Chief Operating Officer – Saudi Arabia and Central Asia

Location: Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaThales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.We have been present in Saudi Arabia for 40 years and with over 600 employees to date, we are growing rapidly. Together we are delivering our signalling, control and train protection systems for the North –South Railway (NSR), the longest system of it’s kind in the world. Together we are key suppliers of In-flight entertainment and connectivity systems as well as air traffic management solutions in Saudi. We are making Saudi Arabia a safer place by securing the country’s critical infrastructure and e-security solutions that secure the country’s electronic payment systems. Thales has been selected to supply major electronic systems for air defence and the Group also supplied communication and optronic systems for the Army, the Saudi Arabia National Guards and the Air Force.

General Description and Missions

• The COO KSA and CA is in charge of operations in KSA and CA as per DGDI operating model
• To deploy the localization and industrial strategy in the region
• Manage all Operation functions required for  projects delivery: Quality, HSE, Procurement, Real Estate, IT&S, …
• In cooperation with the relevant stakeholders in DGDI and in GBU, develop and implement the MTIP for KSA/CA, participate to MYB
• Ensure the supervisory role on the bids and projects involving KSA and CA entities, for the scope the country she/he is responsible of the operation governance, MRBOA etc
• In coordination with the BLs, determine industrial setup, work split, risk sharing and delineate WP to be localized within each tender
• Coordinate all local actions decided : staffing, quotations,partnerships, procurement, local infrastructures

Missions and responsibilities

• Develop Technical & industrial capability to fulfill business needs in accordance with MTIP and SBP, setup an organization to plan and run manufacturing production
• In cooperation with BL, ensure that the transfer of knowledge (domain, engineering disciplines, manufacturing, support) from BL to Region is performed
• In cooperation with BL and functions, ensure the availability of adequate resources and skills and that critical position are staffed; hence develop resource planning, training plans, people reviews and recruitment 
• Drives performance development across portfolio. Provides clear feedback to team members in a manner that is consistent with organizational values and conducive to maintaining and improving performance. Counsels and/or disciplines staff as appropriate
• Ensure that all the decisions, directions & actions made are aligned with Thales Strategy in the region including values & guiding principles.

Impact

According to the delegation of the VP region KSA and CA, this list of "Impact" may vary.

• Competitiveness: ensure that the operation organization is performing and still ensuring a good level of competitiveness.
• Saudization: Establish with HR a strategy to increase the level of Saudizationn to strengthen THALES local footprint.
• Export objectives: work in collaboration with the region on the opportunities to export capabilities and serve other countries project needs.
• Work in close collaboration with the commercial teams to establish the best winning strategy.
• Contribute to Country Dasboard - Monitor and pilot action for civil accounts activities

Education Requirements

• Military and /or Engineering background
• Experience in either of the following domains; Aeronautics, Transportation, Cyberspace, Airline Inflight

• Entertainment systems or relevant market verticals

• MBA, BSc/BA in business administration
• Fluent English
• Knowledge of Arabic and French is desirable

Work Experience Requirements

• 15+ years’ experience in a senior leadership role
• Proven experience in KSA and Military environment
• Track record of leading diverse and senior blended Military teams and/or various backgrounds

Skills Requirements

• 'Extensive exposure to the Military environment
• Ability in  Analysis and problem solving, negotiation
• Ability to drive and define priorities

Language

English, French, Arabic

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