Type: Full-Time (40 hours/week)
Location: Tilburg, the Netherlands (on-site, with potential travel)
Company: AI Armaments – https://ai-armaments.com
About us:
Artillerie Inrichtingen Armaments B.V. (AIA) is a fast-growing company with a vision to strengthen the Netherlands’ self-reliance in ammunition production. The historic state company Artillerie Inrichtingen was founded during the 80 Years’ War and produced high-quality weapons and ammunition over the centuries. AIA has revived this legacy and is looking for enthusiastic professionals who want to contribute to enhancing national defence autonomy, ensuring that the Netherlands is independent from other countries when it comes to defending our freedom and democracy in critical times.
We are seeking an Offset manager to drive growth, forge new partnerships, and position AI Armaments as a leader in the Dutch Defence industry. Do you feel energy and passion for this mission? Then you are the one we are looking for!
Job Description:
The Offset Manager will play a crucial role within a small, highly professional team directly reporting to the AIA Operations department. The position focuses on managing and facilitating offset requirements, a common practice in the defence and security sector, where foreign contractors must collaborate with local industry or research institutes when supplying defence equipment to government entities. This practice is essential for maintaining national defence industrial capabilities and may also apply to large contracts in sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, and civil engineering, often referred to as local content or industrial cooperation. The Offset Manager will be highly visible across the organisation, engaging with various internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with offset obligations and foster strategic partnerships. This role requires a proactive approach to align AIA’s objectives with local industrial capabilities, thereby enhancing the company’s market reputation and competitiveness.
Responsibilities:
- Support International & Domestic Sales: Assist in international sales campaigns and bids, focusing on delivering a competitive edge related to offset requirements, together with other AIA entities and third-party contractors.
- Government Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for AIA with relevant government authorities across various countries, including the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Defence.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage with our various operational teams to ensure alignment of capability and competitiveness with offset obligations abroad.
- Partnership Development: Define, implement, and maintain partnerships with local companies, research institutes, and other entities to enhance market reputation and access.
Essential Qualifications:
- Education: Academic degree (Bachelor’s level) in Business Administration, Political Science, Economics or similar. A Master’s degree, MBA or equivalent is a plus.
- Experience: Experience in communicating effectively with government officials and understanding government processes. Knowledge of the defence industry or related sectors with similar local content requirements, such as energy, pharmaceuticals, medical, or civil engineering.
- Language: Excellent proficiency in English is essential, while fluency in Dutch is considered an advantage.
- Security: Mandatory Dutch background check (VOG), ability to obtain and maintain a NATO security clearance.
Skills and Attributes:
- Motivation: A strong passion for driving innovation in defence technologies and contributing to national security, with a proactive and results-oriented mindset.
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Strong ability to build relationships at various levels, with proficiency in conveying complex information clearly to non-experts, both orally and in writing.
- Analytical and Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyse market trends, assess opportunities, and consider the broader impact of actions on business strategy.
- Risk Management: Understanding of risk management principles, with the ability to identify and implement protective measures and evaluate relevant government policies and legal documents.
- Proactive Relationship Building: Confidence in reaching out to new prospects, establishing a network of contacts within the defence industry, and taking the initiative in building partnerships.
- Attention to Detail and Business Acumen: Strong focus on detail, coupled with an understanding of financial, product development, operational functions, and key business drivers.
- Flexibility: Willingness to travel as needed for meetings, conferences and trade events.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary with good secondary benefits.
- All the tools you need to perform, such as training, laptop, phone, travel coverage, etc.
- Professional growth in a rapidly evolving company, at the forefront of technological development.
- A social and dynamic working environment with a collaborative and innovative company culture.
- The opportunity to grow with us and contribute to a significant mission in the Dutch defence industry.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in the Dutch defence industry in general and our rapidly growing company in particular, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a cover letter to vacancies@ai-armaments.com, detailing your experience and why you would be a great fit for AIA.
