Karim Al Ashkar

Specializing in multimillion-dollar client accounts within the oil and gas industry, focusing on optimizing supply chain lifecycle management and mitigating commercial and operational risks.

• Client Portfolio Management: Lead the sales strategy and management of mechanical, safety, lifting, and MRO equipment accounts for high-profile clients, including Chevron Angola (Cabinda Oil Gas Company) and other major players in Angola, generating significant revenue and ensuring client satisfaction.
• Tender Submission & Negotiation: Led the formulation and negotiation of complex tender submissions for procurement, repair, and logistic services, achieving a 90% success rate in contract awards.
• Sales Team Leadership: Directed a dynamic sales team responsible for daily sales operations, mentoring team members and implementing sales strategies that boosted performance and exceeded targets.
• Cost Structure Optimization: Spearheaded the validation and enhancement of cost structures across purchase orders and importations annually, achieving cost reduction and improving procurement efficiency.
• Business Development & Expansion: Successfully expanded the customer base by targeting and securing contracts with leading IOCs (International Oil Companies) and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contractors operating in Angola, resulting in a 20% growth in client acquisitions.
• Framework Agreements: Orchestrated the establishment of strategic framework agreements for the provision of mechanical rotating equipment, solidifying long-term partnerships with key clients in Angola.
• Complex Project Management: Oversaw the management and execution of intricate service jobs, tenders, and key projects, consistently delivering results on time and within budget.

• Optimized supply chain: Enhanced cost efficiency, delivery performance, and value for clients and suppliers.
• Strategic Sourcing: Managed global suppliers and manufacturers, ensuring technical and commercial qualifications.
• Supplier Performance Monitoring: Assessed and ensured suppliers met quality and delivery standards.
• Contract Negotiation: Renewed and negotiated long-term agreements with existing and new agencies.
• Team Leadership: Trained and supervised procurement engineers, integrating them with company practices.
• Order Management: Approved 100s of purchase orders, monitored production schedules, and performed cost analysis.
• Negotiation: Negotiated lead times and costs with suppliers, resolving technical queries and improving delivery.
• Tender Management: Led full-cycle preparation of material supply and service tenders.
• Key Clients: Served major clients including Cabinda Gulf Oil Company (Chevron Angola), TEPA (Total Exploration and Production Angola), BP Angola, and Sonangol Refinery.

• Formulated and circulated productivity reports for each work package on a weekly basis.
• Prepared and issued cost reports to the managing office and all authorized recipients on a monthly basis.
• Reviewed project forecast costs, revenues, and budgets to monitor and report project performance and profitability to Project Management.
• Reported major cost variances to Project Management and site representatives for timely corrective actions.
• Followed up with time keepers and site staff to ensure proper cost allocations and accurate amendments to project invoices and debit notes.

• Supervised the design, generation of concepts, detailing, and spooling of piping isometrics.
• Administered piping data for the Talisman in-house material application.
• Managed stock and controlled material issuance to fabrication, painting, and site.
• Supported site and fabrication shop with daily preparation of technical queries and concession requests.
• Assisted the Hydro Test Center with Test Package preparation & post-testing verifications.
• Cooperated with the Lean Construction Management Team (Drees & Sommer) to implement work packaging strategies through engineering activities.
• Coordinated with subcontractors to meet weekly targets and delivery schedules.
• Interpreted official letters and prepared detailed delay analysis responses to the client.
• Led material reconciliation with the client for all piping material during the project closeout phase.

• Practiced on installation, repair and testing of industrial refrigeration machinery, and commissioning of insulated cold room spaces.

• Trained in the following departments: Engineering, material /procurement, DCG, Planning, Cost, Quality Control and Quality Assurance.