Category Manager – Electronic Components at Thales USA, Inc. in Irvine, California

Job Description:

Location: Irvine, United States of America

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.

Position Summary

The Category Manager for Electronic Components will represent the Procurement Organization both globally and for the Americas Region and shall be responsible for the effective creation and implementation of all the category’s strategic direction and management of the category within the scope of their responsibility (supporting Electronic Components category strategy in managing Thales Negotiated Price materials, component assurance of supply, 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 Segment Director, 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. 

Essential Functions / Key Areas of Responsibility

• Act as the point of contact (POC) for internal and external stakeholders (e.g. Bids and Proposals, Department Heads, Suppliers, Audits, etc.) and determine the priorities for the Category within the region


• Help the Director to organize the category in such a way as to ensure a calibrated workload as well as a link to Stakeholders in order to ensure that their needs, requirements and priorities are addressed


• Ensure that Category, Procurement and Stakeholder Team members adhere to the Thales Group Purchasing policies


• Ensure the Category adheres to the cost and competitiveness of the good and services purchased through the Purchasing Executive Summary (PES)


• Establish a method and monitor the execution of Category activities.


• Act as Key Account Manager for certain global suppliers and interact and support all Thales business needs globally for such suppliers


• Monitor category markets on an on-going basis to identify and understand 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 for 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.


• Help to define and monitor the schedule and deliverables associated with acquisitions


• Ensure compliance of all Stakeholders and Procurement Team Members with the “Manage Acquisition” process as per Chorus 2.0, and the use established acquisition tools in place within the organization ( e-Acquisition, ERP,…) for all activities


• This role is a functional Category Manager position

Minimum Requirements: Skills, Experience, Education, Technical/Specialized Knowledge, Certifications, Language

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, procurement or comparable field of study with 8+ years of relevant work experience in procurement or Master’s degree in procurement or business administration with 6+ years of relevant work experience in procurement


• Understanding of Make/Buy, Should Cost Analysis approaches and inputs as well as supplier risk assessment and mitigation planning


• Ability to create and deploy category strategy to secure short and long term vision of a commodity/ies applying procurement expertise to aid in meeting the same


• Ability to make commitments and deliver on what was promised


• Ability to train, engage and influence in line with the regional and global procurement objectives


• Ability to be an effective, strategic decision maker and not only see, but grasp the implications of the bigger picture


• Ability to guide and provide  leadership to cross functional teams   


• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving and strategic thinking skills


• Needs strong communication skills, both written and verbal


• Must have a strong executive presence


• Must have proven negotiation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in procurement or business administration with 6+ years of relevant work experience in procurement


• French speaking would be a plus

Special Position Requirements

Schedule: Core Business Hours are Monday-Friday. The expectation is that you are working a full eight hour day, adjusting your scheduled hours of work to accommodate your workload, as well as hours of work to accommodate meetings with partners throughout North America, but also to facilitate effective and timely meetings and communication with the Global partners overseas.

Physical Environment: This role has been designated as a Hybrid position, with the current expectation that, when you are not traveling, that you will physically work from your assigned Thales office at least two days each week.

Travel: Travel is required, and is anticipated to be approximately 20-25% travel annually, both domestically and internationally.

Customer Location Based or Site Visits: Position may require occasional travel to and from one or more customer sites.

The anticipated salary range for this role is $89,110.00 - $165,490.00 USD Annual. The Company reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s status protected by local, state, or federal law. 

The Company 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 and Well-Being plans 

•401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a company contribution and a match, and without vesting period 

•Company paid holidays, vacation days, and paid sick leave 

•Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, and Employee Assistance Plan 

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with (a) criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

Successful applicant must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements.

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at talentacquisition@us.thalesgroup.com.

Salary: