Senior Project Buyer

Thales; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health

Dental insurance

RRSP matching

Paid holidays

Well‑being programs

Employee discounts

Job summary

Thales Ottawa is seeking a Senior Project Buyer to translate engineering change requirements into purchasable work packages, issue purchase orders, manage supplier commitments and ensure delivery for the AJISS program.

The role requires 8+ years in procurement, defense‑industry experience and strong skills in SAP/MS Project, with a focus on risk management, compliance and cross‑functional teamwork. Hybrid work schedule, NATO/ITAR considerations and security clearances may apply.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in procurement or contract management with post‑award supplier management.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

8+ years procurement

Defense industry

SAP

MS Project

Supplier engagement

Risk mitigation

Cross-functional comms

Engineering change

Education

University degree or college diploma in procurement/related

Tools

SAP

MS Project

MS Excel

Job description

Location: Ottawa, Canada

About Thales

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.

Position Summary

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.

Regulatory Compliance

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.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• 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.

Internal Engagement

• 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.

External Engagement

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

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Additional Clearance Requirement

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Values & Behaviours

• Customer focused – deliver on commitments.
• Collaborative – build strong relationships.
• Accountable – own outcomes and resolve issues.
• Agile – adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• Innovative – seek continuous improvement.
• Ethical and transparent – act with integrity.

Special Position Requirements

• Hybrid work: office 3 days, home 2 days.
• Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, core hours 9 am‑3 pm, with flexibility for project needs.

Pay Transparency

Total target compensation: $60,000–100,000 CAD annually, inclusive of salary and bonus eligibility.

Benefits

• Extended health, dental, HSA, life insurance, AD&D, short‑term disability, cancer care, travel insurance, employee assistance and well‑being programs.
• Retirement savings plans: RRSP, DCPP, TFSA with company contribution and a match.
• Paid holidays, vacation days and sick leave.
• Optional life, AD&D, critical illness, long‑term disability cover.
• Employee discounts on home, auto and gym membership.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Thales is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Thales is committed to providing accommodations throughout the interview process. All accommodation information will be treated as confidential and used only to provide an accessible candidate experience.