Overview
In this role you will implement Group category strategies in the UK and maximise value from a diverse supplier base. You will act as the commercial owner of strategic supplier relationships, driving measurable outcomes through governance, negotiations and performance management. You will partner with senior stakeholders to ensure UK requirements are represented and drive supplier consolidation and risk mitigation. You will contribute to cost savings and value delivery while leading sourcing and tender activities when needed. This is a hybrid role in Crawley that supports Thales' mission to deliver trusted technology.
Pay / Benefits
- Performance-related bonus
- Half day every Friday
- 28 days annual leave
- Private healthcare
- Pension scheme
- Paid volunteering day
Responsibilities
- Act as the commercial owner for key strategic suppliers, leading governance, executive reviews and performance management processes
- Deliver annual cost savings and value targets through commercial negotiations, supplier performance improvements and demand management initiatives
- Drive supplier accountability through KPI management, continuous improvement plans and robust governance
- Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and act as the lead procurement advisor for assigned categories
- Implement Group category strategies within the UK business while ensuring local requirements are represented
- Optimise the supplier landscape through supplier consolidation and rationalisation
- Lead sourcing, renewals and tendering activities where required
- Identify and mitigate commercial, operational and supply chain risks
Key requirements
- Significant experience managing strategic suppliers and complex service-based contracts
- Proven track record delivering cost savings and commercial value
- Extensive experience of supplier governance and performance improvement programmes
- Strong senior stakeholder management and influencing capability
- Experience managing supply base optimisation initiatives
- Excellent commercial, analytical and negotiation skills
- CIPS qualification or equivalent experience desirable
- Stakeholder management
- Influencing capability
- Negotiation
- Analytical thinking
- Commercial, analytical and negotiation skills
- Supplier governance and performance improvement programmes
Category Manager (Travel, Events, HR & Communications) in Crawley employer: Thales Group
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Crawley. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities, competitive benefits including private medical insurance and annual bonuses, and a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact the future of technology. Join us to be part of a team that values diversity, encourages creativity, and prioritises ethical AI solutions.
