Senior Specialist, IRIS2 & meoSphere Procurement

The job responsibilities outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may evolve over time and be reviewed according to business needs.

PROGRAMME 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 and SES meoSphere 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 and SES meoSphere. 
• 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 and SES meoSphere programmes. 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 and SES meoSphere programmes 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  
• Identify potential suppliers, for SES meoShpere 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 
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QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience in the procurement of Software, Hardware, and Professional Services. 
• Knowledge of satellite communications infrastructures and telecommunications systems is an asset  
• Minimum five 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 
• Experience in procurement of EEE, mechanical and structural components is an asset 
• Good understanding of engineering departments functions, workflows and inter-dependencies 

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken
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OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

• The candidate must be eligible for a “SECRET” security clearance, in accordance with the national regulations as well as EU/ESA/NATO equivalents
• Willing to work 60% onsite from office
• Travel as required for project realization purposes