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: tempo pieno, remote if needed;
- Benefit: company Gym.
- Compensation: 50.000€ – 62.000€ based on the candidate’s experience;

At the heart of our success lies a strong and highly efficient Operations department. This critical function translates engineering designs into tangible, cutting-edge space systems.

- Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT). Our state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities provide the controlled environment necessary for precision assembly, optical alignment,



and testing of space telescope systems and instrumentation.
- Optical Production. This department excels in manufacturing premium optical components, utilizing specific coating techniques and precision polishing methods to achieve exceptional surface quality and optical performance.
- Mechanical Integration. Our technicians integrate complex mechanical systems, ensuring accuracy and functionality. This phase necessitates a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles and a commitment to achieving the highest levels of precision.
- Warehouse & Logistics. This department provides seamless support across all operational areas. Efficient inventory management, strategic warehousing, and optimized logistics guarantee the timely and reliable delivery of components and materials, minimizing delays and maximizing operational efficiency.

We are committed to continuous improvement in all aspects of our operations. By leveraging lean manufacturing principles, implementing innovative technologies, and fostering a culture of collaboration and problem-solving, we strive to reduce lead times, improve operational efficiency and maintain the highest quality standards.

Our application process

We’re excited that you are considering joining us at Officina Stellare.

We understand, applying for a new role can be overwhelming sometimes, so we have outlined each step of our process – from submitting your online application through to joining Officina Stellare.

Apply online

Submitting your application online is simple. Fill in the form with your data and updated profile. Drop us a line telling us what motivates you in applying for that specific job position and send it through.

Interviews

If your application passes the initial screening, a recruiter will contact you to further discuss your application. A suitable time will be arranged, this will be held either on Microsoft Teams or in person and will be approximately 1 hour long. The process may differ slightly depending on the role, and you will be asked to attend between 2-3 interviews before a job offer is made. Interviews are not only for our team to greater understand your experience, they also allow you to ask any additional questions you may have about the company and the role. To ensure a fair process for all, our hiring managers go through inclusive hiring training.

Time for decision

If you have been successful, our team will make a job offer and further steps will be discussed.

📌 Procurement Lead (Vicenza)
🏢 Officina Stellare
📍 Vicenza