Procurement Officer - Direct in Farnborough

Welcome to AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace. Based in Farnborough, AALTO is an Airbus subsidiary that manufactures, operates, and delivers services with its solar‑powered, stratospheric platform: Zephyr. Zephyr’s persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time. Its current flight‑time record is over 67 days in the stratosphere. From above 60,000 ft, or 20 km above ground, AALTO can deliver several applications including direct‑to‑device connectivity and high‑resolution Earth observation. AALTO operates in a new operational layer between most air traffic and low‑Earth orbit. This is where high‑altitude platforms led by Zephyr deliver services to commercial and government partners. We can help monitor environments, observe borders, track natural disasters and connect unconnected communities. Join us as we create a new domain of aerospace: Stratospace. You’ll be part of a highly‑skilled, innovative and passionate group of people – Team AALTO. Together, we can unlock Stratospace.

Job Purpose

You will manage the end‑to‑end procurement lifecycle for critical aerospace commodity groups, including aerostructures, propulsion, command & control ground systems, and payloads. This role ensures timely, cost‑effective, and quality‑compliant acquisition of components, systems, and enterprises.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for aerostructures, propulsion, C2 ground systems, and payloads.
• Conduct market research, supplier analysis, and risk assessments to strengthen the supply base.
• Lead supplier selection, including RFx processes, bid evaluations, and capability assessments.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and long‑term agreements to secure best value and protect company interests.
• Manage contract changes, claims, cost‑reduction initiatives, and budgets for assigned commodities.
• Ensure compliance with procurement governance, export regulations, and aerospace standards.
• Build strong supplier relationships and monitor performance against KPIs for cost, quality, delivery, and technical capability.
• Support supplier development to improve readiness, capacity, and adherence to industry standards.
• Drive recovery actions for underperforming suppliers and mitigate delivery risks.
• Collaborate with engineering, programme management, and quality teams to align specifications, schedules, and risk management.
• Maintain accurate procurement data and records in ERP and business systems.

Requirements and Skills

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in procurement strategy, tendering, negotiation, and contract management.
• Background in aerospace, defence, or complex, regulated industries.
• Knowledge of technical commodities (e.g., aerostructures, propulsion, electronics) is desirable.
• Familiarity with ISO9001, EN/AS9100, and CAA requirements.
• Relevant experience in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or similar fields. Formal qualifications are welcome but not essential.
• Proficiency in M365 and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Dynamics 365).
• Understanding of sourcing processes and contractual risk management.

Benefits and Perks

• Rewarding Excellence: Benefit from our short‑term incentive plan that rewards your hard work and dedication.
• Enjoy Your Time Off: Benefit from 25 days of holiday to relax and recharge.
• Stay Healthy: We’ve got your health covered with private medical insurance, along with dental and optical cash back.
• Secure Your Future: Take advantage of our personal pension plan to ensure a comfortable retirement.
• Peace of Mind: Our income protection and life insurance schemes are there to support you when you need it most.
• We Care About You: Our employee assistance programme is always available to provide the support you need.
• Perks Galore: Enjoy a range of employee discounts via Perkbox, because you deserve a treat!

AALTO is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.