Procurement 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.

Our corporate team is a central hub for Thales Australia. It’s where our shared services – think finance, legal, HR, procurement – come together to make sure our teams across Australia have access to the business services they need. Cross-functional collaboration helps us build out Thales’ capabilities in a robust way – and helps us open up new career opportunities for employees all across the business.

As a key member of the multi-disciplinary Regional Procurement Centre, the Procurement Category Manager will be responsible for managing the procurement of Ammunitions, Missiles, and components for Thales AM, as well as across other business domains, ranging from GWEO and underwater programs to air traffic management solutions.

In this role, the Procurement Category Manager will ensure that the execution of the sourcing strategy aligns with both business and corporate objectives, while meeting established timeframes and deliverables.

Working from either Melbourne, Benalla or Mulwala, your role purpose will be –

• Engage with suppliers to review quotes, assess timeframes and risks, and optimize purchases through consolidation

• Source, assess, and qualify potential suppliers (both local and international)

• Consolidate and optimize product demand across the business nationally

• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop sourcing strategies that align with project needs, customer requirements, and Thales group objectives

• Lead tendering processes, acting as the main point of contact for cross-functional teams to manage risks, seize opportunities, and achieve key objectives like cost savings

• Oversee the upstream procurement process and hand over to supply chain for ongoing supplier management

• Collect and analyse supplier performance data to guide sourcing strategy adjustments

On day one in this role, we'll expect you to bring the following skills, experience and behaviours:

• Solid experience in Procurement or Strategic Sourcing, preferably within Defence, FMCG, Oil & Gas, Chemical Manufacturing, or similar sectors

• Strong customer focus and external relationship management skills

• Proven leadership abilities with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of leading multi-disciplinary teams

• Expertise in Procurement, Contract Management, or Commercial roles

• Background in complex project environments and large organizations, with experience interacting across all levels of management

• Skilled in negotiating and managing contract spend

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and influence decisions

• Tertiary qualification in business, engineering, project management, or a related field

• Must be eligible to obtain Australian Defence clearance

• Willingness to travel

As part of our commitment, we offer:

• Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical Insurance

• ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment

• Recognised leader in reservist employee support

• Veterans Leave

• Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS

• Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)

• Modernised Paid Parental Leave

• Novated Lease options

• Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work

• Personal & professional training development opportunities

• Sonder – Wellbeing & Support Partner

• Access to a network of the best people (A Nobel Prize winner on our staff list!)

• And much more!

Good to Know

Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and (role dependent) medical checks.

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.