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Job Title


Procurement Project Manager


Company : Thales


Location : Belfast, Northern Ireland


Created : 2026-04-18


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Thales Belfast, Northern Ireland, United KingdomProcurement Project ManagerPrimary Purpose of the RoleTo represent Procurement as an integral part of a campaign, Bid or Product or Project team, leading the resources of the function in order to optimise its contribution to producing competitive campaigns, bids and products, and delivering profitable projects. Work with internal stakeholders to ensure Acquisition or Sourcing strategies for a campaign, bid, or product or project are aligned to the needs of the business in the short, medium and long term durations. Work with the bid and product development teams to ascertain the work package needs, competitiveness objectives and target costs. Develop a supply chain architecture; negotiate with the supply chain, under these mandates, to obtain a complete and competitive supply chain architecture which delivers the full requirement of the bid/product. Deliver a risk‐managed set of Terms and Conditions of contract for all elements of the supply chain. In the project phase, work closely with key stakeholders and functions as necessary, to manage all Procurement aspects ensuring work packages are executed in accordance with technical, programme, cost and performance (quality and delivery) requirements.Key Responsibilities and TasksIn the Bid Phase or for New ProductsBe seen as the lead Supply Chain architect for the assigned campaign, bid or projectAct as the result, create, agree, maintain all governance requirements and Acquisition Strategy and Plan with the bid/project teamProduce and agree the Purchasing Executive SummaryWork with multiple stakeholders to design the supply chain architecture to meet needs of the bid or productPlay a key role in defining and implementing strategies to meet the offset/industrial participation needs of the business where appropriateGenerate/ review RFQs, ensuring bid and programme requirements are accurately capturedEnsure that the RFQ and contract packs are complete and agreed with stakeholdersEstablish and maintain the Purchasing Summary Sheet (PSS) and other Thales governance requirementsAllocate Work Packages accurately and on time to the relevant functional resources whether in UK Procurement Competency Centres or in the CBUConfirm tailoring and Purchase vet planningFacilitate both strategic and tactical the Make, Team, Buy process in line with medium‐term industrial plan for the business lineLead the activities of the Procurement function to identify supply market innovation opportunities, involving suppliers in design upstream and optimising risk‐sharingIdentify and mitigate risks and maximise opportunities as the Procurement Risk Manager for the bidUndertake commercial and contractual tasks at all times, including engaging with commercial teams to define suitable terms and conditionsEnsure effectiveness by employing suitable reporting, tracking and performance management tools and techniques and represent Procurement at Bid reviewsCo‐ordinate the activity of all Procurement resources in support of the bid ensuring timely responsesRecord and report Upstream Price Decrease (UPD) SavingsCommit to Procurement performance in the bid including bought‐in costs, delivery/leadtimes, quality, resource management, cash‐flow, risks and opportunitiesCreate and provide accurate Procurement estimates, covering resource labour, material and Total Cost of Ownership to the bid teamRecognise export controls associated with supply chain architecture and programme requirements including ITAR (TAAs & TCPs/MLAs) EAR ECCN, UK & foreign Military and Dual‐Use ControlsAt all times understand and maximise Thales commercial position with the supply chainStakeholder ManagementTo proactively engage and manage the principle relationships identified above, representing the interests of the UK Procurement function.In the Project PhasePlay a key role in the Forward‐Looking Commitment Review process to identify and execute opportunitiesEngage with Engineering, Planning, Manufacturing and Quality to ensure the release of procurement specifications, statements of work and requisitions to support project deliveryValidate target costs and Purchase Price Variance (PPV) savings per work packageIdentify and mitigate risks and maximise opportunities in the role of Procurement Risk Manager for the projectCo‐ordinate the activity of all Procurement resources in support of the bid to ensure work packages are executed achieving favourable conditions and consistency with technical, programme, cost and performance (quality and delivery) requirementsEngage and communicate efficiently with internal customers and stakeholder as necessary in executing work packagesRepresent the function in Program Reviews, ensuring all actions are allocated to the appropriate resource and executed in support of Programme needsLiaise with the Programme Manager to complete the relevant sections of the Programme Report PackManage the Procurement Risk Register, ensuring appropriate mitigation actions are identified, undertaken and completedTake full Procurement Work Package Management responsibility within an Integrated Project TeamManage the Procurement costs through the lifecycle of the projectAnalyse costs of products and systems to identify focus areas or opportunities for reductionContribute to inventory reduction initiatives through the application of effective planning and manage the stores ordering process to help support projects, complex schemes & installationsCompliance to Governance RulesEnsure relevant governance is complied with, including Delegation Of Authority, Acquisition Log process and Purchase Order approvalWork in accordance with all Thales processesComply with export control guidelines and policiesAll assigned CAPAs (Corrective Action Preventative Action) and the respective stages for all Internal, External and Supplier Audits will be completed in the prescribed timeframe in the CAPA, to achieve zero overdue date performanceAll assigned QUESTs will be completed in the prescribed timeframe to achieve zero overdue date performanceMaintain an ethical approach to tasks and relationships in accordance with relevant Thales policiesTo drive sustainability in our projects to optimise cost benefits and innovation from within our supply chain, and pro‐actively reduce risk and non‐compliance to legislation (e.g. Bribery and Modern Slavery). To incorporate sustainable requirements: energy, climate change and material security & criticality (e.g. REACH, Conflict Minerals etc) into the product and services we procureSkillsEssentialCommercially astute with advanced negotiation skills and experience including differing contracting modelsBroad range of Procurement skills focused on: Needs Analysis, Design to Cost, Make‐Team‐Buy, Technical Interface Management, Acquisition Strategy definition, International Sourcing, Supplier Management, Risk and Opportunity Management, Subcontract ManagementLeadership, presentation and communication skillsExceptional interpersonal skills to optimise cross‐functional & cross‐organisational working, engage key stakeholders and to work effectively with suppliersNegotiation skills in a complex systems' environmentAnalytical skillsWell‐developed organisational skillsDesirableTeam management, leadership and team developmentMajor development/manufacture sub‐contract programme/project management experienceBroad technical and commercial understanding of the Thales product and associated bought‐in supplied parts and servicesAbility to lead Make, Team, Buy decisionsUpstream purchasing techniques deployment, especially Co‐Development, Co‐Engineering, Value Engineering, Value Analysis, Functional Analysis, Cost AnalysisExperienceEssentialSupply chain architecture development and implementation10 years plus relevant experience in mid to senior level procurement or commercial rolesTrack record of success in a similar role in relevant businesses or marketsSupplier Relationship and Performance Management, negotiation techniques and measurementDesirableExperience of procurement tools such as E‐ACQProven track record of working cooperatively with Engineering and R&T teamsExperience in using ERP systems including Oracle (B1) and / or SAPExperience of presenting to end customers during bid or project phasesValues & BehavioursDisplays the following:Able to analyse complex and sometimes incomplete information to create an easy to communicate short‐medium and long‐term solution, addressing Thales requirements.Sets stretched goals for themselves and their suppliers, prepared to take risks in order to gain competitive advantage for Thales.Able to work effectively within and across transverse teams, actively seeks synergies and sharing of best practices.Uses appropriate techniques to understand then influence stakeholders both within Thales and outside.Contributes to improving the capability and competencies of the Procurement team in order to enable the function to deliver to business needs.Displays passion, energy, drive, agility and resilience in achieving ambitious targets under difficult circumstances, capitalises on lessons learned and responds positively to setbacks.Uses full understanding of internal and external customer needs to build a strong customer‐first culture within the solutions they define and the team in which they work.Understands the impact of their performance and that of their suppliers on Thales results.Creates a clear plan for change when required, communicates clearly on the plan and is prepared to stand by unpopular decisions in support of the needed change.Has a clear understanding of the global perspective relevant to their role working both within Thales and the supply market.Proactively seeks to develop relationships with key stakeholders (up to Bid Director/Project Director level) within the bid/project in order to further drive the procurement function's influence within the business.Understands the necessity to conduct themselves in accordance with the Thales Code of Ethics, Group Procurement Policy and in compliance to the legislative and regulatory environment in which we operate.Financial / Budgetary ResponsibilityManages procurement activity on bids at typically B2 or Onerous levelManages procurement activity on typically A1 or A2 Programs with a Procurement Work Package content of >£10mQualificationsEssentialMCIPS, degree or equivalent qualifications in other commercial or project management disciplinesDesirableAlready studying towards MCIPS or Business Degree/Qualification or equivalent or willingness to do soBusiness or Engineering degree, or equivalentProfessional qualification in related disciplines e.g. Project Management, Engineering, Supply ChainSecurity and Baseline ClearanceIn line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.Equal Employment OpportunityThales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‐free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‐diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‐term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.Great journeys start here, apply now!#J-18808-Ljbffr