Hybrid Purchasing Specialist: Strategic Sourcing

Our client, is a technology-driven industrial organization operating within the aerospace and defense sectors , developing highly specialized systems and components for safety-critical and mission-critical applications. The company works in environments defined by extreme reliability requirements, long product lifecycles, strict regulatory frameworks, and demanding customer specifications. Its portfolio includes tailor-made mechanical and electronic solutions developed in close collaboration with engineering teams and delivered through a carefully qualified international supply chain. Quality, traceability, and compliance are not support functions but core pillars of the business model. Mission The Purchasing Specialist will operate in a high-complexity aerospace and defense environment , where procurement decisions have a direct impact on product quality, certification, and program schedules. The mission of the role is to ensure the availability of fully compliant, high-reliability components and services, while maintaining perfect alignment with Engineering and Project Management to support customized solutions, manage technical change, and prevent delays in demanding programs. This position acts as a critical interface between suppliers and internal technical teams, contributing directly to quality assurance, risk mitigation, and schedule protection. Responsibilities Technical Purchasing for Aerospace & Defense Programs Source and procure customized electrical and mechanical components, assemblies, and specialized services for aerospace and defense applications. Manage purchasing activities for low-volume, high-complexity parts with stringent technical, quality, and documentation requirements. Ensure procurement decisions fully support engineering intent, certification constraints, and program milestones. Supplier Quality, Compliance & Risk Management Monitor supplier quality performance, including non-conformities, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation. Ensure supplier compliance with applicable aerospace and defense quality standards, documentation, traceability, and change control requirements. Proactively identify supply-chain risks related to quality, lead time, capacity, or technical complexity and coordinate mitigation actions. Engineering & Project Alignment Work in continuous alignment with Engineering and Project Management to understand technical requirements, design maturity, and schedule constraints. Support engineering changes, prototype phases, and industrialization activities to avoid supply-driven delays or quality deviations. Act as a coordination point between suppliers and technical teams to ensure clarity, feasibility, and execution accuracy. Sourcing & Supplier Development Conduct market and supply-chain analyses with strong focus on supplier capability, certification status, and long-term reliability. Support supplier selection, qualification, and development for critical and safety-relevant components. Participate in negotiations with national and international suppliers, balancing cost, quality, lead time, and compliance. Cost, Schedule & Process Optimization Drive cost optimization initiatives without compromising quality, certification, or delivery reliability. Support strategic sourcing and standardization projects aimed at strengthening supply-chain robustness. Continuously improve purchasing and supplier management processes in line with aerospace and defense best practices. Required Qualifications Technical degree or vocational training in electronics, mechanics, aerospace, defense engineering, or a comparable technical discipline. Minimum of 5 years of experience in technical purchasing, supplier quality, or supply chain roles within aerospace, defense, or similarly regulated industries . Strong ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and quality documentation. Experience working with ERP systems (SAP MM or equivalent) and standard office tools. Full professional proficiency in English; German proficiency required for internal and supplier communication. Strong quality mindset, high attention to detail, and structured problem-solving capability. Confident communicator with solid negotiation skills in technically complex and quality-critical environments. Preferred Experience Direct exposure to aerospace and/or defense supply chains and certified supplier environments. Familiarity with industry quality standards, audits, and supplier compliance frameworks. Experience managing suppliers of safety-critical, high-reliability, or custom-designed components. Involvement in program-driven procurement with tight schedule constraints. Experience supporting supplier assessments, audits, or qualification processes.