Senior Specialist, IRIS2 Procurement

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

IRIS2 is the new European Union secure satellite constellation. This project is the European Union's answer to the pressing challenges of tomorrow to provide secure connectivity services and enhanced communication capacities to the EU and its Member States. In addition, as well as to governmental users, private companies and European citizens while benefiting from ensuring high-speed internet broadband to cope with connectivity dead zones.

SES – together with other consortium partners and core members - was selected by the European Commission to build and to operate the IRIS2 multi-orbit satellite constellation.

The IRIS2 team enters next project phases, we seek and there is a strong need of support for all the activities around service provisioning and products that the system can offer in the future.

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

As a member of the SES EU Programmes team, you will play a crucial role in supporting the sourcing of products and services in relation to IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnection & Security by Satellites) programme. Your responsibilities will align with the SES Global Procurement guidelines and include:

• Collaborating with global stakeholders at SES and in the SpaceRISE consortium
• Developing options and opportunities for purchasing hardware, software, and services related to IRIS2
• Actively seeking opportunities to reduce cost and improve the value for money.
• Building and nurturing relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and other external stakeholders (partners).
• Supporting pricing and contract negotiations.
• Guiding and executing sourcing activities from vendor scouting to tendering processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ, informal price request), ensuring that the negotiation team is fully briefed.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

• Prepare and execute of RFI/RFPs to select subcontractors for IRIS2 programme. This includes RFI/RFP activities, for example documents drafting, responding to vendor questions, negotiation, follow-up and response analysis, etc.
• Ensure SES Global Procurement compliance with policies and procedures, in collaboration with stakeholders
• Understand IRIS2 programme requirements for the procurement of products and services, underlying strategies and constraints.
• Identify requirements and work packages involving vendors and/or subcontractors
• Collaborate with Management to perform contract negotiations, including:
• • Flowing down customer Terms and Conditions to existing agreements
  • Agreeing on new contracts with vendors as applicable
  • Supporting vendor onboarding activities
• Analyse vendor base to:
• Identify potential suppliers, including SMEs & start-ups, and their eligibility to the IRIS2 programme
• Analyse existing contractual agreements with SES vendors
• Cooperate with other entities/companies identified as potential partners and/or contractors
• Contribute to programme management matters such as status reports, time schedules, cost analysis, resource quantification, risk management/mitigation, etc.
• Draft and prepare required documentation to be provided to EC/ESA under the frame of the IRIS2 programme.
• Support internal alignment, coordination efforts, and report weekly on achievements, updates, next steps, & risk assessment.
• Coordinate cross-functional negotiation teams through commercial evaluation of proposals, vendor discussions, conclusions, and – where needed with involvement of the legal department – contracting.
• Monitor major aspects and milestones of procurement contracts with the functional specialist and ensure compliance.
• Work with the SES Global Procurement team to identify and leverage procurement opportunities to maximize value for the SES Group.
• Support SES in activities linked to process/system development or updates that contribute to cost reduction.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong Procurement and Project management skills
• Strong ability to work independently and without supervision
• Self-motivated and can-do attitude
• Strong negotiations and excellent communication skills
• Keen attention to detail
• Organizational skills
• Excellent collaborator across departments and various geographical locations
• Eager to learn about technical and engineering subjects
• Good written language skills
• Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing project requirements and environments.
• Ability to think strategically and align project goals with organizational objectives

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience in the procurement of Software, Hardware, and Professional Services.
• Knowledge of satellite communications infrastructures and telecommunications systems is an asset
• Five to seven years’ of experience in a similar procurement role
• Experience working on large projects
• Experience in understanding contracts
• Experience in public procurement process (EC and ESA) is an asset
• Good understanding of engineering departments functions, workflows and inter-dependencies

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

• Eligibility for ESA/EU SECRET personnel security clearances is essential. Candidates must be prepared to undergo a security clearance procedure, as this position may require holding such clearance
• Willing to work at least 60% onsite from office
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally

SES is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer