About the Role: Responsibilities, Skills, and Requirements
Introduction
Ever wonder what keeps a construction site running on schedule? It’s not just the engineers and project managers—it’s the person behind the scenes making sure materials show up on time, at the right price, and without cutting corners. That’s where you come in.
We’re looking for a sharp, proactive Purchase Assistant to join a growing MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) construction company based in Sharjah. If you thrive on negotiation, love the thrill of a well-timed RFQ, and take pride in keeping projects moving, this could be your next move. The role is immediate, hands-on, and offers a real chance to make an impact from day one.
About the Company
We’re a mid-sized MEP contractor with a solid reputation across the UAE. Our projects range from commercial towers to industrial facilities, and we’ve earned our stripes by delivering quality work—sometimes under tight deadlines, but never at the expense of standards.
The team here is tight-knit, a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry young professionals who genuinely enjoy what they do. There’s no corporate red tape or endless meetings. You’ll work directly with project leads, get your hands dirty (figuratively, unless you visit site), and actually see the results of your work when materials land on time and budgets hold. We value people who take ownership, ask questions, and bring ideas to the table—even if they shake things up a bit.
What You’ll Be Doing
This isn’t a desk-warming job. You’ll be in the thick of procurement, managing the full cycle from start to finish. Here’s what a typical day might look like:
- Owning the RFQ process — sending out requests, comparing quotations, and making sure we’re getting the best value without compromising on quality.
- Issuing purchase orders and chasing deliveries — because a PO is only the beginning. You’ll be the one following up, resolving delays, and keeping suppliers honest.
- Building and managing supplier relationships — identifying new vendors in the UAE market, vetting them, and onboarding the ones that meet our standards. Maliha Hoshi is our base, but you’ll be scouting across the country.
- Negotiating like a pro — pricing, payment terms, contracts. You’ll drive cost savings while making sure the materials meet spec. It’s a balancing act, and you’ll be the one walking the tightrope.
- Coordinating with project teams — making sure site supervisors have what they need, when they need it, and flagging any potential delays before they become problems.
What You’ll Bring
We’re not looking for a robot with a procurement certificate. We want someone who thinks on their feet, communicates clearly, and isn’t afraid to pick up the phone and push for a better deal.
Must-Haves:
- 2+ years of procurement experience, ideally in construction or MEP.
- Solid knowledge of the UAE supplier market—you know who’s reliable and who’s just flashy.
- Strong negotiation skills and the confidence to push back when needed.
- Excellent follow-through. If you say you’ll chase a delivery, you actually do it.
- Good command of English (Arabic is a plus, but not required).
- Proficiency with MS Office and basic ERP systems—nothing fancy, just practical.
Nice-to-Haves:
- Experience with MEP materials specifically (cables, pipes, fittings, HVAC components, etc.).
- A network of existing supplier contacts in the region.
- A valid UAE driving license—it helps when you need to visit suppliers or site.
Not sure you tick every box? We’d still love to hear from you. If you’ve got the drive and the basics down, we can work on the rest together.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
Let’s be real—construction procurement can be stressful. But the right environment makes all the difference. Here’s what you can expect:
- Competitive salary — AED 4,000 to 5,000, based on experience and interview performance.
- Immediate start — no long notice periods or endless waiting. We need someone now, and we move fast.
- Real growth opportunities — as we expand, so do our team members. Show us what you’ve got, and there’s room to grow into senior roles.
- Hands-on experience — you’ll work directly with project managers and senior leadership, not buried in a corporate hierarchy.
- A supportive team — we look out for each other, share knowledge, and don’t leave anyone hanging when deadlines loom.
- Standard UAE benefits — visa, medical insurance, and annual leave, all sorted.
At the end of the day, this is a place where your work actually matters. When a project finishes on time and under budget, you’ll know you played a part in that. If that sounds like the kind of challenge you’re after, we’d love to meet you.
Common Interview Questions and Tips
To help you prepare and feel confident, here are some questions you might encounter during the interview process for this role.
- Walk me through how you’d handle a situation where a critical MEP material is delayed and the site team is pressuring you for an update. What’s your immediate move?
- If you receive three quotes for the same cable order—one is cheapest but from an unknown supplier, one is mid-range from a vendor you trust, and one is premium—how do you decide which way to go?
- Describe a time you successfully negotiated better payment terms or pricing with a supplier. What was your approach and how did it turn out?
- How familiar are you with MEP materials like cables, pipes, fittings, or HVAC components? Can you name a few you’ve sourced recently and what you looked for in terms of quality?
- Suppose a supplier you’ve never worked with offers a great deal on a bulk order. How would you vet them before committing to a purchase order?
- What’s your process for tracking open purchase orders and ensuring deliveries actually arrive on schedule? Do you rely on any specific system or just old-fashioned follow-up?
- Tell me about a time you had to push back on a project lead or site supervisor because the requested material wasn’t available or didn’t meet spec. How did you handle the conversation?
- Imagine you’re juggling multiple urgent RFQs at once, and one project manager keeps escalating their request. How do you prioritize without dropping the ball on the others?
- What excites you most about working in a hands-on procurement role rather than a more corporate or process-heavy one?
- How do you stay organized when you’re managing dozens of suppliers, quotes, and delivery schedules at the same time? Walk me through your day-to-day routine.
- Can you share an example of a mistake you made in a previous procurement role—maybe a wrong order or a missed deadline—and what you learned from it?
- We’re a tight-knit team that values ownership and direct communication. How do you prefer