Category Buyer

We're inventing the future, right here, right now, at Thales. We design the critical security solutions of tomorrow by combining the curiosity to explore, the intelligence to question and the vision to create. Together we solve complicated problems by combining our experience in the market with our leading research and development capabilities.

**Why work for Thales?**

At Thales we're committed to caring about the whole of you. Creating an environment of trust and empowerment where your contribution is valued, where your well-being counts and you can manage the right work-life balance for you. We believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working. We're always open to discussing your individual needs, just let us know what works for you.

Our commitment extends through our generous benefits package; that's why Thales were the first Engineering company in Australia to pay the superannuation guarantee on unpaid primary carer's leave. Whether you want to work for 4 years and get paid to take the 5th off,

or you just need help finding a childcare place, you'll have our support every step of the way.

**Developing your career**

We're committed to giving you opportunities to be your best. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people and to achieve this we offer market leading training, development and experiences, along with the opportunity to be mentored and coached by some of the smartest minds in the industry. We hire from within as our first priority, so you'll have a myriad of opportunities within our diverse, global organisation.

**About Thales and our opportunity**

We're inventing the future, right here, right now, at Thales. We design the critical security solution of tomorrow by combining the curiosity to explore, the intelligence top question and the vision to create. Together we clarify complicated problems by combining our experience in market with our leading research and development.

We are currently looking for a category buyer for either our Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane offices. This role will focus on managing the procurement of the mechanical category - mechanical assemblies and complex sub systems across the various business domains of Thales in Australia from underwater programs to air traffic management solutions.

**Responsibilities**
- Manage the suppliers' portfolio for the mechanical category
- Actively source, assess and qualify potential suppliers (local and international)
- Collate and optimise the demand for the products across our business nationally
- Operate as the interface with company stakeholders to develop sourcing strategies which provide for project requirements whilst satisfying customer and Thales group strategies
- Lead the tendering processes as the focal point for a cross functional committee ensuring risks and opportunities are managed and key objectives such as cost savings are achieved
- Managing the upstream procurement process and hand over to supply chain for ongoing supplier management
- Collate and report on supplier performance to understand and steer sourcing strategies

**About you**
- You are ideally degree qualified and have strong experience in the procurement/strategic sourcing space within a complex and high tech environment
- Your strategic sourcing experience includes a focus on mechanical complex systems and previous experience in negotiating and managing contract spend of up to $10 million per annum
- You are a team player and partake in open sharing on best practice with your peers
- Your written / verbal communication skills and commercial acumen are exceptional and you are in your comfort zone presenting to all levels of the business
- You have a strong ability to build exceptional relationships both internally and externally and can influence decisions

**Special Requirements**

Wellbeing matters at Thales, and where possible we encourage flexible working.