Strategic Sourcing – Project Manager Spain

AST SpaceMobile; Madrid; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is seeking an experienced Strategic Sourcing Project Manager to drive global sourcing strategies and manage suppliers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. You will lead cost, lead time, quality, and innovation initiatives in aerospace materials including metallics, CFRP, and plastics.

The role requires 5+ years in aerospace sourcing, exceptional negotiation, and fluency in English and Spanish.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Strategic Sourcing Management, or related technical discipline
• 5+ years in strategic sourcing and supplier development roles in aerospace sector
• PMP, CPSM, APICS or similar certifications preferred

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, and develop new strategic suppliers globally (aerospace materials)
• Lead supplier expansion and qualification across Europe, Asia, Americas
• Define and execute strategic sourcing strategies aligned with objectives
• Build and present detailed business cases for sourcing decisions
• Conduct cost benchmarking and evaluate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
• Develop procurement activity plans and sourcing calendars
• Manage large datasets, supplier databases, and sourcing dashboards
• Lead end-to-end sourcing processes (RFI, RFQ, RFP, bids, contracts)
• Negotiate complex supplier contracts focusing on cost, lead time, performance
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Finance
• Implement supplier performance programs and KPI monitoring
• Act as SPOC between suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Ensure timely certification, inspection, and delivery of materials
• Track procurement progress, risks, and mitigation plans
• Maintain compliance with aerospace industry standards
• Support category strategy development and continuous improvement

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier development

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Excel/ERP proficiency

English proficiency

Spanish proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Strategic Sourcing Management/related field

Tools

Oracle NetSuite ERP

Sourcing platforms

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Strategic Sourcing Project Manager.

The Strategic Sourcing Project Manager is responsible for driving global sourcing strategies, identifying and qualifying strategic suppliers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, while ensuring excellence in cost, lead time, quality, and innovation within aerospace structures materials (metallic, CFRP, plastics).

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong business acumen, capable of managing cost comparisons, developing business cases, planning procurement activities, and analyzing data-driven decisions.

This role requires exceptional negotiation and stakeholder management skills, fluency in English and Spanish, and a minimum of 5 years of experience in similar roles within the aerospace sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify, qualify, and develop new strategic suppliers globally, with a focus on aerospace components made from advanced materials and metals
• Lead supplier expansion and qualification efforts across Europe, Asia, and the Americas
• Define and execute strategic sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives
• Build and present detailed business cases to support sourcing decisions, vendor changes, and cost-saving initiatives
• Conduct cost benchmarking and comparisons, ensuring optimal pricing and TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)
• Develop procurement activity plans and sourcing calendars in alignment with project timelines
• Manage large datasets, supplier databases, and sourcing dashboards to support data-driven decision-making
• Lead end-to-end sourcing processes, including RFI, RFQ, RFP, bid evaluation, and contract execution
• Negotiate complex, high-value supplier contracts with focus on cost, lead time, and performance improvement
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Finance teams to ensure supply chain alignment
• Implement supplier performance management programs, monitor KPIs, and lead corrective actions
• Act as Single Point of Contact (SPOC) between suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Ensure timely certification, inspection, and delivery of materials according to purchase orders
• Track procurement progress, risks, and mitigation plans using project management tools
• Maintain compliance with aerospace industry standards and risk control procedures
• Support category strategy development and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Strategic Sourcing Management, or related technical discipline

Experience:

A minimum of 5+ years in strategic sourcing and supplier development roles within the aerospace sector

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP, CPSM, APICS or similar project/sourcing certifications
• Experience managing subcontractors and outsourced warehousing/logistics operations
• Knowledge of AS9100 and other aerospace-specific quality standards

Soft Skills:

• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Strategic thinking and strong business acumen
• Ability to manage complex, cross-functional environments
• Fluency in English (C1+) and Spanish
• Other languages such as French, German, Italian or Mandarin are a strong plus
• Ability to work across multiple time zones with schedule flexibility
• Manufacturing Supply Chain Execution
• Aerospace Structures Materials Knowledge
• Supplier Management
• Production Planning
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Risk Management
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Technical Communication

Technology Stack:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ERP systems (preferably Oracle NetSuite), and sourcing platforms

Physical Requirements:

• Availability for international travel (EU, UK, Asia, USA) as required
• Valid driver’s license

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.

AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.