Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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 our tomorrow\'s possible.

Thales has built a presence in the United Arab Emirates for over 35 years, and today has over 300 employees. Thales in the UAE is part of our Middle East business that has 1,800 people across Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, KSA, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar and UAE. Together we delivered technology for the Dubai metro, the longest driverless metro network in the world and a fare collection system that processes up to 250,000 transactions per day. We make UAE a safer place by providing secure electronic payment solutions, cyber security systems and communications as well as security systems for Dubai International Airport and air traffic management and navigation systems for Abu Dhabi\xe2\x80\x99s airport.

Primary Purpose of Role

The role of the Installation & Construction Category Manager is to lead the procurement of complex Civil Work/Construction & Installations activities across various market sectors.

In this role, the Category Manager will ensure that the execution of bid and project sourcing is in line with the business and corporate objectives, and that timeframes and deliverables are aligned in order to deliver the best overall outcome (cost, service and/or quality) for Thales.

The role covers all the market sectors within Thales, and as such requires an excellent view of the organization as well as a strong ability to interact with senior stakeholders. He/she will be knowledgeable of the Installation & Construction market and possess the necessary leadership behaviours to drive category strategy.

Key Activities and Tasks

Defining Long Term Procurement Strategy for Installation and Construction:

Participate to developing a category strategy, that meets the regional and global business objectives;

Actively sourcing, assessing and qualifying potential suppliers;

Understanding the demand for this type of activities across Thales;

Collating and optimising the demand;

Setting up contractual agreements;

Analysing and reporting on Spend Management;

With the support of the Global Category Manager, keeping abreast of industry/ family best practices.

Leading the tendering process for bids and projects involving Installation and Construction by:

Executing the sourcing strategy through a disciplined RFI/ RFQ tendering process;

Managing the RFQ process, which includes creation of RFQ package, release to market, review supplier responses, provide recommendations;

Identifying risks and opportunities;

Influencing the design and/ or specification to generate additional savings;

Proposing a negotiation strategy and lead the negotiation;

Coordinating closure on the final decision;

Executing the procurement contract.

Supporting the Supply Chain process by:

o Managing the supplier\xe2\x80\x99s performance (quality, cost and timely delivery), including risks and opportunities;

o Leading the supplier performance review program;

o Managing key Project stakeholders.

Mandatory Experience

Experience in the Construction and/or Installation market

7+ Years Procurement, Contract Management or Commercial experience

Experience working in a complex Project environment

Experience working within a large organisation and dealing with all levels of management

Experience in negotiating and managing contract spends of up to $50M per annum

Strong Communication skills, both written and verbal

Ability to develop strong relationship with internal stakeholders and influence decisions

Recognised professional accreditation (CIPS, EIPM, RICS or equivalent)

Desirable Experience

Exposure to Defence environment

Experience in dealing with Bid and Proposal sourcing

Team leadership or management experience also highly regarded

Values & Behaviours

Displays passion, energy, drive, agility and resilience in achieving work-related goals under difficult circumstances

Team player and ability to interface well and influence effectively at all levels with internal customers, partners and suppliers

Ability to work under their own initiative and within agreed frameworks

Business aware and customer oriented with organisation and commercial awareness

Manage time effectively and prioritise workload

Flexible and open to change

Pro-active and enthusiastic attitude

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working. Great journeys start here, apply now!

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