Seg B Regional Category Manager

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Location : Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make tomorrow's possible. We have been present in Saudi Arabia for 40 years with over 600 employees, growing rapidly. We deliver signalling, control and train protection systems for the North–South Railway (NSR), provide in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems, and supply air traffic management solutions in Saudi. Thales is securing the country’s critical infrastructure and e-security solutions, supplying electronic systems for air defence and communication systems for the Army, National Guards and Air Force.

Key Figures

Annual volume of commitment and spend within relevant categories and % of savings

Number of suppliers for the given category and the structured closure of legacy, close and disengage suppliers as defined by the category strategies

Year-on-year competitiveness and cost reductions

Categories operational performance (quality, on-time delivery, supply risk assessment)

% Categories compliance with policy suppliers based on both commitment and spend

Implementation of framework agreement(s) or specific contract(s) where there is a business need

Strategy

Provide input into worldwide category strategies for short, medium and long term needs

Ensure the relevant players have a good knowledge of Thales need and support the category strategy so that the business secures targeted projects and customer competitive advantage

Ensure that clear and measurable savings targets are identified and delivered by category and endorsed by business / project

Ensure category commitment and spend compliance tracking is well reported

Monitor category markets on an ongoing basis to identify and understand key players, newcomers, economic evolutions, market or regulation constraints, innovations and technology to support the development of the most up-to-date category strategies

Provide insights on how products / projects could be more competitive via adoption of different suppliers / methodologies / technology

Support preparation of Make / Buy decisions in conjunction with PPM and cross‑functional teams to optimise business performance

Ensure THALES governance is applied using KPI’s and root‑cause corrective actions

Supplier / Acquisition Management

Performance management of the supply base in line with the standards set out by the Global Category Manager

Ensure supplier competitions follow the governance process and are balanced and fair

Negotiate supplier contracts and framework agreements when required in line with the category strategies

Adopt and utilise global contracts / framework agreements

Ensure legal compliance and special customer requirements during conception / implementation of category strategies

Use Thales e‑Acquisition and all THALES procurement tools according to governance procurement work packages at global level

Understand and manage Tier supply chain mapping to optimise business performance

Identify suppliers requiring focused development actions and ensure the Supplier Development Team has support to conduct actions

Operational Support

Ensure Tactical Buyers receive all required information to raise Procurement Orders

Work Experience Requirements 7+ years experience in Procurement. Experience interacting with senior management and senior stakeholders in a complex project environment. Experience in product policy, design / product development with cross-functional teams in a procurement bids and project role. Experience in sub-contract management and delivery of complex solutions. Ability to define and implement category strategy.

Technical Skills

Strong involvement in defining / updating the strategy with the GCM

Strong implementation of the strategy on an operational basis

Ability to use the Thales toolbox to lead the category and manage suppliers

Strong contractual knowledge, especially of framework agreements, liability & insurance

Ability to lead complex negotiation including import / export considerations

Understanding of the market for the category and the customer’s stakes, needs and program issues

Mastering economic models for the category to add value to Thales and the supply base

Proven ability to challenge and develop innovative supply chain / procurement analysis (CCO, should cost)

Ability to manage complex sub-contracts, identify purchasing levers

Good knowledge of best practice acquisition process

Soft Skills

Leadership skills with the ability to influence to deliver business results

Ability to understand the business / global picture

Capability to work within and lead cross-functional and international multi-organisational teams

Open-minded, willing to share ideas and bring added value and innovation

Ability to handle conflicts and problem solving

Initiative and analytical synthesis

Agility and adaptation to complex environment, international and intercultural

Prioritise tasks while meeting deadlines under stress when needed

Represent Thales and demonstrate Thales values

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Language

English & Arabic language fluency is mandatory; French is an advantage

Saudization required

Seniority level : Not Applicable

Employment type : Full‑time

Job function : Marketing and Sales

Industries : Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing and Defense and Space Manufacturing

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Thales by 2x

Get notified about new Regional Category Manager jobs in

Riyadh Region .

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.

#J-18808-Ljbffr