Strategic Buyer – Supplier Sourcing

The Opportunity

Thunderstrike is scaling its drone systems platform, and we’re looking for a hands-on Procurement Specialist to build and manage a fit-for-purpose supply base. You will own supplier sourcing, qualification, onboarding, and commercial negotiations, ensuring a resilient and agile supply chain that supports rapid growth.

You’ll work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to translate technical and operational requirements into reliable supply—at the right cost, quality, and lead time.

What You’ll Do

Sourcing & Supplier Qualification

• Identify, screen, and shortlist suppliers across key categories (mechanical, electronics, composites, services, software)
• Lead supplier qualification: capability assessments, audits/site visits with Quality & Engineering, and trial orders
• Own supplier onboarding: NDAs, documentation, compliance checks, master data, and portal setup

Contracts, T&Cs & Negotiation

• Negotiate pricing, terms & conditions, MOQs, incoterms, warranties/returns, and service levels
• Draft and manage framework agreements, NDAs, and SOWs with Legal/Finance support
• Establish supplier performance metrics and review cadence (OTD, quality, responsiveness)

Supply Assurance & Agility

• Develop dual/multi-sourcing strategies and alternates for long-lead or high-risk items
• Align suppliers with demand signals (S&OP/MRP), ramp-ups, and engineering changes (ECR/ECO)
• Drive lead-time reduction, buffer strategies, and expedite/de-expedite actions
• Resolve supplier issues quickly and implement corrective actions

Cost, Value & Continuous Improvement

• Deliver cost and value improvements: PPV tracking, should-costing, and cost-down initiatives
• Support make/buy, localization, and tooling decisions with clear business cases
• Run QBRs with key suppliers and drive improvement plans on OTD, PPM, and responsiveness

Compliance, Ethics & Data Discipline

• Maintain accurate supplier records, certifications, and compliance documentation
• Coordinate with Legal/Compliance on export-control screening and attestations
• Model ethical sourcing and confidentiality; escalate risks or conflicts promptly

Decision Rights & Autonomy

• Select and onboard suppliers within approved category guardrails and budget
• Negotiate pricing and T&Cs within delegated authority; escalate exceptions when needed
• Issue POs, manage changes and expedites, and escalate supply risks early with options

Qualifications

Must-Have

• 3–6 years of experience in procurement/sourcing within manufacturing, electronics, or industrial environments
• Proven negotiation results on price, terms, and lead-time improvements
• Experience qualifying suppliers and coordinating audits/site visits
• Strong ERP/MRP discipline (POs, lead times, master data) and Microsoft 365 (Excel, Teams)
• Clear, confident communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders

Nice-to-Have

• Category experience in precision machining, PCB/EMS, composites, or avionics components
• Should-costing, VA/VE, or TCO modeling experience
• Familiarity with APQP/PPAP, 8D, or similar quality frameworks; exposure to S&OP/MRP
• English fluency; additional European languages a plus
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries

Why should you join Thunderstrike Aviation?

• Build from the ground up – Own and shape the supplier base in a fast-growing drone and aviation scale-up, with real decision authority and visible impact on product and production.
• Work at the intersection of engineering and operations – Partner closely with engineering, quality, and supply chain to turn advanced designs into reliable, scalable manufacturing.
• High-ownership, low-bureaucracy environment – Make decisions, negotiate directly, and move fast without heavy corporate layers.
• Mission-critical technology – Contribute to advanced drone and aviation systems in a highly technical, regulated domain where quality and resilience matter.
• Learn fast, grow faster – Exposure to complex sourcing, supplier development, and scale-up challenges that accelerate professional growth.

Interested in building a resilient supply base for next-generation drone systems?

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