Dufour Aerospace is developing eVTOL aircraft based on tilt-wing technology in combination with a hybrid-electric propulsion approach. We have refined our prototypes and technology over hundreds of flights. The combination of expertise in VTOL operation, aircraft design, and software development puts Dufour Aerospace at the forefront of Advanced Air Mobility.
About the role
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Procurement Manager who is seeking a fresh challenge and a hands-on role covering all aspects of procurement from strategic planning through to day-to-day practical procurement matters of sourcing and order placement. The successful candidate will play a key part in helping deliver development and production goals for Dufour Aerospace’s Aero2 and subsequently Aero3 aircraft.
The Procurement Manager will work closely with internal stakeholders, notably Project Management, Engineering and Quality leadership and will become a primary interface for all Dufour Aerospace suppliers.
The role is responsible for all areas of the Procurement function with specific responsibilities detailed but not limited to those listed below.
Tasks
Key Responsibilities
- Creation of Procurement strategies, policies and procedures.
- Establishing comprehensive sourcing plans for Dufour products.
- Negotiation and implementation of commercial supplier agreements, ensuring that all suppliers meet the quality standards that are set by Dufou.
- Establishing & maintaining supplier approvals, working closely with the Quality function.
- Generation of purchase orders and schedules.
- Management and mitigation of supply chain risk.
- Development of strategies to manage cost structures and drive improvement.
- Liaising with company employees to determine their product and service needs.
- Monitor and forecast upcoming levels of demand.
- Development of the appropriate organisational structure and resource plans to support the business goals and customer deliverables
- Set department objectives and monitor ongoing progress and performance, identifying areas for improvement to continually drive performance and business results.
- Report on Procurement objectives and activities ensuring accurate and timely reporting of the relevant Key Performance Indicators.
Required
- Proven experience in a procurement manager role in aerospace or other high-technology industry (minimum 5 years).
- Bachelor of Science, Master’s or higher university degree, preferably in an engineering or business discipline.
- Previous exposure to high-volume engineering/manufacturing environment, preferably related to buying high-value components/materials.
- Global/European Sourcing knowledge with experience of managing a diverse supplier base.
- Superior negotiating skills and ability to review and prepare complex commercial documents.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to foster strong supplier relationships.
- Highly ethical, understands ethical behaviour and business practices and ensures own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligned with the values of the organisation.
- Organised and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Good financial and numerical skills.
- High level of attention to detail.
- Good language skills, fluency in both English and German preferred.
- Chartered Membership of an industry related Professional Body.
- Solid knowledge of supplier or third-party management software.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Passion for aviation and sustainable technology.
- Knowledge of working in a startup/product launch environment.
- The position is initially based in Dufour office in Zurich, Switzerland, although flexibility to work at other company sites in Dubendorf & Visp is expected.
- Compensation will be a combination of fixed salary plus options.
- Hybrid working is available by agreement.
