Location: Glasgow, United KingdomThales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across five major industries; Aerospace, Defence, Ground Transportation, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Job title:Rapid Engineering Development Coordinator

Location: Glasgow – Hybrid Working

Our opportunity

As a Rapid Engineering Development Coordinator at Thales, you will play a pivotal role in liaising with multiple functions; Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing NPI, and Procurement to enable the sourcing of materials and services required to support our rapid product engineering development. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to expedite the procurement process and ensure the timely delivery of material and services for our innovative projects. This role requires a proactive and detail-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive success.

NOTE:This role is unique and specific to design, development, prototype units only; it does not apply to production units.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks:

Collaborate with engineering, quality, manufacturing NPI and procurement teams to understand project requirements and procure necessary materials and services for rapid engineering product development.

Utilise the available “methods of purchasing” to ensure the most efficient and effective sourcing options are taken while fully complying with UK Procurement Governance

Conduct rapid sourcing activities to identify and support qualification of any new suppliers that are capable of meeting project timelines and quality standards; working with the Category Management Team to ensure risks are mitigated and opportunities are maximized

Negotiate price and delivery with suppliers to achieve cost-effective solutions while maintaining quality and delivery requirements for prototype builds including actively negotiating with suppliers to address quality, delivery, price, or service discrepancies.

Hosting supplier “project” meetings and issuing meeting notes with action items, due dates, and ownership.

Manage the procurement process from requisition through purchase order issuance to invoice and pay, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures, including export control.

Monitor supplier performance and address any issues or concerns to ensure on-time delivery and quality of materials and services while ensuring co-ordination of performance data with Local and UK procurement teams.

Coordinate with internal stakeholders, including engineering, manufacturing, management and quality assurance teams, to ensure alignment and communication throughout the procurement process.

Utilise procurement tools and systems to track and manage procurement activities, contracts, and supplier relationships.

Manage receipt/return of material and liaise with engineering inventory team to ensure efficient transfer to and from storage facility and suppliers.

Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost optimisation within the procurement function to support rapid development initiatives, creating and building supporting initiatives that can be communicated to stakeholders.

Skills and Experience:

Proven experience in procurement and supply chain management, with a focus on supporting rapid development projects in a fast-paced environment.

Strong negotiation skills and ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

Excellent problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail.

Financial skills to assess the total cost of procurement.

Proficiency in using procurement software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office suite.

Ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

Demonstrated teamwork, communication and collaboration skills, with a customer-focused approach.

Knowledge of procurement best practices, contract management, and regulatory compliance in the context of rapid development projects.

The role requires a SC clearance

Qualifications preferred:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or equivalent

MCIPS, degree or equivalent qualifications in other commercial or Project Management disciplines

Professional qualification in related disciplines e.g. Project Management, Engineering, Supply Chain

What can we offer you?
On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;

Half day every Friday, usually finishing at 11:30

Pension Scheme

24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app

Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers

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Your Career At Thales

We’re committed to giving you opportunities to be your best. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people, and to achieve this we offer market leading training, development and experiences, along with the opportunity to be mentored and coached by some of the smartest minds in the industry.

Your health and well-being matters to us and where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment,if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!