Senior Project Buyer

Location:

Ottawa, Canada

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. Ottawa is a global technology leader and hosts the Thales Ottawa office, a major supplier and long‑term partner to the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian Coast Guard.

Senior Project Buyer – responsible for translating engineering change requirements into purchasable work packages, issuing purchase orders, managing supplier commitments, and ensuring engineering change delivery for the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship In‑Service Support (AJISS) program.

Access to hardware, software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List, the Canadian Controlled Goods Program, the Canadian Industrial Security Program, the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR) is required. Applicants must be eligible or able to obtain the necessary authorisations.

• Own end‑to‑end AJISS engineering‑change procurement and supply execution.
• Drive schedule and milestone performance, identifying risks and leading recovery actions.
• Manage defense‑approved suppliers and support readiness and delivery planning.
• Serve as cross‑functional purchasing interface – collaborate with engineering, program/project management, category management, quality, operations, finance, legal and bid teams.
• Run post‑award supplier execution and performance management.
• Support change governance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain compliance and audit‑ready evidence.
• Escalate and lead resolution of systemic issues.
• Act as a mentor and resource across the team.

• Work Package Manager / Project Manager – alignment on scope, schedule and supplier performance.
• Engineering Design Manager / Engineering – clarify technical requirements and manage Statements of Work.
• Procurement / Category Management – ensure sourcing strategy alignment and supplier performance feedback.
• Project Manager – cost tracking, budgeting, milestone control and payments.
• Quality & Safety – monitor and manage supplier performance in compliance and delivery.
• Legal / Commercial – support contract variations, claims and escalations.
• Bid / Capture Teams – provide insights on supplier performance, risks and costs.

• Key suppliers and subcontractors – manage commercial and performance relationships.
• Customer representatives – coordinate supplier matters affecting delivery.
• Auditors or regulatory bodies – provide evidence of compliance.

• 8+ years in procurement, supply chain, commercial or contract management with post‑award supplier management experience.
• Experience in defense or high‑compliance industry, ideally in‑service support or engineering change programs.
• Strong project and milestone management skills using tools such as SAP or MS Project.
• Excellent supplier engagement and relationship management abilities.
• Proactive risk identification and mitigation skills.
• Effective communication in cross‑functional, high‑stakes environments.
• Working knowledge of defense industry regulations, government contracting and AJISS program requirements is highly desirable.
• Must possess a university degree or a recognised college diploma in procurement, finance, economics, commerce, accounting or related discipline and have at least 2–3 years of recent procurement experience as specified.

Applicants must be able to obtain a Canadian NATO Secret clearance and meet eligibility under the Canadian Controlled Goods Registration Program and ITAR.

• Professional qualifications or training such as CIPS, PRINCE2, APM or equivalent.
• Relevant degree or equivalent experience in business, engineering or related discipline.

• Customer focused – deliver on commitments.
• Collaborative – build strong…