“Navigating Success: Asseal’s Journey as a Graduate Engineer and Procurement Expert in Saudi Arabia”
A graduate engineer and sourcing expert, Asseal commenced his journey with Naval Group Arabia in 2021 as a Procurement Supervisor before advancing to the role of Supplier Sourcing and Localization Manager. He is a cornerstone of the 4-year maintenance agreement forged between Naval Group Arabia and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense that commenced in June 2022 and underscores the significance of localization.
Within the context of the 4-year maintenance agreement crafted to support the Sawari I and II fleets, Asseal plays a crucial role in fostering connections with suppliers to fulfill the demand for over 8,000 items cataloged in the spare parts inventory. ‘To adhere to Saudi Arabia’s guidelines, our initial step is to ensure that at least 25% of the contract volume is generated locally by 2025 and that our suppliers adhere to Naval Group quality and compliance benchmarks,’ states Asseal.
Diverse Sourcing Tactics
To tackle this challenge, Asseal employs various strategies. ‘We prioritize established suppliers and implement an extensive program to engage and broaden our collaborations with them. If necessary, we impart the expertise needed for them to master all technical aspects of our operations. Additionally, we pursue global and French firms with existing branches in the Kingdom.’ Asseal also participates in major industry gatherings, sparking dialogues with potential new suppliers. He diligently gathers continuous insights from online platforms and social media, maintaining an acute awareness of market trends while conducting research to pinpoint the ideal fit for Naval Group’s rigorous standards.
Identification and Qualification
After identifying and evaluating suppliers, they must undergo qualification. Following the auditing phase, which verifies the supplier’s financial stability and compliance with Naval Group quality standards, Asseal personally visits them to thoroughly assess their industrial capabilities, conducting a quality audit to confirm they possess the necessary resources to execute Naval Group processes. Social responsibility is yet another focus area for Asseal, as all Naval Group suppliers must align with the organization’s sustainability and compliance mandates.
Asseal’s goals are in complete harmony with the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, which aspires for over 50% local content by 2030. As a member of Naval Group, he is steadfastly committed to ensuring the successful execution of the 4-year maintenance contract aimed at sustaining and modernizing the Sawari fleets. Proudly Saudi, he is eager to contribute, at his capacity, to elevating his nation’s status as a key industrial player.
A Robust Foundation
Asseal earned his degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Jeddah in 2018. In his initial role at Saudia Airlines, he became a procurement specialist focusing on maintenance operations for spare parts. During his three-year tenure at Saudia Royal Airlines, he gained extensive experience in managing supplier relationships (development, evaluation, negotiation). In 2022, he obtained two additional certifications in international procurement as both a professional and manager.
