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ARX Robotics, a European defense technology company specializing in autonomous unmanned ground systems and sensors, is seeking a Senior Strategic Supply Chain Manager to lead sourcing and procurement strategy. In this role, you will own category and sourcing strategies across electronic components, mechanical assemblies, and embedded systems, working closely with Engineering, Technical Program Management, and Production teams.
Key responsibilities include developing category strategies that balance supply security, cost competitiveness, technical fit, and long-term value; managing end-to-end RFP and RFQ processes from supplier identification through contracting and negotiation; conducting total cost of ownership analyses and build/buy/partner recommendations; building a resilient supplier network across defense-relevant technologies; gathering market intelligence on capacity constraints, lead times, and geopolitical risks; establishing master supply and service agreements; implementing supplier performance management with clear KPIs and business reviews; and cultivating relationships with key technology providers including Tier 2+ suppliers.
You will also ensure sourcing approaches support defense, export control, dual-use, localization, and redundancy requirements—critical for European defense supply chain resilience.
Required experience includes at least 5 years in strategic procurement or category management, ideally in defense technology, aerospace, robotics, or complex hardware manufacturing. You should have hands-on experience leading sourcing processes from RFQ through contract, including commercial and legal negotiation. Technical confidence in reading engineering specifications and translating requirements into sourcing strategies is essential. Familiarity with defense procurement requirements, export controls, and dual-use compliance is required. Strong analytical skills in total cost of ownership modeling, market analysis, and business case development are expected. You should demonstrate a structured approach to identifying and mitigating supply chain risks, building localization and redundancy plans, and the ability to build trusted relationships across cross-functional teams. Fluent English is required; German is a strong advantage.
The company offers a competitive compensation package with bonus opportunity, 27 vacation days (increasing to 30 with tenure), employer-supported pension, learning and development support, flexible benefits via Probonio, hybrid working arrangements, structured salary bands with a leveling framework, bi-annual development conversations, referral bonuses, and relocation support.
