Senior Supply Planner

Location: Orlando, 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.

When you rely on airlines to connect you in flight, you rely on Thales. In an increasingly fast paced world, we make the unpredictable, predictable by connecting and entertain passengers to make your life better. Combining a diversity of talents, we master the decisive moments that matter to passengers and airlines. Whatever it takes.

Senior Supply Planner

Orlando, FL (Onsite)

Position Summary

Thales is looking for a Senior Supply Planner responsible for the day-to-day execution of key tasks, including requesting quotations, negotiating pricing within Delegation of Authority thresholds, issuing purchase orders, and ensuring the accuracy of all purchase order details, relevant notes, requirements, and related documentation.

In this position, you are also responsible for managing risks and securing long-term supply requirements, meeting the customer’s needs while aligning with relevant strategy (Optimum quality, price and timing). You will hold the responsibility of managing disputes that may arise throughout the process.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Purchase Request & Purchase Order Processing: Receiving purchase requests and verifying their conformity to operating methods; convert purchase requests into purchase orders on time; managing purchasing order cancellation, rescheduling or PO information change (quantity, price); ensuring accuracy of the order, GL account, or project number, ship to location, supplier information on purchase order, and relevant notes/comments on the purchase order document.
• Supplier Coordination, Acknowledgement & Expediting: Make sure that suppliers acknowledge P.O. receipt and provide delivery commitment; follow-up and expediting purchase orders; part shortages – manage, action and escalate material shortages; lead actions to improve customer OTD; maintain aging for all suppliers assigned < 2 days; be prepared with your input that affects past due customer orders.
• Financial & Accounts Payable Support: Responsible for ensuring all Supplier Accounts Payable do not fall into past due status; assists the Finance department by resolving invoice issues/discrepancies to ensure timely accurate payment; managing local negotiations within the DoA threshold.
• Inventory, Supply Planning & Reporting: Support efforts to optimize inventory levels and manage supply requirements; prepare reports on purchases, including cost analysis; drive improvements to meet or exceed supply planning KPI’s; review long term supply plan and mitigate supply risks by collaborating cross functionally on action plans.
• Quality, Certification & Compliance Resolution: Resolve discrepancies with parts certifications (8130-3, CoC, EASA) to clear rejections and request RMA; managing disputes and problem solutions as part of the integrated project/program team, perform assigned roles and responsibilities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration, Escalation & Operational Support: Ability to support an AOG (Aircraft on Ground) environment which may entail non-traditional office hours (on-call, nights, weekends, etc) and elevated stress levels; manage workload while being compliant to established department KPIs; provide updates as requested by collaborating with internal areas (Engineering, Supply Chain/Operations, Regional Procurement Managers, Quality, Program Management, Logistics, etc.); implement and lead recovery meetings/tiger teams, communicate project actions, owners, due dates, timelines, escalations; ability to drive issues to closure with minimal supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education & Relevant Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Economics, or Engineering with 5–8 years’ experience in a related field, or experience and education in lieu of degree may be considered.
• Procurement & Commercial Expertise: 5+ years’ experience in purchasing and/or procurement, requesting quotations, negotiating pricing (within Delegation of Authority thresholds), maintaining accuracy of Purchase Orders, data, and related documentation; 5+ years’ experience responsible for securing the best procurement solution (quality, price, and timing) while meeting customer needs and aligning with relevant strategy.
• Analytical, Problem-Solving & Execution Skills: Strong