At Destinus, we're pioneering the future of autonomous flight systems, blending cutting-edge innovations in airframes, turbojet engines, flight software, and AI to redefine aerospace as we know it. Our mission spans from subsonic to hypersonic speeds, with applications across civilian and defence sectors. As we expand across Europe, our quest for excellence continues.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Category Manager to join our team in the UAV and aerial manufacturing industry. This key role involves overseeing international procurement activities across multiple production sites to ensure the timely acquisition of materials, components, and services required for UAV manufacturing. The successful candidate will play a critical role in optimizing supply chain efficiency, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost savings initiatives.
Tasks
- Category Strategy: Develop and implement category procurement strategies aligned with business objectives and production schedules across manufacturing sites. Identify sourcing opportunities, cost-saving initiatives, and supplier optimization strategies to enhance procurement efficiency and effectiveness.
- Supplier-Market Analysis: Conduct a thorough market analysis to understand supplier capabilities, market trends, and risks. Identify new technologies within the category of products that can be beneficial for the company.
- Supplier Relationship Management: establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and partners to ensure a consistent supply of materials and components, negotiate favourable terms and conditions, and resolve any issues or disputes in a timely manner.
- Contract Negotiation and Management: Negotiate and/or provide support to buyers on procurement contracts, agreements, and pricing terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings, minimize risk, and secure favourable terms for the organization. Monitor contract performance, compliance, and adherence to terms and conditions to mitigate potential risks and optimize supplier relationships.
- Inventory Management: collaborate with production teams to forecast demand, plan inventory replenishment, and ensure availability of materials and components to support production schedules and customer requirements.
- Risk Management: Identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in the supply chain. Develop risk mitigation strategies, contingency plans, and compliance protocols to mitigate risks and ensure supply chain resilience.
- Cross-functional collaboration: collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, quality assurance, and finance, to align procurement activities with business priorities, project development, production schedules, and quality standards.
- Reporting: generate regular reports for senior management on procurement needs, forecasts and performances on market insights. Participate in annual budget preparation.
- Team Leadership: Lead and develop a team of buyers to achieve procurement objectives. Provide support and guidance to buyers to ensure alignment with business goals and procurement strategies.
Requirements
Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical, aerospace, mechanical engineering or a related field. An advanced degree is a plus.
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Proven experience (5-10 years) in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management, preferably in the aerospace, aeronautic, defence, or manufacturing industry.
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Proven experience with procurement analytics tools and ERP systems.
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English will be your working language. Other languages will be highly valued.
Skills:
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Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills to maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
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Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
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Strong leadership and team management abilities.
Miscellaneous
- The preferred work location will be Hengelo (NL).
- Domestic and International travel are required.
- Security clearance may be required depending on the nature of the projects.
Benefits
- An excellent salary with great employment conditions;
- Flexible working days, 40 hours a week is standard, but 32 hours is also an option;
- 37 vacation days;
- Great pension scheme;
- You join a fast-growing organization;
- An international working environment with expert colleagues.
Join our dynamic team and contribute to the development of the supply chain of our cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicles company. Your innovative ideas and procurement expertise will play a critical role in shaping the future of operational capacities. Apply now to be a part of this exciting journey.