Head of Procurement

Argotec is an Italian aerospace company specializing in the production of small satellite platforms (from Cubesats up to 250kg-platforms) and innovative products to improve the comfort of space explorers. Thanks to its facilities and know-how, the company's activities follow the "all in-house" concept, which includes design, development, integration, qualification, and operational services. At Argotec, we’re not just building satellites; we’re shaping the future of space innovation.

To support our Company’s growth, we are looking for a highly experienced and strategic Head of Procurement to lead our Procurement function and drive the development of a best-in-class sourcing organization supporting Argotec’s growing operations. The ideal candidate combines solid operational purchasing expertise with strong leadership capabilities, a data driven mindset, and proven experience in high complexity industrial or aerospace environments.

We foster a collaborative environment where every Argonaut can contribute with their ideas and expertise, create meaningful value together, and transform feedback and mistakes into opportunities for learning and innovation — growing both professionally and personally, as individuals and as a team.

DUTIES

Procurement Strategy and Governance

• Develop and implement the company’s procurement strategy to ensure alignment with business objectives and supply chain needs;
• Govern procurement processes, ensuring compliance with internal procedures, quality systems (ISO/EN9100), and regulatory requirements (Export Control ITAR/EAR);
• Build, maintain, and continuously improve standardized purchasing procedures, workflows, and governance frameworks;
• Manage budget, planning, priorities, and KPIs for the Procurement function.

Supplier Management and Sourcing Pipeline

• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers to build a robust and resilient supply base;
• Conduct supplier scouting, segmentation, risk assessments, and performance monitoring;
• Oversee periodic supplier audits and ensure continuous improvement programs;
• Develop a structured sourcing pipeline enabling cost optimization, innovation, and supply continuity.

Negotiation and Contract Management

• Lead strategic negotiations for direct and indirect commodities, frame agreements, SLAs, and pricing models;
• Secure competitive commercial conditions, long‑term agreements, and strategic partnerships;
• Govern contract lifecycle management and ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Ensure strong integration of Procurement within Operations, Engineering, Planning, Quality and Finance;
• Support project planning and new product development with clear procurement strategies, Make or Buy analyses, and supplier readiness;
• Facilitate alignment between procurement roadmaps, project milestones, and production schedules.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of buyers, fostering accountability, autonomy, and collaboration;
• Organize daily operations, distribute priorities, and monitor performance;
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, transparency, and data-driven decision making.

Digitalization and Data Analytics

• Drive procurement digitalization initiatives (ERP, dashboards, automation tools, analytics);
• Develop and maintain KPIs and dashboards for spend analysis, supplier performance, and operational efficiency;
• Introduce innovative tools (AI for sourcing, advanced reporting, automated P2P workflows) to support scalability.

Operational Excellence & Compliance

• Ensure timely availability of materials and services aligned with quality, cost, and delivery targets;
• Supervise supplier non-conformities and corrective action processes;
• Promote safety, environmental awareness, and regulatory compliance within the team.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Economics, Business Administration, Management or related technical field;
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Procurement, Sourcing, or Supply Chain roles, preferably in the aerospace industry;
• Proven experience managing direct and indirect spend in high‑tech, industrial, or aerospace environments;
• Strong knowledge of procure-to-pay processes, contract management, supplier evaluation, and negotiation;
• Solid leadership background with experience managing buyer teams and driving alignment with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Programs and Finance;
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams;
• Hands‑on, proactive, and results‑driven approach;
• Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to build KPIs, dashboards, and performance metrics to monitor spending, supplier performance, and procurement effectiveness;
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Excellent written and oral communication in English.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCES & SKILLS

• Strong experience in managing procurement KPIs, milestones, dashboards, and browser‑based procurement tools (e.g., spend dashboards, supplier evaluation tools).
• Proven capability in coordinating cross‑functional operational workstreams, ensuring alignment between procurement, engineering, programs and quality.
• Experience in technical procurement, including the interpretation of technical specifications and coordination with engineering for make/buy decisions.
• Strong familiarity with structured procurement processes, competitive procedures (RFQ, RFP, multi‑sourcing), and supplier risk‑assessment methodologies.
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (e.g., EN9100 principles) and compliance requirements in regulated industries.
• Hands‑on experience in process standardization, procurement governance, and continuous‑improvement methodologies.
• Advanced data‑analysis capabilities applied to procurement performance monitoring, supplier performance tracking, and early‑warning management.
• Excellent negotiation skills supported by a solid commercial and strategic mindset.
• Working knowledge of procure‑to‑pay systems, procurement digital tools, and sourcing platforms;
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing requirements and stakeholder needs.

ADDITIONAL ASSETS

• Knowledge of aerospace and space‑industry standards (EN9100, ECSS) and experience working within quality‑driven, regulated environments;
• Experience in supplier‑risk mitigation, contingency planning, and multi‑sourcing to support program resilience;
• Understanding of procurement interfaces with Quality (audits, NCR/SCAR, supplier development);
• Experience with procurement digitalization initiatives, advanced reporting tools, and process automation.

WHY JOIN ARGOTEC?

• Opportunity to work with highly motivated colleagues in a very innovative environment.
• Professional training and career development opportunities.
• Flexible working time schedule and a hybrid work policy.
• Monthly "Free‑Day" - every second Friday: time off to dedicate to your family and/or hobbies.
• A diversified community that organizes extra‑work and fun activities.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.

Our selection process is tailored to each role and includes at least a call with our Talent Acquisition Team, a technical evaluation, and a final in‑person meeting.

At Argotec, we thrive on diverse perspectives and unique strengths. Your individuality could be the missing piece to our puzzle! Even if you don't meet every skill listed above, we encourage you to apply if you're passionate about the role and believe you can contribute to our team’s success.

Our selection process is built on impartiality, transparency, and equal opportunity, ensuring that every candidate is evaluated based on skills, experience, and potential. As part of our commitment to inclusivity, we actively encourage applications from individuals belonging to protected categories (Law 68/99). In the event of equal qualifications, priority may be given to candidates who meet these criteria.

At Argotec, we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and inclusion, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds. This opportunity is open to everyone, regardless – for instance – of ethnic or cultural background, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin. Join us in a workplace where everyone belongs.

This announcement is aimed at both sexes, under laws 903/77 and 125/91, and to people of all ages and all nationalities, under legislative decrees 215/03 and 216/03.

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