Meeting customer requirements on a global market
At thyssenkrupp Marine Systems we aim to become the most modern naval company in Europe. Being an attractive employer is part of this mission. After all, only as a team and with the help of our 6,500 employees can we get closer to our goal every day. Iftikhar Chorfi, Senior Bid Manager at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, is part of this crew. In his day-to-day work, he helps maintain good relationships with our customers worldwide.
From engineering to acquisition of service contracts
Iftikhar Chorfi has been working at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems for nine years. Today, as Senior Bid Manager, he is putting his experience in engineering to work in acquiring international service contracts in our Repair, Overhaul & Modernization (ROM) department. “In September 2021 I started working as Senior Bid Manager”, says Iftikhar Chorfi. “Before that I was an engineer for eight years at the thyssenkrupp Marine Systems shipyard in Kiel.”
In his eight years of working as an engineer Iftikhar Chorfi learned a lot about customer requirements – valuable experience, that serves him well in his new position. “I really enjoy the contact with our customers from all around the world. Combined with the innovative technologies that we develop and manufacture here at the shipyard in Kiel, I can honestly say it makes my job perfect!”, says the Senior Bid Manager.
Meeting the requirements of global customers
When it comes to the preparation of offers and contracts it is crucial to meet both customer requirements as well as represent your company’s interests. “This task calls not only for the consideration of technical and economic aspects, but also for the interdepartmental coordination of central contract contents.”, explains Iftikhar Chorfi.
One of the projects Iftikhar Chorfi is currently working on is the composition of a framework agreement, which is intended to enable customers to supply their units in operation with services and spare parts for upcoming repairs, overhauls, and maintenance in the customer's country. Chorfi adds: “Ensuring the operational readiness and the best possible availability of the fleet is of essential importance for our customers.”
The importance of corporate culture
At thyssenkrupp Marine Systems we plan, manufacture, deliver and offer service from one single source. Therefore, to take a project from the initial stages of its life cycle to the very completion can only work, when many departments and different experts work hand in hand: “In our case at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, teamwork really makes the dreamwork”, rejoices Iftikhar Chorfi and adds: “You work with many colleagues from departments, and I am always – still to this day – pleasantly surprised by the support and work ethic of our teams.”
So it's a perfect working environment to get started in the industry. But what skills and interests should young professionals who want to pursue a career similar to Iftikhar's bring to the table?
Tips for young professionals
“As we mainly work with products in service that are already in use, a high degree of reliability is indispensable”, explains Iftikhar. “Furthermore, due to international customer contacts, it is equally important to be culturally open-minded”, the expert advises young professionals. Additionally, it is crucial to have a reliable work ethic. “Young professionals – but this also applies to everyone who works in our business – should have the ambition to do effective, high-quality work and be able to think outside the box”, Iftikhar Chorfi continues.
Education and training at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems
In addition to numerous internal and external development measures, which are determined annually in an appraisal interview together with the employee's supervisor, thyssenkrupp offers many other opportunities for further development. “For me personally, the seminars as part of a personnel development concept called LCP (Leadership Core Program) were particularly instructive. They taught me to continuously build up my company network in addition to my professional skills”, the expert recalls from his personal experience.
Iftikhar Chorfi and his colleagues maintain our good relationships with our customers worldwide – and bring us closer to our goal of becoming the most modern naval company in Europe every day.
If you want to be part of this mission and our crew, check out our current vacancies or take a look at more of our marine stories.