VP, Procurement in Aldershot

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 20km 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 of air traffic and low-Earth orbit, Stratospace. 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.

Position Overview: As VP of Procurement, you will lead procurement strategy and execution for AALTO's pioneering stratospace business. Reporting to the CFO and collaborating closely with cross-functional leadership (Engineering, Operations, Finance, Legal), you will define and deliver sourcing strategies that ensure timely, cost-efficient, high-quality supply of hardware, components, and services critical to the Zephyr HAPS platform and payload integration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Procurement Leadership & Strategy: Define and execute global procurement strategies aligned with AALTO’s vision to pioneer Stratospace with the solar-electric Zephyr HAPS. Manage full spectrum buying activities: direct/indirect materials, capital equipment, services, regulatory compliance, and trade.
• Team & Stakeholder Management: Lead, mentor, and expand a high-performing procurement team across EMEA and global hubs. Partner with Engineering, Finance, Legal, and Operations to align procurement priorities with mission-led timelines and quality standards.
• Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Relationship Management: Develop and maintain a reliable, resilient supply chain for aerospace-grade components/systems. Negotiate high-value contracts and establish robust SLAs guaranteeing quality, lead-time, and compliance.
• Cost Optimization & Budget Management: Drive cost savings through strategic sourcing, price benchmarking, and supplier consolidation. Monitor procurement budget, forecast spend, and contribute to financial planning with Finance.
• Risk Management & Compliance: Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks (regulatory, geopolitical, capacity). Ensure procurement compliance with internal policies and aerospace regulations, fostering transparency and ethics.
• Process Optimization & Technology Enablement: Lead transformation of procurement operations via best-in-class tools, automation, and ERP. Leverage data analytics for decision-making, supplier performance tracking, and continuous improvement.
• Market Intelligence & Innovation: Monitor aerospace market trends, new materials, suppliers, and technologies pertinent to HAPS. Champion innovative sourcing methods—partnerships with startups, academic collaborations (e.g., payload campaigns).

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related discipline; MBA or procurement/supply chain certification preferred.
• Extensive procurement leadership experience, ideally in aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing — with significant exposure to strategic sourcing and indirect spend.
• Proven track record driving cost reduction, supplier negotiations, and overall procurement excellence.
• Strong knowledge of contract law, bid processes, supplier management, ERP systems, and procurement analytics.
• Experience with compliance frameworks, risk assessment, and aerospace quality standards.
• Exceptional leadership, cross-functional collaboration, analytical, and decision-making skills.

Desired Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with ability to align procurement with high-growth aerospace initiatives.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, agile in start-up environments and comfortable with fast-paced scale-up business.
• High integrity, strong interpersonal and negotiation capabilities.
• Passion for cutting-edge technology—stratospheric platforms, sustainability, Earth observation, and connectivity.

At AALTO, we offer an exceptional work environment that values your well-being and rewards your dedication. As part of our team, you'll experience the freedom of flexible working that enables you to achieve a healthy work-life balance. We believe in recognising your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.

AALTO HAPS Ltd. 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.