Senior Buyer

Thales Avionics, Inc. (IFE) in; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Thales Group in Irvine, CA is seeking a Senior Buyer to manage transactional procurement for the IFEC division. You will convert PRs to POs, negotiate with suppliers, and track orders to ensure on-time delivery and quality.

This role requires strong analytics, SAP/LeanDNA experience, and cross-functional collaboration within a fast-paced aerospace environment. The position is fully onsite in Irvine, offering participation in a cross-functional team and governance-compliant procurement practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, finance, economics, engineering, or related field with 5+ years of supplier-facing experience.
• Strong analytical skills with Excel (VLOOKUP, PivotTables) and data analysis.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Receive and review procurement requests; convert PRs into POs.
• Negotiate pricing within Delegation of Authority thresholds and manage supplier orders.
• Follow up on deliveries; maintain shortage data in SAP/LeanDNA.
• Support RFx activities; prepare procurement reports and cost analyses.
• Resolve invoice and order-related discrepancies; ensure governance compliance.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain/Operations, Quality, and Program teams.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel (VLOOKUP, PivotTables)

MS Office & Teams

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or related field

High School Diploma/GED with 7 years of experience

Tools

SAP

LeanDNA

e-ACQ

Chorus 2.0

Job description

Location: Irvine, 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.

Senior Buyer Irvine, CA (Fully Onsite) Position Summary

Thales is looking for a Senior Buyer to support the IFEC division and manage the transactional procurement process from Purchase Requisition (PR) through Purchase Order (PO) execution and follow-up. This role is responsible for converting PRs into POs using sourcing inputs and strategies established by Category Buyers, while ensuring transactions are completed accurately and within established service-level timelines. In this position, you will manage day-to-day purchasing activities, including requesting quotations, negotiating pricing within Delegation of Authority thresholds, validating order details, and ensuring all required documentation is accurate and complete. You will also support supplier follow-up and expediting activities to help ensure delivery, quality, and timing requirements are met. Additionally, you will support the Category team with quote preparation, data analysis, quote summaries, resolution of discrepant supplier inputs, and other sourcing-related activities. You will be responsible for identifying the best procurement solution based on quality, cost, and timing, while aligning with customer needs and the broader procurement strategy. The role also includes managing and resolving supplier or purchasing disputes that may arise throughout the procurement process.

• Purchase Order Management: Receive and review procurement requests for compliance with established processes, convert purchase requisitions into purchase orders, and manage PO changes including cancellations, rescheduling, quantity updates, and pricing adjustments. Ensure all order details, including GL account, project number, ship-to location, supplier information, and supporting notes, are accurate and complete.
• Supplier Follow-Up and Expediting: Confirm supplier acknowledgment of purchase orders and delivery commitments, monitor open orders, and proactively follow up and expedite as needed to support on-time delivery. Maintain accurate shortage and recovery data in applicable systems, including LeanDNA and SAP, and address past-due purchase orders and customer-impacting shortages.
• Sourcing, Negotiation, and RFx Support: Request quotations, manage RFx activities in e-ACQ within Delegation of Authority thresholds, conduct local negotiations, support quote management, and prepare procurement reports and cost analyses to help secure the best value in quality, cost, and timing.
• Accounts Payable and Dispute Resolution: Support daily Accounts Payable activities, monitor supplier aging to prevent past-due balances, and resolve invoice, purchasing, supplier, and order-related discrepancies or disputes in a timely manner.
• Governance and Process Compliance: Ensure compliance with Thales Procurement Policy, Chorus 2.0, the Manage Acquisition process, applicable procurement gates, and required sourcing tools. Support New Product Introduction and other assigned procurement projects, while maintaining transparency and documentation across procurement activities.
• Cross-Functional and Project Support: Partner closely with Engineering, Supply Chain/Operations, Procurement, Quality, Program Management, and project teams to address priorities, roadblocks, and customer delivery risks. Support IPT activities, lead actions to improve customer on-time delivery, provide project updates and escalations, and communicate progress to Procurement and Supply Chain leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of five (5) years of supply chain experience working directly with suppliers; or a High School Diploma/GED with a minimum of seven (7) years of related experience. Strong analytical skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel with experience using VLOOKUPs, PivotTables, and other data analysis tools. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Teams is required. Strong problem-solving, organizational, and prioritization skills, with the ability to independently manage assignments and drive them through successful completion. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across a complex, cross-functional organization. Demonstrated sense of urgency, adaptability, accountability, integrity, and attention to detail in a fast-paced and evolving environment. Proven ability to take initiative, challenge the status quo, identify opportunities for improvement, lead by example, and contribute to a collaborative, high-performance culture.

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.

Special Position Requirements

• Three (3) or more years of strategic sourcing experience.
• SAP experience is a plus.
• Ability to work core business hours, Monday through Friday.
• May be required to work outside of core business hours to meet business objectives.
• Occasional travel to supplier locations may be required.
• Must be flexible to support business needs and changing priorities as required.

Why Join Us?

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture.

Thales is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at [e-mail].

The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between Total Target Cash (TTC) 82,731.00 - 139,525.00 USD Annual This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including – but not limited to – the employee’s career path history, competencies, skills and performance, as well as the company’s annual salary budget, the customer’s program requirements, and the company’s internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's status protected by local, state, or federal law. (For Internal candidate, if you need more information, please raise HR request through MyThales)

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

• Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period
• Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program