AST Science - Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Position Title: Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Status: Full-Time

Location: Remote / Hyderabad (with local and international travel availability)

Experience: 5-12 years

Position Summary:

- We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Strategic Sourcing Specialist with a solid technical background in composite, metallic and plastic materials, (Electronics manufacturing is a plus) and a proven track record in the - aerospace industry.

- This role is responsible for driving global sourcing strategies, identifying and qualifying strategic suppliers across in India and other Asia countries, while ensuring excellence in cost, lead time, quality, and innovation. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a strong business acumen, capable of managing cost comparisons, developing business cases, planning procurement activities, and analyzing data-driven decisions. They must possess exceptional negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with fluency in English, and a minimum of 5 years of experience in similar roles.

Key Responsibilities:

- This position will be accountable as the main responsible for end-to-end sourcing cycles including, RFI, RFQ, RFP, bid evaluation, Manufacturing and Delivery commitments accordingly to AST Quality Standards and Program Lead Times.

- Identify, qualify, and develop new strategic suppliers globally, with a focus on aerospace components.

- Contribute with other SSourcing teams in supplier expansion and qualification efforts across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

- Execute strategic sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives.

- Build and present detailed business cases to support sourcing decisions, vendor changes, and cost-saving initiatives.

- Conduct cost benchmarking and comparisons, ensuring optimal pricing and TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).

- Define procurement activity plans and sourcing calendars, in alignment with project timelines.

- Manage large datasets, supplier databases, and sourcing dashboards to support data-driven decision-making.

- Negotiate complex, high-value supplier contracts with a focus on cost, lead time, and performance improvement.

- Monitor supplier performance metrics KPIs and initiate corrective action plans when required.

- Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Finance teams to ensure supply chain alignment.

- Act as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) between suppliers and internal stakeholders.

- Ensure timely certification, inspection, and delivery of materials according to purchase orders.

- Track procurement progress, risks, and mitigation plans using project management tools.

- Maintain strong compliance with aerospace industry standards and risk control procedures.

- Support category strategy development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

- Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

- Minimum of 5 years in strategic sourcing or supplier development roles within the aerospace sector.

- In-depth knowledge of composite , plastic, metallic materials, and their manufacturing processes for different applications in aerospace.

- Demonstrated success in complex negotiations and international sourcing projects.

- Experience with data analysis, cost modeling, and strategic decision-making.

- Fluent in English (C1+) ; other languages such as Spanish is a strong plus.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ERP systems (preferably Oracle NetSuite), and sourcing platforms.

- Strong presentation and communication skills.

- Availability for international travel (EU, UK, Asia, USA) as required.

- Comfortable working across multiple time zones with schedule flexibility.

- Valid driver's license.