Offset Manager

Location: Huizen, Netherlands

About the job

The term ‘offset’ describes a common practice that companies in the defense and security sector will often have to comply with in both domestic and export markets. When a government entity decides to purchase defense equipment from a foreign contractor, it is very common to supplement the main contract with certain requirements (an obligation) for the foreign contractor to cooperate with the local industry or research institutes as a contribution to maintain the national defense industrial capabilities. A similar practice can be applicable to large contracts in other industries with a distinct focus on the supply of equipment and services to the public sector (e.g. the energy, pharmaceutical or civil engineering sector). In these industries the practice is often addressed as a requirement for local content, industrialization, work share, transfer of technology or compensation.

If this sounds interesting, please keep reading.

About the team

The position of Offset Manager is part of a small team of three, reporting directly to the Thales Nederland Operations department.  In this important and strategic role, the Offset Manager is responsible for a wide range of activities that are crucial to the organization’s success. He or she manages Thales Nederland’s offset obligations throughout the entire lifespan of supply contracts and develops ideas and proposals for offset plans and programs. In addition, the Offset Manager negotiates project credit values and terms and conditions with government authorities and is responsible for preparing and delivering detailed status reports on project execution to these authorities.

A key aspect of the role is keeping Thales Nederland’s executive management fully informed and in control of all offset obligations and the associated risks. The Offset Manager also supports international sales campaigns and bids, ensuring a competitive edge with regard to offset requirements. Serving as the single point of contact for Thales Nederland towards relevant government authorities in various countries such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs or the Ministry of Defense Is another critical responsibility.

Within the Netherlands, the Offset Manager participates in domestic sales campaigns where other Thales Group entities or third parties are required to support Dutch security interests by collaborating with the local defense industry.

The role also involves working closely with product managers, engineers, technical specialists, and procurement teams to ensure that capability and competitiveness-driven decisions are aligned with the fulfillment of offset obligations abroad. Furthermore, the Offset Manager defines, implements and maintains partnerships with local companies, research institutes and other entities to strengthen Thales Nederland’s market reputation and facilitate greater access to key markets.

About you

The Offset Manager is highly visible throughout the entire organization as he or she will engage with multiple internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate must therefore be able to apply a highly diverse set of skills and interests:

• Basic knowledge and interest in defense technology, economic development and security policy

• Good interpersonal skills and ability to build trustful internal and external relations at various levels and with various functions (e.g. from government policy officer to technical specialist)

• Ability to communicate, orally and in writing, very complex or technical circumstances in a language that non-experts will be able to comprehend and assess

• Good presentation skills and ease of addressing larger groups of people 

• Strong attention to detail and interest in being a company-wide expert / specialist

• Ability to read and assess the impact of offset relevant government policies and legal documents

• Good understanding of risk management and how to identify / implement protective measures

• Ability to see the bigger picture and act strategically considering the effects of your actions and contributions on the overall business strategy

• Understanding of financial, product development, operational functions and key business drivers

• Due to the nature of the work It’s essential to be able to obtain/maintain a security clearance

Why you'd be a good match

• Holds a master’s degree (or equivalent) in Business Administration, Political Science, Economics, or a related discipline

• Experienced in government relations, including communication with government officials

• Knowledgeable about the defense sector or comparable industries with local content obligations.

• Proficient in both Dutch and English

• Available for International travel

What's in it for you

• A challenging job in a great team within our high-tech, innovative work environment. Includes freedom for initiative and good ideas.

• Room for personal and professional growth within our organization, for example in regard to technical, commercial or international skills.

• Valuable international collaboration with coworkers from 68 different countries around the globe.

• A comfortable workspace in a modern environment, with a focus on flexibility and the right work life balance.

• You can usually work where and when you want to be able to do your work as well and efficiently as possible. Within Thales we implement hybrid working, where you can, for example, work from home two days a week if your role allows it.

• A good salary, fitting travel allowance, and the ability to personalize your employment conditions: for instance, you can trade days off for internet costs, our bicycle plan, company fitness and relocation costs.

• 40 days off per year (PTO).

Interested?
Apply now! Click on the button below to upload your profile and show your interest.
To ensure that we are a good match, we can ask you to participate in an assessment.

Diversity Statement
We actively support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions. That means that equal opportunities, inclusion and an informal culture are integral to our success. It also means that your well-being and happiness matter to us! That’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, remote working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times.

Security Requirements
In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in The Netherlands and employment and/or education history. Some vacancies may require a security clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please refer to the General Intelligence and Security Service.