Category Buyer Mechanics

Thales Group; Tubeke; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Thales Belgium is seeking a Category Buyer Mechanics to lead the implementation of the group category strategy in Belgium. You will source and manage suppliers for mechanical components, drive cost reductions, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize TCO.

The role requires strong negotiation skills, an analytical mindset, and the ability to work autonomously on supplier relationships and contract execution. On-site in Tubize with travel to facilities and suppliers as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master in Purchasing/Procurement with 5–10 years’ experience.
• Strong mechanics knowledge (machining, sheet metal, forging, casting).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Implement the group category strategy for Thales Belgium.
• Source new suppliers and manage the mechanical supplier base.
• Negotiate contracts and drive cost reductions (TCO).
• Ensure on-time delivery, quality and best cost.
• Collaborate with quality, engineering, finance and procurement teams.
• Travel to other Thales Belgium sites and suppliers as needed.

Skills

Analytical approach

Strong communication

Negotiation

Customer oriented

Rigorous & organized

Autonomy and decision making

Pressure management

Education

Bachelor in Purchasing and Procurement (or similar)

Master degree

Tools

Oracle ERP

Job description

## Category Buyer MechanicsApply: On-Site: Tubize: Full time: Posted Today: R0339446Lieu : Tubize, Belgium**Main tasks and responsibilities :*** Ensure the implementation of the group category strategy in Thales Belgium.* Participate to the products definition and cost reduction projects to optimize the TCO.* Collaborate with internal stakeholders (quality, engineering, SPM, PPM, requesters, logistic and finance).* Maintain and Develop a market knowledge. Prospect and monitor the supplier base involved in mechanical components and sub assembly* Source new suppliers to support the segment strategy and offset requirements, mainly considering international market.* Maximize the needs to improve the negotiation levers and optimize the savings.* Manage the contract negotiation (dedicated or frame agreement)* Cut order for codified and non-codified items* Manage the supplier base for the mechanical category and rationalize the supplier panel.* Be accountable for supplier’s relationship to ensure on time delivery, best cost and quality.* Challenge the needs.* Follow up of contract execution up to final payment**Profil :**· Bachelor in Purchasing and Procurement (or similar) or Master degree , with a minimum of 5 to 10 years’ experience· Background or very good technical knowledge in mechanics (machining, sheet metal, forging, casting, ...)· Analytic approach and result oriented· Able to demonstrate strong communication skills & ability to develop relationship with stakeholders and suppliers.· Customer oriented and negotiation skills to optimize the Company competitiveness.· Rigorous & organized, pragmatic; able to work in autonomy and take decision· Perfect understanding of Procurement / Purchasing processes· Fluent level in English and French (oral and written)· Experienced in ERP system (Oracle will be considered as an advantage)· Good knowledge of legal topics used in contractual negotiations.· Ethical behaviour and compliant with law and regulations· Continuous improvement oriented, flexibility and a good ability to work under pressure.· Eager to Travel to other Thales Belgium facilities and to visit suppliers