Six Construct, a subsidiary of the BESIX Group, is the largest Belgian construction company operating in the Middle East. The company combines the efforts of a highly skilled workforce, along with strategic planning and innovative use of technology to overcome the most complex business challenges. Six Construct is a multi-services company that operates in the construction of commercial and residential buildings, sport and leisure facilities, infrastructure and marine-related projects. The company currently employs a workforce of 16,000 in the Middle East, and a total of 19,000 worldwide.

A Material Engineer plays a crucial role in the procurement department by contributing specialized expertise related to construction materials. The primary responsibilities of a Material Engineer within the procurement department include:

• Material Specification and Selection:
  • Collaborate with project teams to understand material requirements for various construction projects.
  • Provide technical input in the selection of construction materials based on project specifications, standards, and performance criteria.
  • Raise RFI’s in case material specifications are too stringent and value engineering is possible.
• Vendor Assessment and Qualification:
  • Participate in the evaluation and qualification of potential suppliers and subcontractors.
  • Assess the technical capabilities and reliability of vendors, particularly those involved in the supply of construction materials.
• Procurement support & Technical Evaluation of Bids:
  • Assist the Procurement team with the preparation of the procurement logs. 
  • Define the long lead materials in the early stage of the project and prioritize the materials based on the project construction schedule.
  • Assist the Procurement with providing the technical package for the materials.
  • Review and assess technical aspects of bids received from material suppliers and subcontractors.
  • Provide recommendations to the procurement team based on the technical compliance and suitability of the materials proposed.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance:
  • Ensure that materials procured meet industry standards, project specifications, and regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborate with quality control and assurance teams to prepare the material inspection plan, checklist, and conduct necessary tests and inspections.
• Cost Analysis and Value Engineering:
  • Work closely with the procurement team to analyze costs associated with various materials and construction methods.
  • Provide input on value engineering options to optimize costs without compromising quality.
• Supplier Relationship Management:
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with material suppliers and subcontractors.
  • Communicate technical requirements and expectations to vendors to ensure compliance with project specifications.
• Contract Negotiation and Review:
  • Ensure that contracts align with technical specifications and quality standards.
• Problem Resolution:
  • Address technical issues related to materials during the procurement process.
  • Collaborate with project managers and other stakeholders to resolve material-related challenges and deviations from project standards.
• Documentation and Record Keeping:
  • Obtain the material submittals of the vendors and ensure that they are compliant with the project specifications.
  • In order to obtain approval, collaborate with the Engineer to submit the required materials and proactively address any comments or concerns raised by them.
  • Maintain detailed records of material specifications, supplier qualifications, and testing results.
  • Ensure that all documentation complies with regulatory standards and company policies.

The collaboration between Material Engineers and the procurement team is essential to ensure that construction materials meet the required standards, are procured at competitive prices, and contribute to the overall success of construction projects.

Skills and Competencies

• Civil /Finishing Material engineer – who has good knowledge in concrete, waterproofing, masonry, tiles, grouts, PT strands, steel structure, rebar, pipes, GRP, etc. (Civil Background)
• MEP Material engineer knows the different trades mechanical, plumbing and electrical as well as ELV. (MEP Background)
• Finishing material engineer has knowledge of cladding, façade and other finishing materials Marble, Granite, glass, gypsum, etc.). This person has an architectural background. 
• In-depth knowledge of construction materials, testing methods, and industry standards.
• Familiarity with procurement processes, negotiation, and contract management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on maintaining high-quality standards in procurement.

• Holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-graduate experience, with at least 3 years of Middle East experience as a Material Engineer in construction industry, preferably with Main Contractor.
• In-depth experience in procurement processes, material evaluation and procedures, from supplier identification to pre-contract negotiations, order placement to expediting.
• Possess extensive experience in engineering, construction, and projects.

Six Construct is guided by our core values of respect, excellence, co-creation, passion, and unity. Our values are at the heart of everything we do, creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, secure, and motivated to reach their full potential.