At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

The Above Water Systems Business Line provides design, delivery and through-life support for a comprehensive set of maritime warfare capabilities, involving ship repair, platform upgrades and ancillary services. In this context, the Head of Procurement is responsible for all upstream procurement aspects of the AWS BL in Australia. As the ambassador of the procurement function within the team, the candidate will encourage professional and ethical procurement, as well as support best practices throughout the business.
 

The Head of Procurement for Above Water Systems is responsible for providing the best procurement solution (competitiveness, quality, on time delivery) by engaging early in the bid phase, to optimise the solution and propose innovative supply chain approaches, taking into account the entire life-cycle aspect of the programmes.

OUR BENEFITS

Competitive Remuneration + Super + Bonus + Free Medical Insurance

Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS.

Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)

Modernised Paid Parental Leave

Veterans Leave

Novated Lease options

Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work

Personal & professional training development opportunities

KEY ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As the Head of Procurement for the Above Water Systems business line, your responsibilities will include:

Active leadership and procurement support to the business in preparation of competitive bids or proposalsChallenging the needs and requirement of the procured items and promoting a cost-effective supply chain approach with the suppliers to increase the competitiveness of the solutionDefining and executing a clear procurement strategy (via the acquisition procurement plan) with targets, budgets and KPIs, considering specifics of the programme, target for Australian content, and directives from the business line; Coordinating the execution of the Procurement plan and the PVet process with the support of the relevant Category Buyers Coordinating the Subcontracts administration including appropriate contracts clauses and general subcontract administration Category Buyers and Subcontracts ManagersIdentifying, reviewing and committing to the expected procurement spend, Upstream price decrease and Purchase Price Variance Forecast and long-term Risk Mitigation PlansEnsuring that legal and regulatory requirements (export control, environmental regulations, electrical compliance, social considerations, etc.) are understood and properly applied

KEY KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
To be successful in your role, you will have demonstrated and/or acquired the following knowledge and experience:

10+ Years in procurement experience or strategic sourcing in a high-tech environment with a specific focus on maritime maintenance activities and capability upgrade Experience working within a large international organisation and complex project environment Experience in dealing with Bid and Proposal procurement activities Ability to develop strong relationships with internal stakeholders and influence decisions Experience in negotiating and managing contract spends of up to $20M Supply Chain experience in an international context Make/Buy and Risk Management skills Track record of bringing value and ability to capture innovation

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE

Engineering/Technical degree, Project Management qualifications or equivalent Tertiary qualifications in Business, Management or Logistics Background in Electronics, Mechanical Trade/Technical qualifications

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY

After you have applied, you will receive an email acknowledging your application. We’ll then provide a personalised experience for suitable applicants as we progress the selection and assessment process. Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police checks.

As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance.  To learn more about clearances please visit – http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA/ #LI-VG1

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.