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 Vendor management & 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.

You will be responsible for (this is not an exhaustive list):

• Ensure Vendor Management & 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
• 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.
• 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 existing 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 worldwide Vendor Management & 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.

YOUR PROFILE

Must Have

• Knowledge of satellite communications infrastructures and telecommunications systems
• Technical degree or equivalent work experience in procurement of Software, Hardware and Professional services.
• Five to seven years’ of experience in a similar role
• Experience working on large projects
• Experience in understanding contracts
• 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 66% onsite from office
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally

Nice to Have

• Experience in public procurement process (EC and ESA) is an asset
• French or German language skills are an asset

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

• Flexible working policy
• Bonus plan
• Comprehensive and competitive benefits plan
• A range of wellness activities and employee assistance programs 
• An employer that values all aspects of Diversity and respects every individual’s story

GOOD TO KNOW

Embark on a career with us, where diversity isn't just a buzzword – it's our driving force. We are crafting a workplace mosaic that values every hue, background, and perspective. Join a global team where inclusivity sparks innovation, and individuality is not only embraced but celebrated. At SES we are committed to hiring inspiring individuals from all backgrounds. We take great pride in creating safe and inclusive processes and we support the recruitment, retention, and evolution of all employees irrespective of gender, colour, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or marital status, background or walk in life.