Propulsion Procurement Manager

The Exploration Company; Bordeaux; Sur place; EUR 70 000 - 90 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The Exploration Company in France is seeking a Propulsion Procurement Manager to drive make-or-buy decisions for Nyx propulsion systems. You will collaborate with engineers to source innovative suppliers and manage external partnerships for production, testing, and qualification schedules.

You will lead RFx processes, evaluate partners with the Engineering team, and negotiate contracts. The role requires autonomy, strong English communication, and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.

Qualifications

• Requires technical/engineering or business degree (bachelor's or master's).
• Basic knowledge of contracts and business administration.
• Experience collaborating with engineering teams on complex technical projects.
• Proven ability to work autonomously under pressure and handle priorities.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication.
• Fast learner and adaptable to new challenges.
• Independent thinker and problem solver.

Responsabilités

• Developing and implementing make-or-buy strategies.
• Collaborating with engineers to identify innovative New Space Industry suppliers.
• Supporting production, testing and qualification schedules through external partnerships.
• Leading RFx campaigns, evaluating partners with Engineering, and contributing to supplier selection.
• Negotiating contracts with selected suppliers.
• Managing and executing contracts post-signature.
• Challenging processes to improve efficiency and scalability.

Connaissances

English proficiency

Autonomy under pressure

Problem solving

Fast learner

Contract knowledge

Engineering collaboration

Multilingual (French/German/Italian)

Formation

Bachelor's / Master's degree in technical/engineering or business

Outils

Odoo

Description du poste

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

The propulsion system is highly critical for the operation of Nyx and the safety of the space station. Being partially in-house and partially outsourced to multiple actors, the propulsion system requires a high degree of care to ensure the highest level of efficiency and reliability.

As The Propulsion Procurement Manager, Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Developing and implementing make-or-buy strategies
• Collaborating with engineers to identify innovative companies in the New Space Industry
• Supporting ambitious production, testing and qualification schedules through external partnerships
• Leading RFx campaigns, evaluating partners with the Engineering team, and contributing to supplier selection
• Negotiating contracts with selected suppliers
• Managing and executing contracts post-signature
• Challenging the team and the company's processes, pushing toward efficiency and scalability

What we would love to see from you

• Licence, bachelor's, master's degree or equivalent in a technical/engineering or business discipline
• Basic knowledge of contracts and business administration through education or work experience
• Work experience close with or within engineering team on a complex technical development project
• Proven track record of ability to work autonomously under pressure and manage conflicting priorities
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English
• Quick learner and adaptable to new challenges
• Independent thinker and problem solver

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Procurement / Supply Chain management
• Experience with Odoo or any other ERP
• Proficiency in French, German or Italian

Why you should join us!

• We're Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind
• We're Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them
• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It's a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.