Design Center Leader and Strategic Designer

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Thales people architect solutions at the heart of the defence-security continuum. Interoperable and secure information and telecommunications systems for defence, security, and civil operators are based upon innovative use of radiocommunications, networks, and cybersecurity. We are groundbreaking new digital technologies such as 4G mobile communications, cryptography, cloud computing, and big data for use in physical protection systems and critical information systems. We have been present in Saudi Arabia for 40 years and with over 600 employees to date, we are growing rapidly. Together we are delivering our signalling, control, and train protection systems for the North –South Railway (NSR), the longest system of its kind in the world. Together we are key suppliers of In-flight entertainment and connectivity systems as well as air traffic management solutions in Saudi. We are making Saudi Arabia a safer place by securing the country’s critical infrastructure and e-security solutions that secure the country’s electronic payment systems. Thales has been selected to supply major electronic systems for air defence and the Group also supplied communication and optronic systems for the Army, the Saudi Arabia National Guards, and the Air Force.

JOB OBJECTIVE:

The Design Center Leader and Strategic Designer is involved in all phases of design projects and contributes to the definition and deployment of all Design Center activities. The leader has the capacity to address large-scale projects and to be the bearer of the design strategy at country level.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Defines the Saudi DC strategy and roadmap.
• Builds the DC service catalog.
• Leads customer research and customer engagement activities necessary to create premium customer experiences with Thales solutions and products.
• Defines the Design approach with project stakeholders, both internally (within Thales) and externally (local customers and partners).
• Leads strategic design and innovation creation.
• Supervises and validates the design and facilitation of design workshops, and consolidates research results.
• Organizes the creation of new ideas, design concepts, and prototypes.
• Prepares and presents communication materials, visuals, and samples for presentations.
• Develops individual and collective skills of DC members/collaborators, particularly through participation as an expert in training and tutoring.
• Establishes a bi-directional communication channel with Thales Global Business Units to ensure proper capturing of needs and efficient reporting.

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Deep understanding of Design Practice, Processes & Methods
• Deep understanding of Design Thinking, creative problem solving, and Design Futures Methods (such as design fiction & speculative design).
• Experience in systemic design methods and open design challenges.
• Ability to work in ambiguous, dynamic, and complex problem contexts.

QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Design background with a strong business/marketing/innovation focus.
• Bachelors in Design (Product Design, Industrial Design or Interaction/Experience Design) or Bachelors in Engineering (Electronics, Aeronautics/Space, IT, etc.).

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Design processes, methods & practices
• Design Leadership and Team Management
• System Thinking, Strategic Foresighting
• Communication / Marketing
• UX/UI

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries, our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working. Great journeys start here, apply now!