Regional Category Manager

Location: Melbourne FL, United States of America

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.

When you rely on airlines to connect you in flight, you rely on Thales. In an increasingly fast paced world, we make the unpredictable, predictable by connecting and entertain passengers to make your life better. Combining a diversity of talents, we master the decisive moments that matter to passengers and airlines. Whatever it takes.

Position Summary

Melbourne, Florida (Hybrid) OR Arlington, VA (Hybrid)

Thales is looking for a Regional Category Manager who will lead the procurement of Engineering & Customer Support Services segment across various market sectors within the region covering the needs/suppliers in the North and Latin Americas region.

In this role, the Category Manager, in full alignment with the Country Team Lead, will ensure that the execution of bids and projects in addition to enterprise requirements are in line with the business and corporate objectives, and that timeframes and deliverables are aligned in order to deliver the best overall outcome for Thales in terms of cost, service and quality of products/services from suppliers/subcontractors.

The role covers all the market sectors within Thales, and as such requires an excellent view of the organization as well as a strong ability to interact with senior stakeholders.

You will be knowledgeable of the Engineering and Customer Support Services and possess the necessary leadership behaviors to develop and drive category strategies. 

• Defining Long Term Procurement Strategy for Engineering and Customer Support Services:

  • Developing category strategies that meet the regional and global business objectives;

  • Monitoring category markets on an on-going basis to identify and understand key players, newcomers, economic evolutions, market or regulation constraints, innovations and technology in order to support the development of the most up to date category strategies for the businesses;

  • Based on the above providing insights as to how products / projects could be more competitive via the adoption of different suppliers / methodologies / technology etc.;

  • Collating and optimizing the demand;

  • Setting up contractual agreements;

  • Analyzing and reporting on Spend Management;

  • With the support of the Global Category Manager, keeping abreast of industry/ category best practices.

• Supporting the Supply Chain process by:

  • Managing the supplier’s performance (quality, cost and timely delivery), including risks and opportunities;

  • Leading the supplier performance review program;

  • Managing key Project stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in related field of study with 8+ years of relevant work experience in procurement or Master’s degree in related field of study with 6+ years of relevant work experience in procurement

• Solid Procurement experience of Engineering Services (including hardware engineering, system engineering, and software development) and Customer Support Services (including maintenance and repair services) gained within a large blue chip organization within the North & Latin American countries

• Understanding of Make/Buy, Should Cost Analysis approaches and inputs as well as supplier risk assessment and mitigation planning

• Ability to create and deploy category strategy to secure short and long term vision of a commodity/ies applying procurement expertise to aid in meeting the same

• Ability to make commitments and deliver on what was promised

• Ability to train, engage and influence in line with the regional and global procurement objectives

• Ability to be an effective, strategic decision maker and not only see, but grasp the implications of the bigger picture

• Ability to manage and setup contracts

• Ability to guide and provide leadership to cross functional teams      

• Must have proven negotiation skills

• Experience working within a large organization and dealing with all levels of management

If you’re excited about working with Thales, but not meeting the requirements for this position, we encourage you to join our Talent Community!

Special Position Requirements

Travel: Travel is sometimes required, and is anticipated to be approximately 10-15% travel annually, both domestically and internationally.

What We Offer

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following: 

•Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance.

•Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period. 

•Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off. 

•Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program. 

Why Join Us?

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This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

Successful applicant must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements.

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at [email protected].