Suraj Ramachandran Thandassery

• Oversee procurement activities across multiple internal entities
including Sobha Furniture, Sobha Constructions, and Latinem
Facilities Management
• Drive procurement governance, standardization, and compliance
across business units
• Achieved cost savings of AED 4 million by introducing alternative
quotations and onboarding new suppliers across CAPEX categories
• Led strategic sourcing for forklifts, IT equipment (laptops, interactive
screens), and material procurement (solid wood, acrylic MDF boards)
• Eliminated intermediary trading layers by directly engaging with OEMs
and authorized distributors, improving cost efficiency and supply
reliability
• Review sourcing strategies and commercial decisions to ensure
alignment with organizational policies
• Identify and mitigate commercial and contractual risks across
procurement transactions
• Strengthen vendor evaluation frameworks and comparison
methodologies to improve transparency and decision-making
• Provide leadership with insights on procurement performance, cost
trends, and improvement opportunities

• Developed detailed procurement schedules coordinated with project
managers, ensuring prompt material availability from project
initiation.
• Monitored project purchases, costs, and timelines, providing regular
reports to senior management for strategic decision-making.
• Found and managed long-lead materials, aligning procurement with
project schedules to prevent delays.
• Executed order placements and subcontracting finalization, ensuring
compliance with project requirements and cost control measures.
• Optimized resource deployment and use, enhancing operational
efficiency.
• Prepared and evaluated inquiry and subcontractor packages, ensuring
cost-effectiveness and prompt project execution.
• Led value engineering initiatives, comparing proposals to drive
procurement and subcontracting efficiencies.
• Managed subcontract awards, contract negotiations, and billing
certifications, ensuring seamless execution and final account closures.
• Coordinated scope changes, quantity adjustments, and cost updates,
keeping project teams informed before order placements.
• Organised the audit for the Factory for FSC certification as the
Management Representative.

• Managed procurement activities for the newly formed Futureproofing
Division, specializing in refurbishment, structural repairs, floor
coating, painting, and more.
• Achieved a 30% cost reduction in industrial gases for waterproofing by
onboarding new suppliers.
• Optimized supplier delivery schedules, cutting inventory value by
40%.
• Led the rollout of an online invoice portal, onboarding 200+ vendors
and 100 subcontractors.
• Implemented online purchase requisition (PR) system and closed bid
process for high-value contracts.
• Established a monthly scrap sale bidding process.
• Managed subcontractors and suppliers for the new Repairs,
Refurbishment & Maintenance division.
• Developed and executed procurement strategies, streamlined
processes, and mitigated risks.
• Supported business diversification by qualifying new suppliers and
subcontractors.
• Supervised the procurement team, ensuring efficient purchasing,
logistics, and supplier coordination.

• Established and structured the procurement department, developing
a comprehensive and efficient procurement framework from the
ground up.
• Enhanced procurement workflows by introducing key innovations,
including a Purchase Requisition module, an online supplier portal,
and a closed bid process for CAPEX equipment, improving
transparency and efficiency.
• Optimized scrap management by implementing a streamlined sales
process, ensuring better resource utilization and sustainable waste
management practices.
• Reduced overall inventory levels by fostering strong coordination with
project teams, ensuring a lean, cost-effective supply chain without
compromising operational efficiency.
• Implemented control measures for Line of Technology (LOT) inventory
items, enhancing the turnover of shelf-life materials to align stock
levels with business needs.
• Developed and automated monthly procurement reports, providing
insights into key metrics such as Purchase Orders (LPO) created per
month, supporting data-driven decision-making.
• Increased procurement savings through strategic negotiations and
optimized payment terms, contributing to the organizations financial
efficiency and cost reduction.

Worked as a Resident Engineer from the Consultants side on assigned
projects:
• Finished Goods Warehouse Extension, Jotun Paints, Abu Dhabi
◦ Zinc Silicate Facility, Jotun Paints, Abu Dhabi
• Shuweihat S3 Power Plant, Abu Dhabi

Worked on the project, Cedar a G+9 residential building (Client: CIDBI)
dealing with project planning using Primavera P6, preparation of BOQ for
MEP works, preparation of progress reports and payment schedules.
•
Completed study for an indoor swimming pool on the 8th floor.
•
Coordinated works with civil engineers and site engineers ensuring
adherence to project schedules and safety requirements.