Category Manager

We're looking for a talented Procurement Category Manager to join our central procurement team in support of a key naval support program. As a Category Manager, you will play a key role in the UK Category organisation, leading assigned project tasks, and business analyses

As a Category Manager, you will manage the supplier strategy, negotiation and relationship for, the Mechanical supply chain and associated contracts in relation to the project.

You will also manage all purchasing aspects of delegated Bid and Project work packages to ensure packages are executed in accordance with technical, program, cost and performance (quality and delivery) requirements.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Coordinate upstream procurement activities with the program team and business line functions.


• Using Category Management techniques participate in the derivation of Purchasing CTA strategies that:

+ Address internal and external customer requirements
+ Take account of current/desired technical, program, cost and performance requirements
+ Facilitate early engagement of Purchasing Family suppliers in site/Hub bids and projects, as appropriate
+ Execute all purchasing aspects of delegated Bid work packages
+ Ensure work packages are executed achieving favourable conditions and consistency with technical, program, cost and performance (quality and delivery) requirements
+ Ensure site Buyer resources comply with supplier panel policies
+ Record and report savings in accordance with established guidelines

• Participate in and represent the Category at network events as needed.


• Engage and communicate efficiently with internal customers and other functions as necessary in executing work packages


• Ensure appropriate Supplier Relationship Management and Performance Management techniques are employed with Purchasing Family suppliers


• Maintain an ethical approach to tasks and relationships in accordance with relevant Thales policies.


• Ensure supplier adherence to Environmental and Social Value requirements and in line with UK and Group Policies
  
  As a Procurement Category Manager, you have:



• Good knowledge of commodities and manufacturing processes.


• 5 years or more relevant mid to senior level purchasing/procurement and commodity experience


• Technical and commercial Purchasing Family knowledge


• Manufacturing experience and knowledge of the material planning process.


• Experience in Project Management, Contract Law and ERP Systems


• You possess good negotiation skills and experience


• Business or Engineering degree, or equivalent would be desirable


• MCIPS qualified or studying towards would be desirable


• Business awareness and customer oriented approach and organisation and commercial awareness


• Good communication and presentation skills


• SC clearance is required for this role
  
  In 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., 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 offers a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;


• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00pm


• Hybrid working


• Pension Scheme


• 28 days annual leave (Plus Bank Holidays)


• Life Cover


• Progression and Development Opportunities


• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app


Flexibility

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.

If you are interested in this role, we would encourage you to have informal chat with the assigned recruiter.

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.