Senior Strategic Buyer - Space Constellation Programs

About the role

Aerospacelab, a vertically integrated small satellite manufacturer and earth observation services developer, is strengthening its procurement department with a Senior Strategic Buyer. The role drives the end-to-end supplier engagement process, from market exploration to contract award, and sits at the heart of the sourcing strategy for the company's future constellation programs, working closely with Engineering, Project Management, Legal and Export Control.

Key responsibilities

• Manage RFI and RFP processes: prepare and issue requests, turn engineering requirements and Statements of Work into tender documents, define evaluation grids and coordinate with Engineering, Quality, Export Control and Legal
• Lead supplier selection from market survey to award recommendation, including capability assessments, on-site audits and dual-source strategies, and maintain a supplier register with export control classifications
• Negotiate price, lead time and payment terms, draft and review contracts and framework agreements with Legal, and place and manage purchase orders in Odoo
• Own the purchasing portfolio across flight hardware, satellite subsystems and program equipment, run portfolio risk analysis and market intelligence, and represent the company at international space exhibitions
• Improve sourcing processes, share knowledge, mentor new joiners and help improve Odoo data quality

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business or equivalent
• 5 to 10 years of experience in sourcing, technical buying or procurement in an industrial environment
• Proven hands-on experience with RFI/RFP processes and competitive supplier selection
• Strong commercial negotiation skills and experience managing purchasing portfolios end-to-end
• Fluent English (French is a plus)
• Solution-oriented, autonomous and able to handle multiple priorities; excellent communication skills

Nice to have

• Space, defense or aerospace experience
• Knowledge of export control regulations (EAR, ITAR, EU dual-use)
• Ability to read technical drawings and specifications
• Odoo ERP knowledge
• Manufacturing background (machining, 3D printing, electronic assemblies)

The position is based in Belgium, reports to the Procurement Director and is a permanent contract.