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- Tasks: Lead supplier selection and manage procurement strategies for innovative systems and equipment.
- Company: Thales is a global leader in aerospace, defence, security, and space technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, 27 days leave, and customisable benefits.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact on safety and innovation worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of supplier management required.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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Location: Templecombe, United KingdomIn fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow\’s possible.Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across five major industries; Aerospace, Defence, Ground Transportation, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.
C3A Procurement Category Manager – Specific Systems & Equipment
Based Templecombe – Hybrid Working (also open to other commutable office locations)
Are you an experienced procurement professional who is passionate about category management and can deliver the transformation that Thales is implementing?
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Procurement Category Manager to join our Thales UK Procurement function. In this role, you will focus on managing our specific systems and equipment suppliers.
Key responsibilities
On a day-to-day basis, you’ll have:
Accountability for ensuring the most up-to-date knowledge of the supplier market, including new innovations and key emerging technologies relevant to the category.
Responsibility for leading major / business critical supplier selection exercises to support business needs, as well as the deployment, implementation and monitoring of category strategies.
End to end performance responsibility for the acquisition process via the management of RFIs and/or RFPs.
Responsibility for supplier relationship management and continuous improvement of suppliers within the category (with the support of Supplier Performance Management Team if needed) and the management of strategic supplier performance including, but not limited to, quality, cost, delivery, contractual performance and innovation.
Responsibility for ensuring that the suppliers provide the competitiveness required to support the business and to introduce optimal supply base changes to support business-winning capability.
Responsibility for mastering economic models for the category so that increased value can be added to Thales and the supply base.
About you
Ideally, you’ll have:
Proven experience in direct procurement categories (ideally with experience working with technical/engineering stakeholders).
Experience in developing, supporting and implementing category strategy initiatives.
Experience performance managing suppliers to above target performance and have a working knowledge of supplier development techniques.
Strong contractual knowledge especially of framework agreements and key clauses.
The ability to lead complex negotiations including import/export considerations.
A good understanding of the market for the category as well as an understanding of customer drivers, needs and programme issues.
Experience implementing procurement strategy from an operational perspective.
Proven ability challenging and developing innovative supply chain/procurement analysis that adds value to the business and end customers.
Benefits at Thales
We strive to create an environment where you can prioritise your wellbeing and have designed our benefits to give you the flexibility and power to do so. Our core benefits include a pension plan, private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection as well as an employee assistance programme.
In addition, our flexible benefits platform gives you the power to customise your benefits to suit your needs. You can choose to add a number of optional benefits including: healthcare cash plan, health assessments, family cover private medical insurance, buying/selling annual leave, gym membership discounts + much, much more. You can also enjoy exclusive access to our discount site!
Alongside a competitive base salary, we offer a variable compensation plan bonus, 27 days annual leave + 1 company day + UK public holidays as well as the opportunity to volunteer up to 3 days to support local charities/communities in which we work.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to our success.
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In line with Thales\’ Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.
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.
Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment,if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Teamfor graduate and apprentice roles.
Great journeys start here, apply now!
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Category Manager employer: Thales
Contact Detail:
Thales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Thales' core industries, such as aerospace and defence. Understanding their specific systems and equipment will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Thales on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations for the Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in procurement and supplier management, especially in technical fields. This knowledge will not only enhance your discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex negotiations and supplier performance management. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to drive value and improve supplier relationships, as these are key aspects of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Procurement Category Manager position at Thales. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in procurement and category management.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your proven experience in direct procurement categories, especially if you have worked with technical or engineering stakeholders. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in supplier relationship management and performance improvement.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to showcase your strong contractual knowledge and negotiation skills. Mention any experience you have with developing and implementing category strategies, as well as your ability to challenge and innovate within the supply chain.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter for Thales by incorporating keywords from the job description. This will not only show that you are a good fit for the role but also help your application stand out in the selection process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Research Thales and the Industry
Before your interview, take some time to understand Thales' role in the aerospace, defence, and security sectors. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and innovations, as this will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its mission.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the Category Manager role, be ready to discuss your experience with procurement strategies, supplier management, and negotiation techniques. Brush up on key concepts related to economic models and supplier performance metrics to showcase your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Thales values innovation and continuous improvement. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully identified issues within the supply chain and implemented effective solutions. This will highlight your ability to add value to the business.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the company's future projects, the team dynamics, or how they measure success in the Category Manager role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
