Operational Buyer R0289597

Tactical Buyer

7 Months - ( potential for extension) 

£20 - 25.00ph 

Role Overview

The Operational Buyer serves as the primary point of contact between TAS and its suppliers within the operational procurement flow. This role holds end-to-end responsibility for the creation, issuance, management, and closure of Purchase Orders (POs) on behalf of TAS. The Operational Buyer is crucial in transforming purchase requisitions into POs within defined service level agreement timeframes, leveraging TAS acquisition plans, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), other procurement information systems, and adherence to Thales/TAS Terms and Conditions.

Key responsibilities include monitoring timely deliveries, expediting late orders, resolving invoicing errors, and ensuring accurate data and record maintenance within TAS systems.

Key Responsibilities

1. Support Procurement Strategy:

• Analyze Purchase Requests (supplier status, frame agreement/price list availability, need date).
• Assess local business needs and challenges demand related to their product perimeter, contributing to global category strategies (short, medium, long term).
• Identify opportunities for commonality and synergy across multiple Purchase Requisitions.
• Verify alignment with Category Buyer strategy.
• Register Purchase Orders and Contracts in line with company policies, managing the acquisition process when Category Buyers are unavailable.

2. Contribute to Competitiveness:

• Manage local Request for Proposals (RFPs) and negotiations with suppliers within delegated authority (DoA) thresholds, adhering to TAS Standard Terms & Conditions (ST&C).
• Ensure accurate declaration of Procurement Performance at the point of Purchase Order creation.
• Verify compliance of Milestone Payment Plans and Payment terms with TAS Golden Rules.
• Drive financial procurement performance and effective cash management.

3. Support Supplier Performance:

• Provide monthly operational supplier performance KPIs through a collaborative approach.
• Coordinate with the Supplier Performance Manager (SPM) to manage workload risk, report site needs, performance issues, and critical situations.
• Monitor and ensure adherence to agreed delivery dates for Purchase Orders, negotiating economic and/or programmatic changes as needed.
• Proactively anticipate and react quickly to any supplier issues.
• Contribute to and attend supplier performance assessments led by Supplier Operations.

4. Manage Acquisition Process:

• Ensure strict application of the Procurement process.
• Verify consistency between the product code defined in the PO and the Procurement Segmentation (Product Tree).
• Apply agreed logistic conditions (Incoterms, delivery address) with suppliers.
• Negotiate, release POs in the ERP, and send them to suppliers.
• Follow up on PO acknowledgment (quantity, price, lead time) and record within the ERP.
• Confirm that agreed ST&C of Purchase incorporate all statutory and internal rules and regulations, particularly regarding Export Control, Health, Safety & Environment, and REACH.
• Manage disputes and invoicing issues.
• Handle non-conformance communications with suppliers.
• Ensure daily data updates within the ERP system.

Required Skills & Experience

Technical Skills:

• Technical and commercial background, or general knowledge in areas such as electronic and RF components, mechanical parts, etc.
• Proven ability to develop and expand internal and supplier relationships (e.g., assistance, escalation).
• Strong capability to challenge, pressure, or push back on suppliers when necessary.
• Professional understanding and application of commercial contracts & Terms and Conditions.
• Advanced proficiency in office productivity applications (e.g., Microsoft Office) and ERP purchasing tools (e.g., materials management).
• Good understanding of order management processes.
• Experience in requesting and evaluating offers/proposals and KPIs.
• Knowledge of main regulations and certifications applicable in the aerospace sector and special processes.

Soft Skills:

• Open-minded and proactive approach.
• Curious with a strong willingness to improve and develop.
• Strong predisposition for teamwork.
• Excellent organizational, priority management, and progress control skills.
• Ability to mobilize and influence resources outside of their direct function.
• Perseverance in achieving and maintaining commitments.
• Adaptability to changes in context, tasks, and workloads.
• Ability to work effectively in an international environment.
• Demonstrated ability to act in coherence with Thales/TAS ethics rules and values in all circumstances.

Languages:

• Native language proficiency.
• Proficient in English.
• French is a plus (for TAS-I, TAS-E, TAS-UK).
• Confirmed ability to communicate clearly and succinctly in a business setting with co-workers, suppliers, superiors, and other stakeholders without hesitation. This includes making phone/video calls, writing and presenting reports, and engaging effectively during meetings.