NEX Aero GmbH is looking for a Procurement Manager to build and lead the Procurement and Supply Chain function from the ground up, in direct support of the company's flight test and production ramp-up program. This is a hands-on, foundational role: you will secure on-time delivery of the BOM for the first full-scale prototype, map and qualify the supplier base, stand up procurement governance and processes, and feed cost targets in line with the product roadmap - while also providing operational back-up (inventory, planning, ERP) until dedicated Operations resources are hired. You will report directly to the COO and engage regularly with the C-level team, making this a highly visible role with real influence over how supply chain and procurement are run as the company scales.

1. Enable first full-scale prototype Production (Operations)

Ensure the BOM is delivered on time to support testing and assembly, enabling the program and company objectives.

• Manage BOM on-time-delivery (OTD) for test and assembly builds
• Identify, raise, and mitigate risks linked to the supply chain
• Lead change management activities with the supply chain
• Manage purchase orders (POs) and budget adherence

2. Set Up the Supply Chain (Strategy)

Map the supply base and define mitigation plans to identify the right partners and protect the company from supply-side risk.

• Build supplier mapping by category 
• Establish supplier monitoring covering contracts, on-time-delivery (OTD), quality and financial health
• Run RFIs and benchmarking activities for critical parts, new technologies, and highest costs
• Develop a risk-mitigation program, including dual sourcing for critical parts and suppliers

3. Develop Supply Chain & Procurement Policy

Define the ground rules, policies, and processes needed to support the company's growth, bring professional standards to the organization, and mitigate legal risk.

• Own and continuously update the procurement process
• Develop the Supply Chain Management (SCM) handbook, including governance, processes, and RASIC
• Develop the sourcing process, including supplier screening, etc..
• Develop procurement guidelines covering production, EU regulations, IDO, DOA, and related requirements

4. Support Cost Targets

Contribute directly to the Product roadmap success story by feeding accurate cost data into the business case.

• Feed the Cost BOM, including recurring costs (RC) and non-recurring costs (NRC), based on volume scaling, technology choices, and supplier selection

5. Provide Operational Back-Up

Support Operations to set up an operational Workshop for testing and aircraft assembly

• Support Workshop with a focus on storage and internal material flows
• Support set up for Inventory management
• Incoming inspection rules and processes

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Day-to-day alignment with the Program Manager (PM) and System Owners (SO)
• Monthly business reviews with the COO, with additional C-level updates as needed

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field
• Significant experience in procurement and/or supply chain management, ideally in aerospace, automotive, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment
• Proven track record setting up procurement or supply chain functions, processes, and governance from scratch
• Strong supplier management skills: sourcing, negotiation, contracts, supplier performance monitoring (OTD, PPM, financial risk)
• Experience with BOM management and cross-functional coordination with Engineering, Program Management, and Operations
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and experience contributing to ERP strategy or rollouts
• Comfort operating with ambiguity in a fast-scaling, resource-constrained environment, and willingness to cover adjacent Operations topics (inventory, planning, inspection) as needed
• Excellent communication skills, with experience reporting to senior leadership / C-level stakeholders
• Fluent English required; German is a plus

You'll join at a pivotal moment for the company's flight test program, with the opportunity to shape procurement and supply chain practices from the ground up and see their direct impact on production, cost targets, and program milestones.