Propulsion Procurement Manager

About the role

The Exploration Company is at the forefront of space innovation, developing Nyx, a reusable orbital vehicle aimed at revolutionizing cargo transport and paving the way for future human spaceflight. In this role, you will oversee the procurement of essential propulsion systems, striking a balance between in-house development and collaborations with external partners to guarantee the safety and reliability of our missions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and implement strategies to determine whether to manufacture components in-house or procure them from external suppliers.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to identify and engage innovative suppliers within the New Space industry.
• Ensure that production, testing, and qualification processes meet stringent deadlines by effectively managing relationships with external vendors.
• Lead the RFx (Request for Information/Proposal/Quotation) processes, evaluating potential partners in conjunction with the engineering department to make informed supplier selections.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers and monitor their performance post-agreement to ensure compliance with our standards and expectations.
• Streamline internal processes to enhance operational efficiency and scalability, contributing to the overall success of the program.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and advancements in propulsion technologies to inform procurement strategies.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for stakeholders, summarizing procurement activities and supplier performance metrics.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement within the procurement team.
• Manage budgets related to procurement activities, ensuring cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to align procurement strategies with broader company objectives and project timelines.
• Mentor junior team members, sharing expertise and best practices in procurement and supplier management.

Requirements

• A bachelor's or master's degree, or equivalent qualification, in a business or technical discipline.
• A solid understanding of business administration principles and contract management processes.
• Relevant experience working with engineering teams on intricate technical projects, demonstrating the ability to bridge the gap between procurement and engineering.
• Proven ability to work autonomously, prioritize tasks effectively, and thrive in high-pressure environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
• A quick learner with the agility to adapt to evolving project requirements and industry dynamics.

Nice to have

• Previous experience in supply chain management or procurement roles within the aerospace or technology sectors.
• Knowledge of Odoo or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, enhancing efficiency in procurement processes.
• Proficiency in additional languages such as French, German, or Italian, which would be beneficial for supplier negotiations and partnerships.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in developing procurement strategies that align with organizational goals.
• Strong negotiation skills, particularly in contract discussions with suppliers.
• Familiarity with ERP systems to manage procurement workflows effectively.
• Proficient in supplier relationship management, ensuring strong partnerships that contribute to project success.
• Competence in project scheduling to ensure timely procurement and delivery of components.

Practical notes

• This position is open to candidates from specific countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia.
• The company offers relocation assistance and visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.
• All job offers are contingent upon a background check conducted by Zinc Work Limited, ensuring the integrity and safety of our hiring process.

Join us at The Exploration Company and be part of a team that is shaping the future of space travel. Your expertise in procurement will play a crucial role in our mission to make space accessible and sustainable for generations to come.

About the company

The Exploration Company is a European space technology startup developing reusable orbital vehicles, focused on making space more accessible and sustainable.