Vrinda Gopinath
Abu Dhabi
Summary
Procurement and Commercial professional with over 8 years of experience across marine, IT, and project-based industries in the UAE. Currently working within a shipbuilding environment, supporting commercial documentation, LPO coordination, ERP-based invoicing, vendor communication, and cross-functional procurement activities. Strong understanding of the end-to-end procurement cycle, compliance documentation, contract preparation, and tariff-based marine service billing. Known for structured workflow management, strong follow-ups, and accuracy under pressure in fast-paced operational environments
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
COMMERCIAL OFFICER
Blue Gulf Ship Builders
Abu Dhabi
10.2023 - Current
- Coordinate commercial documentation and client communication for vessel-related service operations within a shipbuilding environment.
- Generate and process high-volume proforma invoices and tax invoices through ERP based on operational reports and management approvals.
- Prepare tariff-based quotations in coordination with operations teams, ensuring strict adherence to approved rate structures and commercial policies.
- Liaise with clients to secure Local Purchase Orders (LPOs) and ensure all documentation is completed prior to job execution and billing.
- Monitor and track job numbers, quotations, LPOs, Work Done Certificates (WDCs), and invoices to ensure traceability and audit readiness.
- Identify and resolve discrepancies between quotations, LPOs, operational reports, and invoices to prevent commercial disputes.
- Support procurement and operations teams by coordinating documentation and vendor communications for service-related requirements.
- Coordinate closely with the finance department for tax invoice issuance, payment follow-ups, and reconciliation of outstanding receivables.
- Designed and implemented a centralized tracking system for quotations and billing documentation, improving internal visibility and reporting efficiency.
- Manage multiple parallel service jobs under tight deadlines in a fast-paced marine operational environment.
- Assist in preparation of SLAs, AMCs, and commercial documentation for client agreements
STRATEGIC AND PROCUREMENT PLANNER
KiBo
Abu Dhabi
02.2020 - 11.2022
- Managed end-to-end procurement cycle, including vendor identification and inventory coordination.
- Negotiated pricing and payment terms with suppliers to reduce procurement costs.
- Evaluated vendor performance, ensuring compliance with contractual agreements.
- Executed procurement planning by sourcing multiple suppliers for uninterrupted supply.
- Maintained financial records while monitoring purchasing expenses and ensuring documentation accuracy.
PROCUREMENT ADMINISTRATOR
Alpha Data
Abu Dhabi
01.2015 - 06.2018
- Managed end-to-end procurement cycle for multiple projects from initiation through testing & commissioning, ensuring accuracy and adherence to timelines.
- Developed and issued RFQs, RFPs, EOIs, purchase orders, SLAs, AMCs, and tender documentation in alignment with company procurement policies.
- Conducted vendor prequalification and Vendor Performance Evaluations (VPE), maintaining an updated and compliant vendor database.
- Negotiated pricing, delivery schedules, and contractual terms to achieve cost optimization and service reliability.
- Evaluated supplier contracts and monitored compliance with agreed terms and service levels.
- Coordinated closely with Finance for invoice processing, bonds preparation, purchase order approvals, and budget monitoring.
- Assisted in forecasting and procurement budget preparation for ongoing and upcoming projects.
- Participated in internal and external audits; developed corrective action plans in response to non-compliance findings.
- Supported amendment of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance procurement governance and operational efficiency.
- Maintained detailed records of procurement activities including purchase requisitions, delivery notes, invoices, cost tracking, and inventory monitoring.
- Acted as liaison between internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customers to ensure timely resolution of procurement-related issues.
- Monitored vendor performance and conducted periodic performance assessments in coordination with project teams.
- Assisted in preparation of bank guarantees and bonds in coordination with financial institutions.
Pre-Sales & Procurement Associate
Focus Softnet
Abu Dhabi
11.2013 - 12.2014
- Supported procurement activities including vendor sourcing and quotation preparation.
- Assisted in preparation of tender documents, SLAs, and commercial proposals.
- Coordinated between clients, suppliers, and internal teams for requirement clarification.
Administration & Procurement Officer
Starnet Computers
Abu Dhabi
12.2009 - 01.2012
- Conducted vendor research and quotation comparison to support cost-effective purchasing decisions.
- Prepared purchase orders and quotations; tracked orders to ensure timely delivery.
- Negotiated pricing and contractual terms with suppliers.
- Maintained procurement records including vendor databases and invoice documentation
Associate Software Engineer
Larsen & Toubro Limited
Mysore
07.2006 - 01.2009
- Conducted quality assurance and reliability analysis of electronic components for project implementations.
- Supported functional specification preparation and system validation activities in coordination with engineering teams.
Education
MBA - Business Administration
Indian School of Management Studies
Delhi02-2014
Diploma - Business Administration
ICFAI University
Mysore04-2009
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Science, Electronics & Communications
NTTF Electronics Training Centre
BangaloreSkills
- End-to-End Procurement Cycle
- RFQ / RFP / Tender Documentation
- Vendor Prequalification & Evaluation
- LPO & PO Management
- ERP-Based Commercial Processing
- Contract & SLA / AMC Preparation
- Invoice & Billing Coordination
- Audit & Compliance Support
- Cost Negotiation & Vendor Relations
- Cross-Functional Coordination
- Client coordination for Billing and Purchase Orders
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
Hindi
Intermediate (B1)
B1
Malayalam
Native
Native
SYSTEMS & TOOLS
- ERP Systems (Blue Gulf ERP)
- CRM Systems
- Microsoft Excel (Reporting & Data Management)
- MS Office Suite
Timeline
COMMERCIAL OFFICER
Blue Gulf Ship Builders
10.2023 - Current
STRATEGIC AND PROCUREMENT PLANNER
KiBo
02.2020 - 11.2022
PROCUREMENT ADMINISTRATOR
Alpha Data
01.2015 - 06.2018
Pre-Sales & Procurement Associate
Focus Softnet
11.2013 - 12.2014
Administration & Procurement Officer
Starnet Computers
12.2009 - 01.2012
Associate Software Engineer
Larsen & Toubro Limited
07.2006 - 01.2009
MBA - Business Administration
Indian School of Management Studies
Diploma - Business Administration
ICFAI University
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Science, Electronics & Communications
NTTF Electronics Training Centre