PROCUREMENT LEAD - ABOUT THE ROLE

We craft cutting-edge mechanical engineering solutions, pushing the boundaries of innovation for both ground and space-based optical applications. Our expertise merges precision with creativity, delivering breakthrough designs that drive the future of optical technology in the Space Systems, Earth Observation and Laser Communication fields. For our organization we are seeking a senior buyer who is responsible for the strategic procurement of high-value components, subsystems, equipment, and services, ensuring cost competitiveness, quality, supply continuity, and alignment with business and program objectives.

Working closely with Engineering, Program Management, Operations, Quality, and Legal teams, the role supports supplier selection, contract management, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement across the supply chain.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

Strategic Sourcing

- Develop and execute sourcing strategies for the assigned category in collaboration with Engineering and Program Management (ensuring procurement activities meet technical, schedule, and project requirements);
- Identify, evaluate, qualify, and develop suppliers;
- Manage RFIs, RFQs, tendering processes, supplier selection and contract award activities;
- Support make-or-buy decisions and sourcing strategies for new product development programs.

Contract Negotiation and Commercial Management

- Lead complex commercial negotiations with the suppliers;
- Negotiate long-term agreements, framework contracts, NDAs, and other purchasing arrangements;
- Ensure optimal commercial, contractual, operational,



and risk allocation terms;
- Collaborate with Legal and Management teams during contract reviews, proposal preparation, cost estimation and negotiations.

Risk and Supply Chain Management

- Monitor supplier performance through KPIs related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness;
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to capacity, obsolescence, availability, and supplier dependency;
- Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies to ensure business continuity.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A PROCUREMENT LEAD

- University degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, or equivalent disciplines;
- Minimum 6-8 years of experience in Strategic Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, or Category Management roles;
- Proven experience managing high-value and technically complex purchasing projects
- Experience operating in international supplier environments.

Required technical competencies

- Strategic Sourcing & Category Management;
- International Contract Negotiation;
- Supplier Relationship Management & Risk Management;
- Cost Analysis and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO);
- Procurement within engineering-driven organizations




- ERP systems knowledge (Business Central and SAP preferred);
- Ability to interpret technical documentation and engineering specifications.

Leadership and Personal Skills

- Strong negotiation and influencing skills;
- Commercial mindset combined with technical understanding;
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
- Effective stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration;
- High level of autonomy, accountability, results orientation and resilience under pressure.

Languages

- Fluent Italian and English (B2 level mandatory);
- Additional languages are considered an advantage.

Preferred industry background

Experience within Aerospace, Space, Defense, Electronics, Telecommunications, Optoelectronics, or other high-tech manufacturing environments is highly desirable.

Familiarity with regulated industries and advanced supplier quality requirements is considered a strong asset.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

- Knowledge of aerospace quality and qualification requirements;
- Experience dealing with suppliers subject to stringent certification, traceability, and regulatory compliance requirements;
- Exposure to optical systems, electro-optical equipment, high-reliability electronics, sensors, photonics, or laser communication technologies.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

- Contract: permanent;
- Location: Sarcedo, Vicenza (Italy);
- Working time: full time, remote if needed;
- Agevolazioni: company Gym.
- Compensation: 50.000€ - 62.000€ based on the candidate's experience;

📌 Procurement Lead (Sarcedo)
🏢 Officina Stellare
📍 Sarcedo