‍Reports to: Production Manager

Lead the procurement function and ensure the availability of materials, components, and services necessary for the manufacturing of advanced UAV systems. The role secures reliable suppliers, negotiates competitive terms, enforces quality and compliance requirements, and maintains strong alignment between engineering, production, and warehouse operations.

Procurement Strategy & Supplier Management

- Develop and execute procurement strategies for electronic components, mechanical parts, composites, batteries, and specialised UAV subsystems.
- Identify, qualify, and onboard suppliers with attention to technical capability, quality performance, and financial stability.
- Manage supplier relationships and drive continuous performance improvement.
- Conduct cost analysis, negotiate favourable pricing, long-term agreements, and delivery terms.

Material Availability & Planning Alignment

- Ensure timely availability of all parts required for production, including long-lead items and high-risk components.
- Work closely with Production, Engineering, and Warehouse to anticipate shortages and adjust orders.
- Monitor supplier lead times, delays, and capacity constraints; implement mitigation actions.

Quality & Compliance Oversight

- Enforce supplier compliance with aerospace-grade requirements (ESD, traceability, certificates of conformity).
- Ensure materials meet engineering specifications and regulatory obligations (e.g., export control, hazardous materials).
- Manage supplier non-conformities, corrective actions, and root-cause investigations.
- Support audits, including ISO 9001 and customer reviews.

ERP/MRP & Data Management

- Oversee purchasing transactions in the ERP/MRP system, including POs, approvals, delivery dates, and cost accuracy.
- Maintain supplier master data, pricing lists, and contract records.
- Use data to forecast demand, monitor spend, and improve cost visibility.

Risk Management

- Identify supply-chain risks (single-source items, geopolitical issues, obsolescence of electronics).
- Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing options.
- Manage strategic inventory buffers for critical UAV components.

Process Improvement

- Establish and maintain procurement SOPs and control frameworks.
- Implement KPIs such as on-time delivery, cost savings, supplier quality rating, and risk exposure indicators.

Collaboration across Functions

- Work closely with Engineering for technical drawings, specifications, design changes (ECOs), and BOM updates.
- Partner with Warehouse and Quality teams for receiving controls and supplier issue resolution.
- Coordinate with Finance to ensure accurate budgeting, forecasts, and cash-flow planning.

- 5+ years experience in procurement or supply-chain roles, ideally in electronics, aerospace, or high-tech manufacturing.
- Strong negotiation skills and experience with competitive bidding.
- Understanding of electronic components, mechanical manufacturing processes, or complex assemblies.
- Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and procurement workflows.
- Experience with export-controlled items, dual-use goods, or aviation-related documentation is an advantage.
- Strong commercial judgement and analytical ability.
- Ability to read BOMs, technical drawings, and material specifications.
- Disciplined approach to documentation and supplier performance management.
- E]ective communication with engineers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
- High integrity and reliable decision-making.
- Ability to manage simultaneous priorities in a fast-moving environment.
- Fluent in English.
- Must be a national from a NATO member country or one of the following NATO Indo-Pacific partners: Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand or Ukraine.