Job Description
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.
Governments and private industry rely on us to create satellite‑based systems that provide trusted, anytime‑anywhere connectivity and positioning—helping care for our planet, manage its resources thoughtfully, and explore our Solar System with curiosity and purpose. We view space as a new horizon for collective progress, shaping a more sustainable life on Earth. As a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space partners with Telespazio through the Space Alliance to deliver a full suite of integrated solutions and services.
We’re recruiting for a Senior Buyer to join our team at Harwell Campus, one of the UK’s leading innovation hubs for space and technology.
In this role, you’ll take ownership of supplier sourcing and tendering activities for propulsion systems and mechanical equipment, driving procurement strategies that support mission-critical R&D and production programmes. You’ll collaborate with business-winning teams, negotiate complex contracts, and help shape supplier partnerships across our global network.
Key Responsibilities
Drive supplier tendering and negotiation processes (subcontracts, RFQs, ITTs, collaborative agreements).
Lead procurement planning aligned with project and commercial strategy.
Conduct bid evaluations, supplier proposal analysis, and selection recommendations.
Collaborate with Legal and Contracts functions on complex agreements.
Support Bid and Project Managers and represent Procurement in customer or internal meetings.
Interface with international Thales procurement networks to align policies and ensure compliance.
Candidate Profile
Experience: Proven experience in Procurement or Contracts Management within Aerospace, Defence, or Space sectors.
Skills: Strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, supplier management, understanding of export controls and trade compliance.
Education: Degree in Business, Law, or equivalent; professional accreditations like CIPS or IACCM preferred.
Languages: English essential, Italian an advantage.
Attributes: Proactive, detail-oriented, adaptable under pressure, and collaborative. Willingness to travel internationally.
Location
Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire — a key UK hub for space innovation.
Benefits:
Performance-related bonus (grade dependent)
Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
24 hours volunteering paid for
Private healthcare (grade dependent)
Pension scheme
Life cover
24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental
Security Clearance Requirement:
Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment.
To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.
Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.
At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.
If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.
Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!
