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and Office; familiarity with ERP/tendering/estimation software advantageous.
• Fluency in English; Arabic language skills are a plus.

Preferred Experience

• Projects at 132kV, 220kV, or 380kV levels in transmission and underground cables.
• Experience in EPC/Turnkey transmission projects and related construction.
• Familiarity with SEC project standards and Saudi utility protocols.
• Handling large-scale infrastructure power tenders within international or major Saudi EPC contractors.

Core Competencies

• Tender and bid management with attention to detail and deadline adherence.
• Strategic cost estimation and pricing optimization.
• Risk management and mitigation in commercial and contractual domains.
• Leadership of cross-functional teams and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong negotiation and communication capabilities.

Performance Indicators

• Accuracy and punctuality of tender submissions.
• Tender success rate and profitability margins.
• Cost estimation precision and risk handling effectiveness.
• Competitive supplier and subcontractor quotation coverage.
• Quality of tender submissions and successful follow-up negotiations.

Additional Information

The ideal candidate combines over a decade of experience in power transmission EPC tendering with an excellent grasp of technical, commercial, and contractual factors. Proven success managing high-value tenders in Saudi Arabia and collaborating effectively across departments is required. Candidates experienced in SEC-related projects will be prioritized.