Category Manager

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it's all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what's possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we're driving progress in some of the world's most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

As a key member of the multi-disciplined Regional Procurement Centre (RPC), the role of the Procurement Category Manager is to manage the procurement of Supply Chain Services, Industrial Equipment and Installation for Thales Australia. In this role, the Procurement Category Manager will ensure that the execution of the sourcing strategy is in line with the business and corporate objectives, and that timeframes and deliverables are aligned in order to deliver the best overall outcome (cost, service and/or quality) for Thales Australia.

KEY ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Building strong stakeholder relationships across various key business lines
• Developing a category strategy, that meets the regional and global business objectives;
• Collating and optimising the demand;
• Analysing and reporting on Spend Management;
• Actively sourcing, assessing and qualifying potential suppliers;
• Executing the sourcing strategy through a disciplined RFI/ RFQ tendering process;
• Managing the RFQ process, which includes creation of RFQ package, release to market, review supplier responses, provide recommendations;
• Identifying risks and opportunities, and influencing the design and/ or specification to generate additional savings;
• Proposing a negotiation strategy and lead the negotiation;
• Coordinating closure on the final decision and executing the procurement contract.
• Managing the supplier's performance (quality, cost and timely delivery), including risks and opportunities including the supplier performance review program;

KEY KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
To be successful in your role, you will have demonstrated and/or acquired the following knowledge and experience:

• Technical/Engineering/Business degree and/ or demonstrated experience in a relevant discipline
• 5+ years Procurement experience or Strategic Sourcing with a focus in Freight or Civil industries
• Experience in Procurement, Contract Management or Commercial experience
• Experience working in a complex Project environment
• Experience working within a large organisation and dealing with all levels of management
• Experience in negotiating and managing contract spends of up to $50M per annum
• Strong Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to develop strong relationship with internal stakeholders and influence decisions
• Recognised professional accreditation (CIPS, EIPM, RICS or equivalent)
• Strong skill base in IT productivity tools such as Office and Excel
• High levels of responsiveness and internal customer focus

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY

After you have applied, you will receive an email acknowledging your application. We'll then provide a personalised experience for suitable applicants as we progress the selection and assessment process. Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police checks.

As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance.  To learn more about clearances please visit –

For more information on Thales visit us @ThalesCareers on Instagram.

It's easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don't see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community. We're committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We're proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there's always more we can do. We'll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.