Regional Category Manager-Systems & Equipment

Location: Cairo, EgyptIn 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 Egypt for over 40 years and has today over 100 employees. Thales in Egypt 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 fare collection and control and communication systems for the first metro line in Africa, Metro Line 1 in Cairo. Since then we have continued to bring growth and security and safety to the country by upgrading these transportation systems as well as providing solutions for customers in air traffic management, air defence and Navy.

Job Profile:

• TheCategory Manager will represent the Procurement Organization both globally and for the MEA Region and shall be responsible for the effective creation and implementation of all the category’s strategic direction and management of the category within the scope of their responsibility.
• The CM supports several procurement categories under Segment E for the entire region in which he/she operate.
• He/she works in close relation with the Product / Project Procurement organizations and the relevant stakeholders.
• This role will be responsible for developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, as well as identifying and mitigating supply chain risk.
• He/She is accountable for end-to-end performance of the acquisition process, via the management of the RFI &/or RFP's including supplier selection exercises and the deployment, implementation and monitoring of agreed category strategies.
• As Category Manager, and in full alignment with the Segment Director, the individual in this role will be responsible for managing their category, bringing procurement acumen, support and influence strategies that drive product and service innovation.
• Responsible for providing the best procurement solutions (quality, price and timing), meeting customer needs and aligning with the relevant Procurement Strategies as lead by the Global Category Managers, ensuring full compliance with all Thales policies and procedures.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Act as the point of contact (POC) for internal and external stakeholders (e.g. Bids and Proposals, Department Heads, Suppliers, Audits, etc.) and determine the priorities for the Category within the region.
• Implement the Global category strategy of the Segment in MEA
• Ensure that Category, Procurement and Stakeholder Team members adhere to the Thales Group Purchasing policies
• Ensure the Category adheres to the cost and competitiveness of the good and services purchased through the Purchasing Executive Summary (PES)
• Establish a method and monitor the execution of Category activities.
• Act as Key Account Manager for certain global suppliers and interact and support all Thales business needs globally for such suppliers
• Monitor category markets on an on-going basis to identify and understand key players, newcomers, economic evolutions, market or regulation constraints, innovations and technology in order to support the development of the most up to date category strategies for the businesses.
• Based on the above provide insights as to how products / projects could be more competitive via the adoption of different suppliers / methodologies / technology etc.
• Help to define and monitor the schedule and deliverables associated with acquisitions
• Ensure compliance of all Stakeholders and Procurement Team Members with the “Manage Acquisition” process as per Chorus 2.0, and the use established acquisition tools in place within the organization ( e-Acquisition, ERP,…) for all activities
• Build and drive relationships with key suppliers to improve pricing and quality of services
• Build and negotiate contracts under designated categories of responsibility following the Thales Group frame to support mitigating risk, following the different policies, and generatingbenefit for the company.
• Develop tactical and proactive plans oriented for improvements within the category or Procurement Processes through the different continuous improvement tools to support critical metrics are always on track or challenged when needed.
• Monitor the markets for defined categories including key players, newcomers,economic evolutions, market or regulation constraints,innovations and technology in order to support the development of the most up to date category strategies to the businesses.
• Identify new solutions/providers for the given category in order to ensure innovation/competitiveness
• Provide business intelligence on Suppliers Market for MEA if any and their related connections with Thales’ competitors and customers.
• Ensure appropriate governance is applied using KPI's and root cause corrective actions
• Responsible for the performance management of the panel in line with global procurement instruction for the given category set out by the Global Category Manager .
• Ensure that supplier competitions follow the governance process and are balanced and fair in order to improve business and customer performance.
• Ensure that global procurement ‘Tool Box’ of templates, tools and standards are adopted and utilized.
• Ensure that Thales e-Acquisition and all THALES procurement tools are fully used.
• Based on the performance management of the supply base identify the suppliers who require focused development actions and ensure that the Supplier Development Team have the required support / leverage in order for these actions to be successful.
• The Category Manager is responsible for ensuring that the category given is under his/her accountability are collaboratively implemented in the more appropriate way.
• Communicate with other departments such as bids, program, engineering, finance, and legal departments as well as category purchasing counterparts in the region and at group level, also Regional suppliers : for specific regional suppliers,(e.g.) countries eyes only, identify, negotiate and place under framework contracts; manage risks and conflicts; manage supplier performance and ensure that the businesses have the required level of performance and innovation.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or business.
• At least 4 years experience in Procurement. Experience working in project/program, design / product development with cross functional teams.
• Demonstratable experience in negotiation &/or categories is desirable.
• Cross-industry experience is welcome.
• Good knowledge of a best practice acquisition Process.
• Ability to manage RFP, to drive the commercial negotiations and negotiate the contract.
• Ability to implement and follow operational strategy.
• Ability to understandthe market for the categories under his/her control but also ability to understand the customer’s needs and program issues
• Contractual knowledge especially of framework agreements, FIDIC contract, Liability & insurance, import & export considerations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in MS Excel- MS office apps in general
• Familiar with ERP system
• Reading, writing and speaking in English and Arabic fluently and French is a plus.
• Capability to work within cross functional and international multi organizational teams (teamwork).
• Open minded (listen, share ideas etc.) and able to bring added value and new ideas.
• Ability to take initiatives with a good capacity of analysis and of synthesis
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to represent Thales and to demonstrate Thales values.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

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