Mehak Afzal
Docklands
Summary
Commercial management professional with background in strategic planning, contract negotiation, and financial oversight. Known for fostering strong team collaboration and driving projects to successful completion. Highly adaptable, with focus on meeting organizational goals and exceeding expectations. Skilled in market analysis, stakeholder engagement, and risk management.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Commercial Manager
GUARDIA AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
01.2025 - 07.2025
- Lead the negotiation, drafting, and full-cycle management of complex security contracts with a diverse portfolio of clients, suppliers, and subcontractors, ensuring favourable terms, regulatory compliance and governance.
- Develop and implement robust strategies and policies to identify and mitigate commercial and operational risks, developing SWMS and safeguarding project continuity and financial stability.
- Oversee all financial aspects of projects, including comprehensive budgeting, claims submissions, cost control, pricing strategies, and detailed forecasting to ensure and enhance profitability.
- Drive business development initiatives by identifying and pursuing new market opportunities for security contracts, lead tenders and proposals submission, fostering strategic partnerships, and expanding the company's commercial footprint.
- Cultivate and maintain strong, lasting relationships with key clients, expertly managing expectations and acting as a point of escalation to ensure exceptional service delivery and satisfaction.
- Provide detailed performance reports and strategic insights to senior management, conducting ISO/IMS audits and informing decision-making on financial status, project timelines, and risk exposure.
- Support procurement of security equipment and subcontractor services and drive revenue growth and margin improvement
- Identify insurance needs and coverage requirements and liaise with insurance brokers and providers
- Ensure all commercial activities adhere to stringent industry regulations, health and safety standards, and internal IMS policies.
Project and Finance Coordinator
DOWNER EDI LIMITED
10.2024 - 12.2024
- Administered the Head Contract, overseeing all work authorisations and ensuring strict alignment of subcontract agreements.
- Managed the end-to-end procurement process for hard and soft services, including initiating work orders and purchase orders through WMS and Coupa software.
- Developed and implemented efficient internal workflow processes to enhance project governance and operational efficiency.
- Maintained financial KPIs and delivered timely month end reports to the operations team, ensuring transparency and control.
- Identification, Assessment and Managing Technical, Financial and Commercial Risks and developing Risk Registers
- Acted as a key liaison between the client, internal teams, and subcontractors to resolve issues and expedite project progress.
APS 5 - Tender Evaluation Officer
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AGENCY
07.2024 - 10.2024
- Evaluated tender submissions against predetermined criteria, analysing complex documentation to provide clear recommendations.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders and subject matter experts to gather insights and prepare detailed evaluation reports.
- Conducted rigorous evaluations of complex tender submissions against predetermined criteria, including value for money, technical capability, capacity, and risk profiles.
- Performed in-depth analysis of proposals, technical specifications, and financial documentation submitted by vendors to determine compliance and viability.
- Facilitated evaluation panel meetings, collaborating closely with subject matter experts and internal stakeholders to build consensus and formulate unified recommendations for decision-makers.
- Authored comprehensive and detailed evaluation reports that summarized key findings, comparative assessments, and clear justifications, directly informing critical procurement outcomes.
- Ensured meticulous record-keeping and documentation management throughout the evaluation lifecycle, guaranteeing process integrity, transparency, and auditability.
- Managed system administration tasks, including SharePoint site refreshes and updates to the vendor database and Document Intelligence system, to ensure data accuracy and streamlined operations.
- Upheld the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and impartiality in handling sensitive government and proprietary vendor information, maintaining the probity of the procurement process.
Cost and Contracts' Specialist
ELITE CUSTOM HOMES
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Oversaw the preparation of subcontractor packages, scopes, and purchase orders.
- Managed progress claims, invoicing, variations, and extensions of time.
- Collaborated with project managers and consultants to ensure contract compliance and the timely delivery of projects.
- Acted as the central point of contact for all contractual and commercial matters, coordination of all permits, licenses and insurances with councils, liaising effectively between clients, architects, project managers, and subcontractors.
- Conducted detailed reviews and interpretations of architectural plans, engineering drawings, and tender documents to develop comprehensive and accurate subcontractor work packages.
- Managed the entire procurement and subcontract letting process, including creating scopes of work, issuing tenders, performing due diligence on quotes, and preparing purchase orders and procurement schedules.
- Expertly administered all contract financials, including the timely processing of progress claims, management of invoicing, assessment and negotiation of variations, and resolution of RFIs and EOTs.
- Proactively collaborated with project managers and site teams to ensure all works were performed in strict compliance with contract requirements, specifications, and quality standards.
- Maintained a highly organised and robust document management system for all contract records, correspondence, and financial data, mitigating risks and supporting efficient project delivery.
Manager (Project Management Office)
AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
07.2018 - 01.2019
- Directed the overall operations of the Project Management Office, establishing standards and methodologies for project execution across the institution.
- Oversaw a portfolio of healthcare infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, budget adherence, and timely completion.
- Implemented and monitored project control systems to track progress, manage risks, and ensure quality standards were consistently met.
- Facilitated communication between project teams, hospital administration, and external stakeholders to ensure seamless project delivery.
Contracts Administrator (Commercial)
WINSLOW CONSTRUCTORS PTY LTD
02.2018 - 04.2018
- Managed the administration of major commercial contracts, including the review, negotiation, and finalisation of terms and conditions.
- Conducted detailed reviews and interpretations of tender documentation to identify potential risks and opportunities.
- Coordinated with all project stakeholders, including clients, subcontractors, and internal teams, to ensure contractual obligations were understood and met.
- Prepared and managed contract variations, claims, and correspondence, ensuring all documentation was accurate and timely.
Project Manager
KINGCRETE PROJECT MANAGEMENT PTY LTD
09.2014 - 04.2017
- Led the successful delivery of a 32-storey high-rise mixed-use development, encompassing 7 floors of car parking, 3 floors of retail, 9 floors of offices, and 14 floors of high-end residential apartments.
- Managed all phases of the project lifecycle, from initial planning and design coordination to construction, commissioning, and handover.
- Developed and maintained the project budget, schedule, and quality standards, implementing corrective actions as necessary to keep the project on track.
- Fostered a collaborative environment with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and regulatory bodies to overcome challenges and achieve project milestones.
Sr. Manager (Project Management)
LUCKY ONE PTY LTD
01.2012 - 08.2014
- Directed the project management for the development of a 1.7 million sq ft mega commercial and retail shopping mall, including a 4-storey retail space and 2 basement levels for car parking.
- Supervised the Project Management Department, ensuring the effective implementation of project management techniques and practices to achieve project success.
- Oversaw all aspects of project planning, execution, and monitoring, including scope, schedule, budget, and quality management.
- Played a key role in stakeholder management, facilitating communication and negotiations with tenants, contractors, and investors.
Manager Contracts and Cost Engineering
PARAGON CONSTRUCTORS PTY LTD
08.2008 - 12.2011
- Managed the contracts and cost engineering for a portfolio of large-scale projects, including the sub-structure and super-structure works for Emaar Crescent Bay, Creek Marina, UBL Head Office Building, and the Ocean Mall.
- Oversaw the preparation and management of subcontractor packages, tenders, and procurement schedules.
- Conducted detailed cost analysis, budget control, and financial reporting to ensure project profitability.
- Negotiated contractual terms and conditions with clients and subcontractors, effectively managing claims and variations.
- Bid writing for Technical and Financial Packages for large scale construction projects.
RMC Project and Contracts Engineer
LUCKY-PARAGON READYMIX CONCRETE PTY LTD
01.2007 - 07.2008
- Developed and implemented concrete mix designs to meet specific project specifications and regulatory requirements.
- Managed the quality control process, including materials testing, monitoring of mixing processes, and conducting slump tests to ensure compliance with standards.
- Coordinated the logistics of concrete delivery to multiple construction sites, ensuring timely arrival to meet project deadlines.
- Served as a key technical point of contact for clients, architects, and contractors regarding concrete specifications and delivery schedules.
Education
Executive MBA - Finance & Accounts
01.2008
Bachelor of Engineering - Civil Engineering
01.2006
Skills
- Strategic Commercial Management: Strong Commercial Acumen, Pricing & Revenue Optimization, Contracts Administration, Negotiation, and Management, Change Management & Adaptability, Performance Monitoring and KPIs tracking, Data-Driven Decision Making, Strategic Planning & Execution
- Technical & Financial Acumen: Design Review and Engineering, Construction & Project Management, Profit & Loss Statements, Cost Estimation and Analysis, Financial Monitoring & Control, Cost & Value Engineering, Budgeting and Forecasting
- Risk Management: Risk Identification, Mitigation & Management, Development of Risk Registers using Monte Carlo Technique applied in Project Management, Assessment of Risk Impact & Likelihood, Implement Risk Controls, Policies & Processes
- Project Governance & Compliance: Establishing efficient Workflow Processes, Monitor ISO Compliance, IMS Administration, Managing Internal Audits, Monitor Progress & Milestones, manage scope, budget, timelines, Maintain Audit Trails and ensure Compliance
- Procurement and Tendering: Preparing Compliant and Compelling Proposals, Tender Review, Bid Management, Evaluation, and Recommendations, drafting and preparing compliant Technical and Financial Packages, coordinate cross-functional teams, developing pricing models align with bid and commercial requirements
- Stakeholder & Client Relations: Building and maintaining strong professional relationships with all stakeholders (Clients, Architects, Designers, Contractors, Vendors)
- Team Leadership & Coordination: Mentoring and guiding project teams towards successful outcomes and meet strict deadlines with a proactive approach
- Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in ERP, Procore, MS Project, BuildXact, Beams, WMS, Coupa, SAP, Guard House, MS Office Suite, Outlook, MS TEAMS and various management software
Certification
- Strategic Project Management – Harvard Division of Continuing Education 2025
- Working with Children Check – Victoria 2021
- Enterprise Risk Management Training Certificate 2019
- Construction Induction White Card 2018
- Attended Workshop on Safety Design in Buildings, Dubai-UAE 2015
- Certification of Project Management Training for PMP 2012
- Certificate of Project Management from LUMS 2009
- Certificate of Contracts Management from PIM 2009
- PMI - CP (Construction Professional), PMI – USA In progress
- Construction Contracts and Risk Management, PMI – USA In progress
- Construction Estimating, Procurement and Scheduling, ConstructIQ In progress
Affiliations
Active Member of PMI, USA and PMI – Melbourne Chapter
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Ethically driven
- Focused & Detail-Oriented
- Strong Analytical Skills
- Strong Communication Skills
- Rigorous Follow-ups
- Excellent Coordination Skills
- Team-focused leadership
- Proactive and Practical
- Resilient and Reliable
Timeline
Commercial Manager
GUARDIA AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
01.2025 - 07.2025
Project and Finance Coordinator
DOWNER EDI LIMITED
10.2024 - 12.2024
APS 5 - Tender Evaluation Officer
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AGENCY
07.2024 - 10.2024
Cost and Contracts' Specialist
ELITE CUSTOM HOMES
09.2023 - 05.2024
Manager (Project Management Office)
AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
07.2018 - 01.2019
Contracts Administrator (Commercial)
WINSLOW CONSTRUCTORS PTY LTD
02.2018 - 04.2018
Project Manager
KINGCRETE PROJECT MANAGEMENT PTY LTD
09.2014 - 04.2017
Sr. Manager (Project Management)
LUCKY ONE PTY LTD
01.2012 - 08.2014
Manager Contracts and Cost Engineering
PARAGON CONSTRUCTORS PTY LTD
08.2008 - 12.2011
RMC Project and Contracts Engineer
LUCKY-PARAGON READYMIX CONCRETE PTY LTD
01.2007 - 07.2008
Executive MBA - Finance & Accounts
Bachelor of Engineering - Civil Engineering
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