Material Specialist - Job Opportunity at NAWAH (ENEC Operations)

Abu Dhabi, AE
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 23, 2025
On-site
Based on the nuclear industry specialization, UAE location, and 3-year experience requirement, the salary range is likely between AED 120,000 to AED 180,000 annually (approximately USD 32,000 to USD 49,000). Nuclear industry roles typically command premium salaries due to specialized knowledge requirements and regulatory complexity.

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic procurement initiatives for nuclear and non-nuclear materials, directly impacting the safe and reliable operation of critical nuclear power infrastructure
Lead comprehensive supplier qualification and management processes, ensuring nuclear-grade quality standards that are essential for regulatory compliance and operational safety
Execute end-to-end procurement lifecycle management from purchase requisition creation through post-award administration, optimizing cost-effectiveness while maintaining stringent safety requirements
Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between Nuclear Specification Engineering, QA, and operational teams to resolve complex nonconformance issues and ensure technical specification compliance
Conduct strategic market analysis and competitive bid evaluations, making critical procurement recommendations that affect multi-million dollar equipment and material investments
Negotiate complex commercial terms and conditions with specialized nuclear suppliers, ensuring contractual compliance with strict nuclear industry regulations
Develop and implement strategic sourcing contracts for high-frequency materials, driving operational efficiency and cost optimization across the nuclear facility
Manage vendor relationship activities including technical clarifications, site visits, and bid exception resolutions that are crucial for maintaining qualified supplier networks

Requirements

Education

Bachelor degree in Bussiness or Engineering or equivelant

Experience

3years relevant experience in procurement/ purchasing

Required Skills

Nuclear supplier qualification Quality Assurance (QA) requirements understanding Technical specification review Purchase requisition (PR) creation and management Material master development Scope of Work development Request for Information (RFI) processes Commercial evaluation preparation Competitive bid analysis Vendor negotiation Contract terms and conditions management Cross-functional collaboration Budget analysis Supply chain coordination

Certifications

Professional Certifications (specific certifications not detailed in posting)
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Industry Trends

The nuclear energy sector is experiencing significant growth globally as countries pursue clean energy transitions and carbon neutrality goals, driving increased demand for specialized nuclear procurement professionals who can navigate complex regulatory requirements while maintaining operational efficiency. Nuclear power plant operations are becoming increasingly digitized and data-driven, requiring procurement specialists to understand advanced technologies and smart grid integration while maintaining traditional nuclear safety protocols. Supply chain resilience has become critical in the nuclear industry following global disruptions, with companies investing heavily in diversified supplier networks and strategic inventory management to ensure continuous operations. The United Arab Emirates is positioning itself as a regional nuclear energy leader, with the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant representing a significant milestone in the country's clean energy strategy and creating specialized career opportunities in nuclear operations.

Role Significance

Typically works within a procurement team of 5-8 specialists, collaborating closely with nuclear engineering, quality assurance, and operations teams totaling 15-20 cross-functional stakeholders.
This is a specialized mid-level position that requires significant autonomy in procurement decisions while working within established nuclear safety frameworks. The role carries substantial responsibility for ensuring operational continuity of critical nuclear infrastructure.

Key Projects

Multi-million dollar nuclear component procurement projects with 12-24 month lead times Strategic supplier qualification initiatives for nuclear-grade materials and equipment Emergency procurement response for critical maintenance requirements Long-term contract negotiations for high-volume consumables and spare parts

Success Factors

Deep understanding of nuclear industry regulations and quality standards is essential for navigating the complex compliance requirements that govern every procurement decision in nuclear facilities. Strong analytical and negotiation skills are critical for evaluating complex technical proposals and managing relationships with specialized nuclear suppliers who operate in a highly regulated market environment. Cross-functional collaboration abilities are vital for working effectively with nuclear engineers, quality assurance specialists, and operations teams who each bring unique technical perspectives to procurement decisions. Attention to detail and process adherence is paramount in nuclear procurement where documentation errors or specification deviations can have significant safety and regulatory implications.

Market Demand

High demand expected due to the specialized nature of nuclear procurement, limited talent pool with nuclear industry experience, and the UAE's continued investment in nuclear energy infrastructure development.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Nuclear industry regulatory knowledge is absolutely essential as every procurement decision must comply with strict nuclear safety standards and international atomic energy guidelines that govern nuclear facility operations. Technical specification analysis capabilities are critical for understanding complex nuclear equipment requirements and ensuring that procured materials meet exacting safety and performance standards. Vendor management and negotiation skills are vital for managing relationships with specialized nuclear suppliers who operate in a highly regulated environment with long lead times and complex technical requirements. Cross-functional collaboration abilities are essential for working effectively with nuclear engineers, quality assurance specialists, and operations teams who each contribute technical expertise to procurement decisions.

Beneficial Skills

Project management certification would enhance ability to manage complex, multi-phase procurement projects with extended timelines and multiple stakeholder requirements. Supply chain management expertise would provide valuable perspective on inventory optimization and strategic sourcing in the context of nuclear facility operations. International business experience would be beneficial for managing relationships with global nuclear suppliers and understanding diverse regulatory environments. Data analysis and digital procurement tools proficiency would support emerging trends toward digitization and data-driven decision making in nuclear operations.

Unique Aspects

This role offers exposure to cutting-edge nuclear technology and the opportunity to contribute to the UAE's historic transition to clean nuclear energy, providing unique career experience in a pioneering regional nuclear program.
The position involves working with international nuclear suppliers and technologies, offering valuable global industry exposure and networking opportunities within the specialized nuclear procurement community.
The role combines traditional procurement skills with highly specialized nuclear industry knowledge, creating a unique professional profile that is valuable across the global nuclear energy sector.
Working at the Barakah facility provides opportunity to be part of a landmark energy infrastructure project that will serve as a reference for future nuclear developments in the region.

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing individuals, with opportunities for advancement accelerated by the specialized nature of nuclear industry expertise and limited talent pool.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Procurement Specialist with expanded responsibility for strategic sourcing and contract management Procurement Manager overseeing multiple specialists and managing larger supplier portfolios Supply Chain Manager with broader responsibilities including logistics and inventory optimization Nuclear Operations Specialist transitioning into operational roles within the nuclear facility

Company Overview

NAWAH (ENEC Operations)

NAWAH Energy Company operates the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which represents the first commercial nuclear power facility in the Arab world and a cornerstone of the UAE's clean energy strategy. The company is a joint venture focused on nuclear power generation and represents significant investment in regional energy infrastructure.

NAWAH holds a unique position as the sole nuclear power operator in the UAE and broader Gulf region, making it a pioneering organization in regional nuclear energy development with strong government backing and international partnerships.
The company serves as the UAE's nuclear energy flagship, contributing significantly to the country's clean energy goals and serving as a model for nuclear energy development in the Middle East region.
The work environment emphasizes safety-first culture, regulatory compliance, and continuous learning, with strong international collaboration given the global nature of nuclear technology and expertise sharing.
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