Space Procurement Manager

SWISSto12 is one of the world’s fastest-growing aerospace companies, evolving from its pioneering use of 3D printing technologies for high-performance Radio Frequency (RF) products and applications to recently announcing the manufacture of entire geostationary telecom satellites, called HummingSat, that define a new category in space.

 

HummingSat is the world’s first commercial telecom GEO SmallSat developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). Its uniquely compact size combined with highly capable telecom payloads allows telecommunications operators to deploy a cost-efficient, compact and agile asset without sacrificing performance or security. HummingSat has recently been selected by Inmarsat to build three I-8 satellites and in 2022 by Intelsat to build the I-45 satellite.

 

SWISSto12 is also a leading provider of Radio-Frequency (RF) products and sub-systems. The company’s patented 3D printing technologies and associated product designs are unique to deliver lightweight, compact, highly performing, and competitive RF products.

 

This position is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the development of a new class of telecommunication satellites. If you are looking for position where you can play an active role in contributing to an innovative and fast growing company, this role is for you.

 

In this role, you will be responsible for the following functions:

  • Work with the project teams and suppliers to ensure the delivery of manufactured hardware (components, materials or full subsystems for Satellites) and services to specification, on time and at the best price
  • Be responsible for and directs all phases of the subcontract from initiation of the business case for make or buy decisions through to requests for proposals, subcontract management plans, negotiation strategy, cost accountability and program execution.
  • Work closely with the legal/contract department to ensure contract terms are favorable to the company.
  • Establish milestone objectives and manage performance against committed schedules and contractual specifications.
  • Submit project requests for quote and provide advice to projects on your recommendation for which supplier to use.
  • Proactively track the status of all open procurements, keeping the project team up to date on progress.
  • Develop sourcing strategies to eliminate or mitigate key risks in the Space Supply Chain to support the company’s growth targets.
  • Work with suppliers to understand their supply chain risks and develop strategies to mitigate their risks and provide early warnings
  • Develops and implements cost saving ideas with suppliers
  • Develops target costs for products to use as a negotiating tool.
  • Negotiate long term agreements with key suppliers
  • Resolve issues concerning supplies in an expedient manner under the guidance of the relevant manager and department.
  • Where appropriate, provide advice to projects on manufacturing techniques, materials, and acceptance criteria.
  • Monitor market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers
  • Build effective relationships with all stakeholders both internally and externally.
  • Develop and maintain long term, open, collaborative and commercially robust business relationships with suppliers.

 

Required experience and competencies:

  • 7 or more years of experience as a Senior Buyer or similar sourcing position in a the space environment, including logistic aspects.
  • Excellent, proven commercial negotiation skills.
  • Experience writing procurement and sourcing strategies and successfully executing them.
  • Experience in a systemized purchasing environment and familiarity with Material Requirement Planning (MRP), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).
  • Able to read and interpret engineering drawings
  • Good knowledge of financial principles.
  • A proactive and can-do attitude with the ability to calmly navigate a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
  • Proactive problem-solving with drive to chase issues through to their conclusion.
  • Autonomous and proactive working style with excellent working organisation and ethics.
  • Ability to work in a team and to build effective working relationships with external and internal customers.
  • Bachelors degree in a relevant field.
  • Language: Fluent English is a prerequisite; French is a plus.

 

Working conditions and contract:

SWISSto12 offers a full-time contract with an attractive compensation package. This position will be based in our Lausanne, Switzerland office and will require travel in Europe and between Europe and the US to work with teams and supplier at both locations.

 

More about SWISSto12:

SWISSto12 has successfully established contracts with Inmarsat, Intelsat and ESA for HummingSat as well as an established and growing business for its RF product line in Europe and the US with prominent partners and customers such as Thales, Frontgrade, Profen and ESA. SWISSto12 spun-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) in 2011, is privately owned and backed by prominent Swiss and European Investors. SWISSto12 is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and operates a US-subsidiary in Foster City California, and another team in New Hampshire, with a total growing team of over 80. The company is well funded for its near and mid-term developments and backed by a solid customer revenue stream.