Category Buyer
Thales is a global technology leader trusted by governments, institutions, and enterprises to tackle their most demanding challenges. From quantum applications and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and 6G innovation, our solutions empower critical decisions rooted in human intelligence. Operating at the forefront of aerospace and space, cybersecurity and digital identity, we’re driven by a mission to build a future we can all trust.
In Singapore, Thales has been a trusted partner since 1973, originally focused on aerospace activities in the Asia-Pacific region. With 2,000 employees across three local sites, we deliver cutting-edge solutions across aerospace (including air traffic management), defence and security, and digital identity and cybersecurity sectors. Together, we’re shaping the future by enabling customers to make pivotal decisions that safeguard communities and power progress.The Category Buyer (CB) may support one or several procurement categories.
The CB is accountable for end-to-end performance of the acquisition process, via the management of the RFI &/or RFP's until the Pvet 4 stage (up to PVet 5 based on some Regions).
The CB is expected to lead supplier selection exercises to support business needs.
The CB ensures the deployment, implementation and monitoring of agreed category strategies.
The Category Buyer reporting to the relevant Global Category Manager and / or Category(ies) Team leader (CTL) depending on geographic location.
Key Figures:
- Annual volume of commitment and spend within relevant category (ies) and % of Savings
- Number of suppliers for the given category and the structured closure of legacy, close and disengage suppliers as defined by the category strategies
- Year on year competitiveness and cost reductions
- Category operational performance (quality, on-time delivery, supply risk assessment, ..)
- % Category compliance with policy suppliers based on both commitment and spend
- Involve in the creation of specific contract(s) where there is a business need
The Category Buyer (CB) supports one or several procurement categories.
The CB works in close relation with the relevant Global Category Managers (GCM), the Categories Team leader (CTL), the Category Manager(CM) and the Tactical Buyer (TB).
All actions have to be in line with the strategy defined by the Global Category Manager and the CM. The CB's prime role is the management of the RFI or/and RFP's until PVet 4 stage (up to PVet 5 based on some Regions) in order to provide the competiveness to the business.
In addition to this their main tasks are:
Operational Support :
- Ensure the BA's (Business Admin/End Users) receive all required information to raise the Procurement Orders. Procurement Competitiveness Capture:
- Monitor the markets for defined categories including 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 to the businesses.
- Based on the above provide insights as to how products / projects could be more competitive via the adoption of different suppliers / methodologies / technology etc. Governance, Leadership and Performance Management:
- Ensure appropriate governance is applied using KPI's and root cause corrective actions Supplier / Acquisition Management:
- Performance management of the supply base in line with the standards set out by the Global Category Manager .
- Ensure that supplier competitions follow the governance process and are balanced and fair in order to improve business and customer performance.
- Ensure that global contracts / framework agreements are adopted and utilised.
- Ensure that Thales e-Acquisition and all THALES procurement tools are fully used.
- Based on the performance management of the supply base identify the suppliers who require focused development actions and ensure that the Supplier Development Team have the required support / leverage in order for these actions to be successful.
Skills Requirements:
- Good involvement in defining / updating the strategy with the GCM (Global Category Manager).
- Good implementation of the strategy on an operational basis.
- Good contractual knowledge especially of framework agreements, Liability & insurance.
- Good understanding of the market for the categories under his control but also ability to understand the customer’s stakes, needs and program issues.
- Mastering economic models for the categories so that increased value can be added to Thales and the supply base.
- Proven ability to challenge and develop innovative supply chain / procurement analysis (CCO, should cost) that adds value to the business and end customers.
- Ability to manage complex sub-contracts including risks & opportunities and ability to identify purchasing levers.
- Good knowledge of the best practice acquisition process.
- Good leadership skills with the ability to influence in order to deliver business results.
- Ability to understand the business / global picture.
- Capability to work within and potentially lead cross functional and international multi organizational teams (teamwork).
- Open-minded and collaborative, able to share ideas, bring added value and innovation, and resolve conflicts effectively through sound problem-solving.
- Ability to take initiatives and to perform analysis and synthesis.
- Agile mindset and adaptability in complex international and intercultural settings.
- Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and meet deadlines, even under pressure when necessary.
- Ability to represent Thales and to demonstrate Thales values.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
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