Team Lead Procurement Indirect Material and Prototypes (all genders)

About Us

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective — providing operators with a decisive edge in contested environments.

We are focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems — not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe, today.

About the team

Our procurement team, embedded within the supply chain department, consists of Category Buyers, Non-Production Buyers, and Prototype Buyers. Together, we ensure production continuity by sourcing essential parts, planning supplier orders, managing safety stock, and implementing multi-source strategies, while selecting strategic suppliers to support our continuous ramp-up. We thrive in an agile, high-workload environment, where success requires strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage and prioritize information from various channels.

Your mission

As the Team Lead Procurement Indirect Material and Prototypes, you will be responsible for the strategic oversight and operational execution of all non-production goods and R&D prototypes. Your mission is to lead complex supplier negotiations (e.g. R&D contracts), implement dedicated sourcing strategies, find early preventive measures in order to mitigate the risk of creating monopolists, ensure the continuous and compliant supply of indirect materials and critical R&D components, directly supporting STARK’s seamless business operations and rapid development cycle.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership and Development: Provide disciplinary and technical leadership to the Procurement team, mentoring team members (e.g., Procurement Managers, Non-Production Buyers) and managing resource allocation to ensure departmental goals are met.Â

• Strategic Sourcing - Indirect and Prototypes: Develop and execute advanced sourcing strategies for all non-production goods (e.g., test equipment, IT, office supplies) and R&D prototype materials. Lead high-stakes negotiations for R&D contracts, pricing, and framework contracts with strategic suppliers.
  

• Operational Procurement Management: Oversee the entire procurement lifecycle for indirect and prototype materials, from identifying and qualifying suppliers to managing purchase requests (PRs) and converting approved requests/Jira tickets into formal Purchase Orders (POs).

• Risk and Supply Assurance: Proactively analyze spending patterns and market trends to identify opportunities for cost savings and consolidation. Manage and monitor supplier performance, ensuring adherence to quality, delivery, and compliance standards for non-production goods and R&D parts.

• Process and Tool Ownership: Oversee the optimization and implementation of digital procurement processes and tools, utilizing ERP systems (Oracle NetSuite) for inventory, purchasing, and data clean-up. Ensure effective integration of the Jira ticketing system for internal requests.

• Cross-Functional Interface: Serve as the main point of contact for internal stakeholders (R&D, Finance, IT, Logistics). Resolve issues related to orders, delivery delays, discrepancies, or incorrect invoicing.

• Reporting & Governance: Report directly to the Global Head of Procurement including preparing reports and analyses on supply chain performance and evaluating/implementing supply chain management software and technologies

Qualifications

• Completed degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or a comparable qualification.

• Several years of professional experience in strategic procurement or supply chain management, including demonstrated experience in a leadership or team lead role.

• Profound knowledge in all areas of the supply chain, from forecasting and material planning to negotiation and troubleshooting of bottlenecks.

• Exceptional skills in contract negotiation and managing supplier performance in a fast-paced, defense-related environment.

• Strong analytical and conceptual skills with a proven ability to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions.
  

• Structured, independent, and goal-oriented way of working.

• Strong teamwork skills and a willingness to take responsibility.

• Experience in the defense, aerospace, or high-tech electronics industry is highly valued.

Nice to have

• Experience in the defense, aerospace, or high-tech electronics industry is highly valued.

• Fluency in both German and English.