Category Manager

Position Summary

Orlando Hybrid

Thales is looking for a Category Manager who will represent the Procurement Organization for the Americas Region and shall be responsible for the effective creation and implementation of all the categorys strategic direction and management of the category within the scope of their responsibility (supporting the PCBA and Housing Integration category) working with the global team to implement category strategies assure supply of materials negotiate contracts and commercial terms and supplier relationship management). This role will be responsible for developing sourcing strategies managing supplier relationships as well as identifying and mitigating supply chain risk.

As Category Manager and in full alignment with the Americas Procurement Team Leader the individual in this role will be responsible for managing their category bringing procurement acumen support and influence strategies that drive product and service innovation.

They are responsible for providing the best procurement solutions (quality price and timing) meeting customer needs and aligning with the relevant Procurement Strategies as lead by the Global Category Managers ensuring full compliance with all Thales policies and procedures.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Serve as the point of contact and trusted advisor for all internal and external stakeholdersincluding executive leadership bids and proposals teams department heads key suppliers and audit bodiesproviding expert guidance insight and representation for the categorys activities and priorities throughout the Americas.

• Strategically support the Procurement Team Leader in designing and optimizing the categorys organizational model to ensure balanced workload distribution streamlined communication channels and seamless alignment with business priorities fostering strong value-driven relationships with stakeholders.

• Lead by example in championing and ensuring rigorous adherence to Thales Group Purchasing policies ethical standards and best-in-class procurement practices across all category and stakeholder teams.

• Drive cost leadership and sustained competitiveness for all goods and services within the category by overseeing the effective use of advanced analytical tools (e.g. Purchasing Executive Summary PES) and implementing robust processes for ongoing performance tracking and improvement.

• Establish refine and oversee rigorous governance processes for category activities ensuring comprehensive monitoring accountability and delivery of procurement initiatives against defined strategic objectives.

• Continuously analyze and interpret complex category markets leveraging deep business and industry acumen to identify emerging trends potential disruptors regulatory developments and technological innovationsand translate these insights into forward-looking competitive category strategies for the business.

• Proactively generate actionable recommendations to enhance product and project competitiveness exploring opportunities with alternative suppliers innovative methodologies and advanced technologies to maximize value creation.

• Provide strategic guidance in defining planning and monitoring category acquisition schedules and deliverables ensuring clear alignment with business roadmaps and critical project milestones.

• Ensure full compliance with all Thales acquisition processes (e.g. Manage Acquisition per Chorus 2.0) and drive adoption of digital tools and procurement platforms (e-Acquisition ERP etc.) embedding process excellence and digital best practices throughout the function.

• Fulfill the responsibilities of a functional Category Manager serving as a thought leader in procurement and actively contributing to the continuous improvement and capability development of the regional and global procurement organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration Procurement Supply Chain Management or a closely related field with a minimum of 9 years of progressive and relevant procurement experience or a Masters degree in Procurement Business Administration or a related discipline with at least 8 years of advanced procurement leadership experience; professional certifications (CIPS ISM CPSM etc.) preferred.

• Demonstrated mastery of advanced sourcing methodologies including Make/Buy analysis Should Cost modeling and comprehensive supplier risk assessment and mitigation approaches; proven track record of applying these techniques to drive strategic value and optimize total cost of ownership.

• Extensive experience in developing and operationalizing innovative category strategies that underpin both short- and long-term organizational objectives leveraging deep procurement expertise to deliver sustained competitive advantage for the business.

• Established reputation for reliability and accountability with a history of making and honoring strategic commitments to internal and external partners.

• Proven ability to mentor develop and inspire procurement and cross-functional teams fostering engagement and aligning efforts with both regional and global procurement strategies.

• Outstanding strategic and business acumen capable of navigating complexity to make high-impact decisions and synthesize insights into actionable strategies that anticipate global market dynamics and organizational needs.

• Recognized leadership and facilitation skills in guiding cross-functional teams advancing collaboration and championing a high-performance results-oriented culture.

• Superior organizational agility analytical acumen and proven problem-solving capabilityable to translate business challenges into innovative procurement solutions and deliver continuous improvement.

• Exceptional communication skillsboth executive-level verbal and writtenwith demonstrated ability to influence persuade and engage diverse audiences including C-suite and global stakeholders.

• Impeccable executive presence and stakeholder management expertise with a proven track record of building credibility and trusted relationships at all levels of the organization.

• Demonstrated excellence in complex contract negotiation and management with a history of securing win-win outcomes in challenging commercial environments.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or for assuming sponsorship of an employment visa now or in the future.

Special Position Requirements

Travel:up to 20% domestic and international

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We are an equal opportunity employer including disability and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex race color religion national origin disability protected Veteran status age or any other characteristic protected by law.

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The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target is between

This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including but not limited to the employees career path history competencies skills and performance as well as the companys annual salary budget the customers program requirements and the companys internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation depending on circumstances not related to an applicants status protected by local state or federal law.

(For Internal candidate if you need more information please reach out to your HR Shared Service 1st Point)

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