Director, Procurement and Supply Chain (LU, CH or UK)

Job description

At ClearSpace, we believe in reusability, in affordability driving disruption, and that no progress is real unless it is sustainable. Our company was founded in 2018 out of the realization that in-orbit servicing and space debris removal are vital services for the future of space exploration and operations. Today ClearSpace has assembled an expert engineering team and is leading the way toward sustainable space operations. From a garage in Switzerland, we now operate across UK and Europe, and are working with world-leading institutions and companies to bring our dream of a sustainable space ecosystem to life. The Role The Director, Procurement and Supply Chain is accountable for developing, leading, and optimising ClearSpace’s global supply chain strategy across multiple sites and programmes - driving commercial excellence and consistency across the supply base in line with our long-term direction. This is a rare opportunity to build a function from the ground up: introducing best practices, establishing commercial frameworks, and creating a high‑performing team that will scale with the business. We're looking for someone commercially astute, with deep expertise in contracting, negotiation, and statement of work (SOW) development, who will serve as the anchor for all supply chain activity. The role requires a strong understanding of the European space ecosystem - ESA, national agencies (CNES, DLR, LSA, UKSA), and the industrial landscape of large primes, SMEs, and NewSpace suppliers. You will define and deploy procurement strategies aligned with ESA and institutional programme requirements, including geo-return considerations. Role Responsibilities Commercial Leadership • Deliver optimal contractual and cost outcomes for the business. • Ensure all contracts align with operational needs, commercial requirements, and legal compliance. • Lead the creation, negotiation, and execution of supplier contracts, master service agreements (MSAs), and SOWs. • Serve as the commercial point of contact for all supply‑chain‑related third‑party engagements. • Provide leadership on SOW development, ensuring scope, deliverables, milestones, KPIs, and pricing models are clearly defined. • Partner with procurement, legal, and operational stakeholders to ensure all commercial terms are accurate and enforceable. • Mitigate business risks through strong provisions, including performance management, penalties, change control, and exit strategies. • Identify opportunities to drive value creation, cost savings, and improved contract terms. Supply Chain Management • Develop and implement a comprehensive supply chain strategy to meet business objectives. • Support the definition of ClearSpace’s Make-or-Buy strategy, ensuring alignment with strategic suppliers and subcontract partners. • Analyse and forecast supply chain trends, ensuring alignment with market conditions and business goals. • Lead initiatives to streamline supply chain processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. • Ensure compliance with all import/export regulations and provide operational guidance. Procurement and Vendor Management • Define sourcing strategies and approve new supplier selections (direct and subcontracted). • Oversee procurement operations to secure timely, cost‑effective materials and services. • Build and maintain strong vendor relationships, negotiating favourable terms and conditions. • Monitor and manage supplier performance, addressing issues across quality, delivery, pricing, and service. • Conduct regular supplier reviews, audits, and corrective action processes. Must Have • 10+ years' experience in leadership roles working with global suppliers, contract manufacturers, and contract manufacturing strategies within product manufacturing. • Significant experience within the European space ecosystem. • Extensive knowledge and experience of: • ESA structure, procurement rules, and geo-return principles • Major European primes and supplier network • European NewSpace ecosystem • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or Engineering related field or appropriate industry experience. • Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and proven track record in scaling products from R&D to production environments. • Proven track record of implementing supply chain strategies in multi-site industries that drive cost savings and efficiency. • Ability to manage multi-million-euro capital investment projects. • Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and supply chain management software. • Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills. • Exposure to ISO, ITAR and other regulatory standards. • Fluency in English is required. Nice to have • Ability to speak French and/or German is advantageous • Familiarity with cross-border procurement within Europe • Experience of institutional and commercial program dynamics. • Advanced negotiation and contracting skills • Attention to detail and legal accuracy • Risk management and compliance orientation • Cross-functional influence and stakeholder management • Strategic and structured thinking under pressure Information about our data processing is set out in our candidate data privacy notice.