Procurement Lead - PUA - O&M

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!   At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible.   Job Description: Parsons are seeking a seasoned a Procurement Lead to l ead all procurement activities related to Operations & Maintenance (O&M) for the PUA program, including long-term service contracts, operating agreements, maintenance frameworks, spares and consumables, and outsourced support services. The role is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that secure reliable, cost-effective O&M delivery, while ensuring transparency, compliance, and alignment with PUA performance and safety objectives. What You'll Be Doing; Develop and own the O&M procurement strategy for the PUA program, covering operations, maintenance, asset management, and support services. Define sourcing strategies and category plans for: Operations service providers and operators Preventive and corrective maintenance services Long-term maintenance contracts and performance-based agreements Spare parts, consumables, tools, and specialist equipment Technical support, OEM services, and asset management systems Align O&M procurement with lifecycle cost targets, reliability/availability requirements, and risk allocation strategy. Lead market sounding and industry engagement for O&M and related services to understand capability, capacity, and commercial models. Oversee preparation of all O&M-related procurement documents, including: RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, and ITTs Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and performance metrics Commercial conditions, payment mechanisms, and incentive/penalty regimes Manage the full tender cycle: issue, clarifications, addenda, technical and commercial evaluation, negotiations, and recommendation for award. Ensure robust, auditable evaluation processes, including total cost of ownership and qualitative service criteria. Recommend appropriate contracting models for O&M (e.g. O&M contracts, performance-based maintenance, availability-based contracts, framework agreements, PPP/operate components). Work with legal, finance, risk, and technical teams to develop balanced contract terms addressing: Performance and service levels Asset condition and lifecycle obligations Interfaces with capital works and systems suppliers Risk allocation, warranties, and liquidated damages Lead commercial negotiations focused on lifecycle value, risk mitigation, and alignment with PUA operational objectives. Build and maintain a qualified supplier base for O&M services, OEMs, and critical spare partners within the transport sector. Support definition of performance frameworks, KPIs, and reporting requirements for O&M contracts. Establish mechanisms for supplier performance reviews, improvement plans, and escalation processes. Promote long-term, collaborative relationships where appropriate, while preserving competition and value-for-money. Apply DMO and PUA procurement governance frameworks to all O&M procurement activities. Ensure full compliance with public procurement regulations, funding body rules, and internal audit requirements. Identify, assess, and manage procurement and commercial risks related to O&M contracts, feeding into the program-wide risk register. Prepare clear procurement reports, evaluation summaries, business cases, and board papers for decision-making forums. Work closely with operations, maintenance, asset management, engineering, and finance teams to ensure O&M procurement: Reflects realistic technical and operational requirements Supports asset lifecycle strategies and renewal plans Aligns with budgets, tariffs, and business plans Support transition from construction to operations, including novation or integration of warranties, manuals, and spare parts into O&M arrangements. Ensure contract start dates, mobilisation periods, and procurement lead times align with operational readiness and service commencement. Act as the primary O&M procurement interface with: Government agencies, regulators, and oversight bodies Operators, maintenance providers, and key suppliers Internal program leadership and DMO governance forums Present O&M procurement strategies, tender outcomes, and contract recommendations to senior stakeholders. Support consultations, approvals, and alignment with broader transport and asset management strategies. Lead and mentor a dedicated O&M procurement team within the PUA program. Develop capabilities in service procurement, performance-based contracting, and lifecycle commercial analysis. Promote best practice, standardization, and lessons learned across O&M procurement processes, tools, and templates. What Required Skills You'll Bring; Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, Quantity Surveying, or related discipline. Minimum 20 years’ experience in procurement within the transport sector (rail, metro, highways, public transport, or similar). Significant experience leading procurement of O&M and long-term service contracts for major transport or infrastructure assets. Proven track record in complex tendering, evaluation, negotiation, and contract award for high-value service and maintenance agreements. Strong understanding of operations, maintenance practices, asset management, and lifecycle costing in transport systems. Regional experience in GCC / Middle East (ideally Saudi Arabia) and familiarity with local procurement regulations and O&M market dynamics. Strong commercial acumen, with expertise in service and lifecycle cost analysis. Advanced negotiation and contract structuring skills. In-depth knowledge