Commodity Buyer Launchers & Site Operations | 40 hr | Leiden/Oegstgeest area | Space industry | Procurement / Supply Chain | Start date: ASAP | Duration: to be discussed | Extension: possible | Hybrid possible | Deta-vast 1600 hours

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Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands
Start date: As soon as possible
Hours: 40 hours per week
Location: Leiden/Oegstgeest area (hybrid possible)
Duration: To be discussed

Company description

Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands operates at the forefront of the international space industry. The organization develops and delivers advanced space technologies and products, including Solar Arrays, Launcher Structures, Instruments and Optical Communication systems.

From its high-tech facilities in the Netherlands, a team of dedicated professionals works on the design, development, assembly, testing and delivery of critical space solutions. These technologies contribute to essential applications such as satellite navigation, communication systems, climate research and air quality monitoring.

The organization is part of the Airbus family and works closely together with international partners and stakeholders in a highly innovative and collaborative environment.

About the role

For the Procurement department, Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands is looking for a Commodity Buyer Launchers & Site Operations. In this strategic procurement role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end sourcing and supplier management of launcher-related commodities such as fasteners, Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and other site-critical technical supplies.

You will ensure continuity of supply, supplier performance and technical compliance, while optimizing procurement processes and the overall value chain. The role combines strategic sourcing, stakeholder management and operational coordination within a highly technical aerospace environment.

You will report directly to the Head of Procurement and work closely together with Program Supply Managers, engineers and supplier account teams.

Your role & responsibilities

As Commodity Buyer Launchers & Site Operations, you will:

• Define and execute commodity sourcing strategies for fasteners, GSE and site operational supplies
• Lead bid, tender and supplier selection processes for high-reliability suppliers
• Negotiate master service agreements and one-off contracts
• Manage contract renewals, claims and waivers in collaboration with Legal
• Lead the Supplier Account Team and monitor supplier performance
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks and develop strategic supplier partnerships
• Ensure supplier priority and continuity during periods of supply chain volatility
• Act as the procurement interface between Procurement and Launcher Program Management
• Provide reporting on procurement status, costs and supply risks
• Manage strategic stock levels to prevent production disruptions while optimizing inventory costs
• Support the operational continuity of the production site through effective procurement coordination
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams on technical specifications and procurement requirements

Your profile

You are analytically strong, commercially driven and comfortable operating in a complex technical environment. You combine strong negotiation skills with a structured and proactive working style.

You bring:

• HBO-level education (Bachelor equivalent)
• Relevant experience in strategic procurement, commodity buying or supply chain management
• Experience within a technical, manufacturing or aerospace environment is a strong plus
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Analytical mindset with experience in cost optimization and supplier performance management
• Ability to work with technical specifications and engineering stakeholders
• High attention to detail and strong sense of integrity and quality
• Experience with supplier management and contract management
• Excellent communication skills in English (required)
• Available for deta-vast.

What we offer

• A challenging procurement role within a leading international aerospace organization
• Opportunity to work on innovative space and launcher programs
• A highly collaborative and international working environment
• Exposure to strategic supplier and program management
• Hybrid working possibilities
• Opportunity to contribute to critical space technologies and operations