Grob Aircraft, together with its parent company Helsing, is developing the CA-1 Europa – an autonomous Uncrewed Combat Aerial Vehicle in the 3-to-5-tonne class. A completely new approach to air superiority in Europe, powered by Helsing's AI software "Centaur" and Grob Aircraft's decades of experience in aircraft design and manufacturing. The focus: scalability and resilient, independent supply chains. You make sure that supply chain actually holds.
Role and Objective The Lead Buyer is responsible for managing all mission-critical procurement activities within the CA-1 programme. This includes ensuring on-time material availability, maintaining full visibility over schedules, costs and supply risks, and ensuring seamless collaboration between suppliers, engineering and programme management.
Your Responsibilities Overall management and prioritisation of all mission-critical procurement for the CA-1 programme Ensuring the timely availability of prototype and low-volume production parts Functional leadership of project-assigned buyers Close coordination with Engineering, Programme Management and Quality Assurance Development, management and continuous improvement of the supplier base Identification, assessment and mitigation of supply risks Independent conduct of contract negotiations with suppliers for development and production parts Structured reporting and escalation management to the Head of Procurement
Authorities Decision-making over procurement priorities within the project Functional authority over project-assigned buyers Right of escalation in case of schedule- or quality-critical deviations Independent negotiation authority with suppliers within defined boundaries
Your Experience Several years of experience in project procurement within the aerospace industry Sound knowledge of the aerospace-specific supplier landscape Proven experience in procurement under high change dynamics and tight schedule requirements Fluent German and English, both written and spoken Confident use of SAP (MM/Procurement), R/3 or S/4HANA Solid contract knowledge (framework agreements, purchase orders, delivery and quality agreements) Strong communication skills across all hierarchical levels and functional areas
Desirable Experience in procurement for prototype or low-volume manufacturing Knowledge of relevant aerospace standards (EASA, EN 9100) Experience in a Defence or Dual-Use environment Initial leadership experience (functional or disciplinary)
Why this role is something special The CA-1 programme is in an early and highly dynamic phase. The role requires a high degree of initiative, decisiveness and the ability to work in a structured, results-oriented manner within a rapidly changing environment.
The Lead Buyer works at the direct interface between Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain, and plays a key role in ensuring the programme meets its milestones. If you want to help shape an aircraft programme from the very beginning – and make a real impact while doing so – then this is the right place for you.