About Us:

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective - providing operators with a decisive edge in contested environments.

We are focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems - not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe, today.

About the team:

Our procurement team, embedded within the supply chain department, consists of Category Buyers, Non-Production Buyers, and Prototype Buyers. Together, we ensure production continuity by sourcing essential parts, planning supplier orders, managing safety stock, and implementing multi-source strategies, while selecting strategic suppliers to support our continuous ramp-up. We thrive in an agile, high-workload environment, where success requires strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage and prioritize information from various channels.

Your mission:

As the Teamlead Category Procurement , you will be responsible for the strategic oversight and operational excellence of a dedicated procurement team. Your mission is to lead complex supplier negotiations, implement robust sourcing strategies, and ensure a reliable, cost-efficient supply chain for all mission-critical components, directly supporting the rapid scaling of STARK’s R&D and production efforts for autonomous systems.

Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership and Development: Provide disciplinary and technical leadership to the Procurement team, mentoring team members (e.g., Procurement Managers, Buyers) and managing resource allocation to ensure departmental goals are met.
• Risk and Supply Assurance: Proactively identify, analyze and mitigate critical supply chain risks, including managing long lead times and obsolescence.
• Drive the rapid identification, verification and implementation of second-source components in close coordination with Engineering to prevent production line stoppages.

Qualifications:

• Completed degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or a comparable qualification.
• Several years of professional experience in strategic procurement, operations or supply chain management, including demonstrated experience in a leadership or team lead role.
• Profound knowledge in all areas of the supply chain, from forecasting and material planning to negotiation and troubleshooting of bottlenecks
• Exceptional skills in contract negotiation and managing supplier performance in a fast-paced, defense-related environment.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills with a proven ability to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions.
• Structured, independent, and goal-oriented way of working.
• Strong teamwork skills and a willingness to take responsibility.

Nice to have:

• Experience in the defense, aerospace, or high-tech electronics industry is highly valued.
• Fluency in both German and English.

For further information please reach out to talent@stark-defence.com .

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.