Eugene Thompson Email & Phone Number

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

As Commercial Manager at Kettle Collective, I lead the commercial strategy for prestigious projects across the GCC, including landmark PIF initiatives in Saudi Arabia. I specialize in contract negotiation, cost management, and financial oversight, ensuring that projects not only meet their financial goals but also deliver exceptional value. My role involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to manage budgets, address risks, and uphold contractual obligations, ensuring smooth project delivery from concept to completion. By aligning innovative design with commercial acumen, I help clients navigate the complexities of large-scale developments, driving success through smart, value-focused solutions.

United Arab Emirates

As Lead Contract Specialist at Colliers Project Leaders, seconded to the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport, I played a pivotal role in delivering Abu Dhabi’s Transportation Mobility Management Strategy 2030. This Programme includes the development of Abu Dhabi’s first Multimodal Intelligent Transportation Management Center and an extensive bus network infrastructure across the emirate. Additionally, I contributed to the Al Reem Island Development, managing complex construction claims and overseeing key infrastructure projects, including roads, utilities, bridges, tunnels, and public amenities.My responsibilities included developing and executing procurement strategies, managing budgets, and ensuring financial alignment with project objectives. I led contract negotiations, safeguarded commercial interests, and ensured compliance with Public Private Partnership agreements. I also focused on risk management, cost control, and stakeholder engagement, all while overseeing complex construction claims, particularly on the Al Reem Island project.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

As the Lead Cost Control Engineer, I managed cost planning and control for a USD 1.5 billion portfolio of LNG/LPG projects in Iraq, including drilling, storage, treatment, and transportation. I developed and implemented advanced cost control systems, improving expense tracking and preventing overruns. I engineered comprehensive procedures to align costs with project goals, deployed monitoring tools for precise financial tracking, and played a crucial role in tender evaluations, contractor claim resolutions, and budget negotiations. My leadership in change and risk management workshops, coupled with strategic insights and detailed reports, informed executive decisions. Additionally, I established a cost database that set benchmarks for future projects and led risk management and procurement efforts.

City Of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

In my role, I provided critical commercial and contractual guidance during project execution, ensuring sound decision-making and risk mitigation. I successfully navigated and concluded complex claims, including those arising from COVID-19-related delays and disruptions, and advocated for subcontractors in disputes over delayed payments by the main contractor. My approach involved implementing robust claims management procedures, overseeing the process from preparation through negotiation to resolution.Regularly leading risk management and value engineering workshops, I focused on optimizing stakeholder value and identifying opportunities while mitigating potential cost impacts on projects. This proactive approach ensured that projects remained on track financially and operationally.My experience in evaluating and negotiating subcontractor submissions, including payment applications, change orders, and claim events, underscores my ability to manage and resolve the complexities inherent in large-scale projects. This skillset has been instrumental in driving successful project outcomes and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.

Macao

Managed the commercial and procurement functions from end-to-end for the portfolio that included the Londoner Macau Project. I developed a strategic procurement business plan, establishing long-term goals to enhance departmental effectiveness. This included expanding the supply chain by negotiating long-term service agreements with tier 1, internationally acclaimed design consultants and architects, ensuring top-tier expertise for the project.I oversaw the performance and development of the procurement team, managed contract development and administration, and served as the primary contact for procurement-related matters. My role involved guiding departments on policy interpretation and alignment, and implementing training programs to elevate team capabilities, ensuring consistent application of procurement practices across the organization.My expertise in reviewing and analyzing construction claims and managing complex logistics played a key role in addressing the unique challenges of integrating multiple sites under live conditions. Through careful planning, strategic partnerships, and effective procurement management, I ensured that the project maintained high standards of quality and efficiency throughout the design and construction process

Singapore

In my role, I led the performance and development of cost management, construction procurement, and contracts management teams, managing an annual CAPEX budget of US$ 500 million. By updating contract clauses after a comprehensive risk assessment and appropriate risk allocation, I generated an estimated US$ 13 million in cost savings. I optimized procurement processes, reducing contractor onboarding time by 3-4 weeks, and cut variations/scope creep by 50% through effective communication and team training.I spearheaded contract negotiations for Joint Ventures, Alliance Agreements, Partnerships, Framework agreements, and exclusivity arrangements. Implementing project-specific contracting strategies and change management procedures, I streamlined contract management processes and improved workflow efficiency. I also managed commercial risks, processed purchase orders, developed bids and proposals, and resolved invoice discrepancies.Before my transfer to Sands China Limited in Macau, I focused on succession planning by mentoring and training my team, ensuring they were fully equipped to maintain high performance and continue driving success in my absence.

Saudi Arabia

As Lead Contracts Manager for Fluor in Saudi Arabia, I played a key role in the successful delivery of the USD 20 billion SADARA project, the world’s largest chemical complex built in a single phase. Overseeing commercial and contractual aspects for the utilities, power, and infrastructure work packages, I provided strategic guidance and support to the project management team throughout the project lifecycle.I was responsible for developing and executing procurement and contracting strategies, managing change, and ensuring compliance across all contractor agreements. My expertise in reviewing and negotiating complex construction claims, including high-value claims arising from defective work, ensured risk mitigation and successful claim resolutions. I also maintained periodic cost plans and reports, providing senior executives with critical financial updates.Recognized twice as Employee of the Month for my significant contributions toward achieving project goals, I focused on driving value, reducing risks, and ensuring commercial success in this landmark project.

Singapore

As Subcontract Administrator for the EPC Contractor, I managed the comprehensive contract and commercial responsibilities for the Olefins Recovery facility on the Singapore Parallel Train Project (this portion of the project was valued at US $ 1.3 bn).My role encompassed the administration and management of subcontracts, development and performance of the contracts team, and support to the Commercial Manager in administering the prime contract. I was also responsible for monitoring and controlling costs related to EPC services.Notably, I developed and implemented tools to manage a complex variation valued at US $100 million and effectively managed a significant claim under the Security of Payment Act submitted by a subcontractor.

South Africa

As a Contracts Engineer within an EPCM organization, I played a pivotal role in overseeing projects totaling US$ 3 billion, including the FTWEP in Sasolburg and several AFROX expansion projects in Secunda, Cape Town, and Sasolburg. My primary focus was on pre-contract activities, where I led the development of procurement strategies, prepared comprehensive tender documentation, managed risk assessments, and conducted bidder qualification and selection. I successfully evaluated tender submissions, negotiated with stakeholders, and formed robust contracts to ensure project goals were met.My experience also includes ensuring contractual compliance, managing change control processes, and overseeing construction claims from inception to resolution. I worked closely with project management, engineering, and construction teams, providing valuable insights and recommendations on various contractual and commercial matters, ensuring alignment with project objectives.Additionally, I was responsible for closing out contracts, negotiating final accounts, and issuing completion certificates. This included monitoring compliance, performing risk analysis, and mitigating any potential issues to ensure a smooth and successful project closeout, with all contractual matters resolved and performance bonds released.

Mpumalanga Area, South Africa

Managed broad scope of quantity surveying duties including review of subcontractor's monthly progress claims and performance, quantification of change and cost control.

South Africa

Handled full set of AP, AR and general accounting as well as audit, tax and other statutory requirements.

Advanced Diploma In Management, Business Administration And Management, General

Certificate In Entrepreneurship (Small Business Management)