Department: Procurement

Reports to: Head of Procurement Thales Belgium

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Category Buyer IT/IS who will also assume the responsibility of Team Leader for the Indirect Procurement team. This dual-role position requires a candidate with strong expertise in IT and Information Systems procurement coupled with leadership skills to guide and develop an indirect procurement team. The ideal candidate will drive sourcing strategies, optimize supplier relationships, and ensure effective team management to deliver value, cost efficiencies, and procurement excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Category Buyer IT/IS

Together with the respective Global Category Manager(s), develop and execute procurement strategies for IT and Information Systems categories, ensuring alignment with business objectives and technology roadmaps.

Manage end-to-end procurement processes including sourcing, supplier evaluation, contract negotiation, and supplier performance management for IT/IS suppliers and services.

Collaborate closely with IT  & business stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into procurement requirements.

Monitor market trends, emerging technologies, and supplier innovations to ensure competitive advantage and cost-effective solutions.

Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Team Leader – Indirect Procurement

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of procurement professionals responsible for indirect procurement categories across the Belgian organization.

Set performance objectives, conduct regular performance reviews, and foster continuous improvement within the team.

Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to support business units and optimize indirect spend management.

Drive procurement best practices, process improvements, and effective use of procurement tools and systems.

Manage resource allocation and workload prioritization within the indirect procurement team to meet project timelines and business needs.

Qualifications & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, or related field. Master’s degree is a plus.

Proven experience (typically 5+ years) in IT/IS procurement with strong negotiating and sourcing skills.

Previous experience in a leadership or team management role within procurement or supply chain.

Deep understanding of IT hardware, software, cloud services, and related supplier landscape.

Strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and commercial acumen.

Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills.

Proficiency in procurement software/tools and Microsoft Office suite.

Key Competencies:

Leadership & Team Development

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

Negotiation & Contract Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Market Analysis & Cost Management

Change Management & Continuous Improvement