Operational Procurement Lead (m,f,d)

As the Operational Procurement Lead, you will lead and develop the operational procurement team, ensuring reliable sourcing, efficient purchasing execution, and strong supplier performance.

You will be responsible for day-to-day procurement activities, ensuring material availability, smooth supplier coordination, and scalable procurement operations that support product development and production. This role requires a hands-on leader who is deeply involved in execution and continuously improves operational processes.

 

Responsibilities

Operational Procurement Leadership

• Lead and develop the operational procurement team, driving performance, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Establish clear processes, KPIs, and reporting to ensure efficient procurement execution

Procurement Execution & Supplier Coordination

• Own end-to-end procurement operations, including purchase order management, order tracking, and delivery follow-ups
• Ensure material availability to support production and R&D timelines
• Manage day-to-day supplier communication and resolve delivery, quality, and invoicing issues
• Monitor and improve supplier performance (on-time delivery, lead times, responsiveness)

Supply Continuity & Issue Resolution

• Ensure stable supply of direct materials across production and development
• Identify and mitigate short-term supply risks and bottlenecks
• Lead escalation management for critical supply issues

Process & Systems Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement and standardization of procurement processes and workflows
• Improve system usage and data accuracy (e.g. SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud)
• Increase transparency through structured reporting and operational insights

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering, production, logistics, and finance teams
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and production ramp-ups from an operational procurement perspective

 

Your Profile

• Proven experience in operational procurement, purchasing, or supply chain roles, ideally within manufacturing, robotics, automotive, aerospace, or industrial environments
• Previous experience leading or coordinating procurement teams
• Strong focus on procurement execution, supplier coordination, and process efficiency
• Hands-on experience managing direct material procurement and supplier interactions
• Experience working with ERP systems, ideally SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud
• Strong problem-solving skills with a pragmatic, execution-driven mindset
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Experience working with international suppliers
• Hands-on mentality with strong ownership and execution focus
• Fluent in German and English (both required)

 

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• A shaping role in an emerging dual use company
• Opportunity to work with a highly innovative, international, and dynamic team
• Room for professional growth and development
• Participation in the company's success, with access to regular events, knowledge exchange and meetups

About us

ARX is a dual-use technology company that specializes in developing autonomous unmanned systems and sensors for the European defence sector. Our dual-use unmanned ground systems and sensors assist NATO Armies and civilian first responders in tackling their most challenging problems by providing them with training and information to make better decisions and take effective actions in life-or-death situations.

As our team continues to expand rapidly, we are seeking motivated candidates who are excited to work in a highly energetic, creative, and innovative team dedicated to developing autonomous systems for challenging environments. We operate in a dynamic sector where collaboration, sharing innovative ideas, and developing novel problem-solving strategies are ingrained in our work culture.

If you are passionate about overcoming challenges that have a real impact on the security of our democracies, apply here to join ARX and help shape the future of dual-use technology! 
 
ARX is an equal-opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

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