Procurement & Planning Manager, Satellite Manufacturing

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Procurement Manager / Planner is responsible for ensuring the timely and cost-effective sourcing, planning, and delivery of materials, components, and services required to support satellite development and production. This role manages the full procurement lifecycle and material planning processes, working closely with engineering, supply chain, quality, and production teams to balance schedule, cost, and risk. The role drives supplier performance, ensures supply continuity, and enables efficient inventory flow in a high-reliability aerospace environment.

As a Procurement & Planning Manager, Satellite Manufacturing, you will be responsible to :

• Define and execute procurement strategies for materials, components, and external services in line with program requirements and production forecasts.
• Lead, coordinate, and develop procurement and planning personnel, including task prioritization, workload balancing, and performance oversight.
• Plan and manage material requirements (MRP / Resource Planning), including long-lead items, critical parts, and project-specific procurement needs.
• Collaborate with Product Manufacturing Engineers and quality teams to ensure specifications, qualification requirements, and technical data are clearly defined and properly flowed to suppliers.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers capable of meeting aerospace quality, delivery, and cost expectations.
• Lead negotiations for pricing, delivery terms, contracts, and supplier agreements, ensuring favorable commercial terms and performance commitments.
• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs (on-time delivery, quality, cost variance) and drive corrective actions where required.
• Manage supplier risk through proactive identification of shortages, obsolescence, or single-source vulnerabilities and development of mitigation plans.
• Coordinate with logistics and material control to ensure inbound material flow aligns with production schedules and inventory targets.
• Maintain accurate procurement and planning data in Resource Planning systems including PO, forecasting, and supplier master records.
• Support cost reduction and value engineering initiatives, ensuring procurement solutions support performance, quality, and cost targets.
• Ensure compliance with applicable procurement policies and aerospace industry standards.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• As part of a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing organization, you will be expected to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability as project requirements evolve, and new challenges arise.
• In a role closely connected to cross-functional project teams, you will be expected to think strategically and ensure that operational decisions consistently align with broader organizational goals.
• Within a complex technical environment, you will be expected to apply strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities to address issues efficiently and maintain operational continuity.
• In a multidisciplinary production setting, you will be expected to communicate clearly and effectively (both verbally and in writing) to facilitate seamless collaboration across engineering, production, quality, and leadership teams.
• Deep understanding of strategic sourcing, supplier management, and material planning in a high-reliability manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical skills for data-driven decision making (forecasting, spend analysis, supplier performance metrics).
• Negotiation and contract management expertise.
• Ability to interface effectively with engineering, quality, production, finance, and logistics.
• Proficiency with Resource Planning/MRP systems and material planning tools.
• Strong risk management mindset and proactive problem resolution.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field or equivalent professional experience in procurement and material planning.
• 5+ years of procurement, supplier management, or planning experience in aerospace, defense, or complex manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with ERP/MES systems and material planning modules.
• Demonstrated success managing critical suppliers and long-lead material programs.
• Experience with contract negotiation, supplier qualification, and performance management.
• Knowledge of aerospace quality standards (AS9100, ECSS) and regulatory requirements.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Eligibility for ESA/EU/NATO/National SECRET personnel security clearances is essential. Candidates must be prepared to undergo a security clearance procedure, as this position may require holding such clearance
• Willingness to work at least 60% onsite from office

The job responsibilities outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may evolve over time and be reviewed according to business needs.