Procurement Project Manager – Thales, Belfast, United Kingdom
Open to senior procurement professionals with a proven record of delivering cost‑efficient and risk‑managed defence procurement solutions.
Primary Purpose of the Role
To act as the procurement lead within a campaign, bid, product or project team, optimising the function's contribution to competitive campaigns, bids and profitable projects through effective resource management, strategic supplier engagement and delivery of strong financial outcomes.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
In the Bid Phase or for New Products
* Serve as the lead Supply Chain architect for the assigned campaign, bid or project.
* Create, agree and maintain governance, acquisition strategy and plan with the bid/project team.
* Produce and agree the Purchasing Executive Summary.
* Design the supply‑chain architecture to meet bid or product needs.
* Define and implement strategies for offset/industrial participation where applicable.
* Generate and review RFQs, ensuring accurate capture of bid and program requirements.
* Ensure RFQ and contract packs are complete and agreed with stakeholders.
* Maintain the Purchasing Summary Sheet and other Thales governance requirements.
* Allocate work packages accurately and on time to functional resources.
* Confirm tailoring and purchase vetting planning.
* Facilitate strategic Make‑Team‑Buy processes aligned with the medium‑term industrial plan.
* Identify supply‑market innovation opportunities and optimise risk‑sharing.
* Manage procurement risk, commercial and contractual aspects throughout the bid.
* Employ reporting, tracking and performance tools and represent procurement at bid reviews.
* Coordinate procurement resources to ensure timely responses and deliver on up‑stream price decrease savings.
* Provide accurate procurement estimates covering labour, material and total cost of ownership.
* Recognise export controls and maximise Thales’ commercial position.
In the Project Phase
* Lead the Forward Looking Commitment Review to identify and execute opportunities.
* Engage with Engineering, Planning, Manufacturing and Quality to release procurement specifications, statements of work and requisitions.
* Validate target costs and Purchase Price Variance savings per work package.
* Manage procurement risks through the Risk Register.
* Coordinate procurement resources to support bid activities and ensure technical, program, cost and performance alignment.
* Represent the function in Program Reviews and manage the program report pack sections.
* Take full procurement work package management responsibility within the Integrated Project Team.
* Manage procurement costs throughout the project lifecycle and analyse opportunities for reduction.
* Contribute to inventory reduction initiatives and support complex schemes & installations.
Compliance to Governance Rules
* Ensure governance compliance (Delegation Of Authority, Acquisition Log, Purchase Order approval).
* Work in accordance with all Thales processes.
* Comply with export control guidelines and policies.
* Complete CAPAs and QUESTs within prescribed timeframes, achieving zero overdue performance.
* Maintain an ethical approach in line with Thales policies.
* Drive sustainability and reduce non‑compliance risks in legislation.
Skills – Essential
* Commercial acumen with advanced negotiation skills across diverse contracting models.
* Broad procurement expertise: needs analysis, design to cost, Make‑Team‑Buy, technical interface management, acquisition strategy, international sourcing, supplier management, risk and opportunity management, subcontract management.
* Leadership, presentation and communication skills.
* Exceptional interpersonal skills to optimise cross‑functional collaboration and supplier relationships.
* Analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
* Organisational and logistical proficiency.
Skills – Desirable
* Experience in team management and leadership development.
* Experience in major sub‑contract programme/project management.
* Technical and commercial understanding of Thales products and supplied parts/services.
* Knowledge of upstream purchasing techniques (Co‑Development, Co‑Engineering, Value Engineering, Functional & Cost Analysis).
Experience – Essential
* Supply‑chain architecture development and implementation.
* 10+ years of senior procurement or commercial experience in relevant markets.
* Track record of success in similar roles within relevant businesses or markets.
* Supplier relationship and performance management, negotiation techniques, and measurement.
Experience – Desirable
* Proficiency with procurement tools such as E‑ACQ.
* Co‑operation with Engineering and R&T teams.
* ERP experience (Oracle B1, SAP).
* Experience presenting to end customers during bid or project phases.
Values & Behaviours
* Analytical and visionary solution design.
* Goal‑oriented risk‑taking for competitive advantage.
* Cross‑team collaboration and best‑practice sharing.
* Stakeholder influence and communication.
* Continuous improvement of procurement capabilities.
* Passion, resilience and adaptability to achieve ambitious targets.
* Customer‑first culture and supplier performance awareness.
* Adherence to Thales Code of Ethics and procurement policies.
* Proactive stakeholder relationship development.
* Compliance with legislative and regulatory obligations.
Financial / Budgetary Responsibility
* Manage procurement activity on bids at typical B2 or onerous level.
* Manage procurement activity on A1 or A2 programs with a procurement work package content >£10m.
Qualifications – Essential
* MCIPS, degree or equivalent qualifications in commercial or project management disciplines.
Qualifications – Desirable
* Currently studying for MCIPS or a relevant business/engineering degree.
* Professional qualification in related disciplines (Project Management, Engineering, Supply Chain).
Applicants will be required to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full security clearance. Thales is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process.
Great journeys start here – apply now!
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