Procurement Project Manager

Location: Orlando, United States of America

Thales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world's largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.

When you rely on airlines to connect you in flight, you rely on Thales. In an increasingly fast paced world, we make the unpredictable, predictable by connecting and entertain passengers to make your life better. Combining a diversity of talents, we master the decisive moments that matter to passengers and airlines. Whatever it takes.

About the role

Orlando, FL (Hybrid)

Position Summary

Thales is looking for a Procurement Project Manager to act as the strategic procurement lead for project deliveries, with end-to-end accountability for procurement performance across cost, quality, schedule, and risk. In this role, you will drive Thales' procurement initiatives to enhance competitiveness, ensuring supply solutions meet evolving program and customer requirements while aligning with business line objectives and global procurement strategies.

As a core member of the Business Project Team, you will represent and elevate the Procurement function at the program and business line levels, shaping sourcing strategies in close partnership with Category Managers, Engineering, and Program Management.

You will lead procurement strategy execution across the full project lifecycle, including sustainment and obsolescence management, while anticipating supply risks and market constraints. You will proactively identify, manage, and mitigate commercial, operational, and supplier risks to ensure continuity of supply and protect program execution and financial outcomes.

In this position, you will also drive supplier innovation and value creation by leveraging strategic supplier relationships to introduce new technologies, identify cost optimization opportunities, and improve supplier performance within Thales' solutions. Through value-added procurement leadership and cross-functional collaboration, you will influence decision-making at the program and business line levels, strengthening long-term program viability and competitive positioning.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Lead and shape acquisition strategies by challenging and translating internal and external customer requirements into optimized sourcing solutions that enhance competitiveness, affordability, and long-term value. Integrate market intelligence, supplier innovation, emerging technologies, and Make-Team-Buy analysis while ensuring contractual and regulatory alignment and adherence to Thales Procurement policies.
• Define and structure end-to-end acquisition plans and procurement work packages aligned with project and program objectives, lifecycle phases, and business line priorities. Establish procurement performance and competitiveness commitments during the bid phase, including the development and presentation of Procurement Executive Summaries (PES) and formal Gate 2 commitments. Ensure compliance with Thales' "Manage Acquisition" governance (Chorus 2), including enterprise systems (e-Acquisition, ERP), delegation of authority, gate reviews, and procurement vetting processes.
• Lead the execution of acquisition strategies to achieve schedule, quality, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and risk/opportunity targets. Define and implement contractual frameworks that ensure delivery, quality, and commercial compliance. Own procurement performance dashboards and reporting, proactively monitor execution, identify performance gaps, and drive corrective actions in collaboration with Category Buyers, Supplier Performance Management (SPM), and operational stakeholders.
• Anticipate, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks throughout the project lifecycle, including launch, ramp-up, sustainment, and obsolescence, to protect program delivery and financial performance. Identify and develop value-creation opportunities through cost optimization, technology insertion, supplier performance improvements, and strategic supplier relationships that strengthen long-term competitiveness.
• Serve as the Procurement authority for Business teams, influencing Engineering, Program Management, and business leadership to align sourcing strategies with program objectives and business priorities. Drive adoption of Global Category strategies, ensure alignment between program-level execution and enterprise category roadmaps, and leverage strategic internal and external networks to accelerate problem-solving, unlock supplier innovation, and strengthen delivery performance.
• Lead post-project procurement performance reviews and lessons learned, driving continuous improvement across Procurement, Engineering, and Program teams. Contribute to the evolution of procurement processes, governance practices, and organizational capabilities while championing Thales leadership behaviors and business disciplines, including business acumen, customer focus, planning and execution, continuous improvement, and quality orientation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or for assuming sponsorship of an employment visa now or in the future.
• If you're excited about working with Thales, but not meeting the requirements for this position, we encourage you to join our Talent Community!

Special Position Requirements

• Schedule: Core business hours, Monday - Friday.
• Physical Environment: Typical office environment: prolonged periods working on computer, video-calls.
• Travel: This position may require domestic and international travel, up to 5%.
• Regulatory Compliance Requirements: None.