[Hiring] Senior Strategic Procurement Specialist @Otto Aerospace

Role Description

Otto Aerospace is seeking a Strategic Procurement Specialist to join Otto Aviation’s Supply Chain team. This role will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials, components, and services necessary for the SuperNatural Vision project. This role requires extensive knowledge of the aerospace or consumer electronics industry, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in procurement within the aerospace or electronics sector and possess exceptional analytical and communication skills.

What You'll Do

• Develop and implement procurement strategies specific to the SNV business needs, considering factors such as technological advancements, regulatory requirements, and market trends.
• Conduct extensive market research to identify aerospace/electronics suppliers, evaluate their capabilities, and assess their compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including engineering, production, and quality assurance teams, to align procurement strategies with the organization's projects and objectives.
• Identify and qualify aerospace/electronics suppliers based on stringent criteria, including quality, reliability, certification compliance (such as AS9100), capacity, financial health, and reputation.
• Negotiate contracts and establish favorable terms and conditions with suppliers, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, promoting open communication, addressing performance issues, and fostering continuous improvement.
• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance through metrics, scorecards, and regular performance reviews.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through effective negotiation, volume discounts, value engineering, and alternative sourcing strategies.
• Analyze pricing trends, market fluctuations, and supplier performance to make informed purchasing decisions and mitigate cost risks.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with aerospace suppliers, ensuring compliance with industry-specific requirements and regulations (e.g., International Traffic in Arms Regulations - ITAR). Monitor contract performance, resolve disputes, and manage contract renewals and terminations.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies, including contingency plans, dual-sourcing strategies, and supplier qualification processes.
• Monitor supplier financial stability, technology roadmap, and adherence to industry certifications and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, such as SNV, Engineering, Program Management, Manufacturing, Finance, and Quality Assurance personnel, to understand their specific aerospace/SNV procurement needs and requirements.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), such as on-time delivery, quality metrics (defect rates, reject rates), and supplier performance.
• Ensure strict compliance with aerospace industry regulations, standards, and certifications, such as AS9100, ITAR, and NADCAP.
• Maintain a strong ethical approach to procurement, promoting fairness, transparency, and integrity in all aerospace procurement activities.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel, approximately 15-25% travel, domestic and internationally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, engineering, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.
• 7+ years proven procurement and supplier management experience in the aerospace industry or consumer electronics, with in-depth knowledge of aerospace materials, components, and systems.
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
• Proficiency in using procurement software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to mentor and develop junior team members.

Interpersonal Skills

• Active Listening: Practice to gain insight and truly understand all project stakeholders.
• Critical Thinking: Make prompt, informed and value-based decisions for the project.
• Organization: Focus on agenda, schedules, frameworks, and methodologies, as well as communicating tasks, updates, progress, and blockers.
• Problem Solving: Assess issues from different vantage points and formulate the best solution in addressing specific challenges.
• Self-Motivation: Exude the highest level of commitment and motivation to see it through from start to finish.
• Teamwork and Team Building: Establish a collaborative culture where people with unique personalities and skills happily work together and are accountable to shared goals.
• Strong Business Communication: Use the right language, tone, and storytelling techniques when communicating, describing, or explaining issues over email, chat, reports, presentations, and other forms and channels of communication.

Where You'll Be

Otto Aerospace is currently a remote workplace. We will relocate to our permanent headquarters in Jacksonville, FL, beginning in late 2026. This role is expected to relocate at that time. Exceptions will be considered for exceptional candidates. This role will be required to travel 20-25% to meet at our temporary facility in Fort Worth, TX (prior to relocation) or other locations in support of program activities.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries.
• Subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) opportunities.
• Paid short-term disability.
• Voluntary long-term disability and additional term life.
• 15 paid days off.
• 13-14 paid holidays.
• Paid sick leave.
• Depending on seniority and role, some roles qualify for potential bonuses and stock options.

Company Description

Otto Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our hiring process. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We believe that a diverse team brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and greater success. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we become. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.