Procurement Specialist
AST SpaceMobile
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 a Sr. Procurement Specialist to support purchasing and supply chain activities, ensuring efficient procurement processes, supplier performance, and on-time delivery within the aerospace industry.
Key Responsibilities:
• Prepare purchase orders, approve payments, and negotiate prices to ensure the procurement process goes smoothly, under general guidance.
• Prepare requests for proposals (RFP) and bid packages to take on new business categories.
• Monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Contact suppliers to schedule or expedite deliveries to resolve shortages and late or missed deliveries.
• Build commercial relationships with local and international suppliers.
• Closely monitor PO status and shipping dates of open purchase orders and maintain delivery dates updated in NetSuite.
• Perform end-to-end PO tracking and identify and lead action plans to mitigate potential supplier-related risks (production delays, quality issues, logistics issues, etc.).
• Generate and analyze reports related to Purchasing and other Supply Chain areas.
• Support the buying planning process by identifying supplier production lead times, communicating potential demand, expected delivery dates, and quantities, and requesting improvements in lead times.
• Identify potential supplier production issues, develop risk mitigation plans, and communicate or escalate when necessary.
• Partner with the Sourcing Manager to support sourcing activities such as cost analysis and new vendor setup.
• Participate in Manufacturing and Engineering meetings.
• Coordinate with Logistics and Material teams on inventory movements, transactions, and shipping from suppliers to internal locations or third parties.
• Develop and implement process improvement initiatives within the Supply Chain Management department.
• Define and analyze KPIs.
Qualifications
Education:
HS Diploma / GED required.
Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience within Supply Chain, Procurement, Purchasing, with previous Purchasing and Procurement experience exceeding 5 years.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Proven knowledge of suppliers within Spain and the European aerospace industry, particularly in Structures, composite materials, plastics, metalworking, and structural materials.
• Prior experience using NetSuite or similar ERP systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, search functions, VLOOKUP, sorting, filtering).
• Advanced English skills, both written and oral.
Soft Skills:
• Customer and client service attitude.
• Strong communication skills with a teamwork-oriented approach, including honesty, empathy, and collaboration.
• Negotiation skills.
Technology Stack:
• NetSuite or similar ERP systems.
• Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, sorting, filtering).
Physical Requirements
• Ability to work in a standard office or remote environment and use a computer for extended periods.
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.