Category Manager (all genders)
Job Summary
Category Manager (all genders)
Challenge the Impossible
About Beyond Gravity
Beyond Gravity headquartered in Zurich Switzerland is the first space company to combine a startup mindset agility speed and innovation with decades of experience and proven quality. Approximately 1800 employees at 12 locations in six countries (Switzerland Sweden Austria USA Finland and Portugal) develop and manufacture products for satellites and launch vehicles with the goal of advancing humankind and enabling the exploration of the world and beyond. Beyond Gravity is the preferred supplier of structures for all types of launch vehicles and a leading provider of selected satellite products and constellation solutions in the New Space 2024 the company generated a revenue of around CHF 359 million. More information at:
Your Crew:
Join a fast-growing company undergoing an ambitious industrial transformation. Youll be part of a close-knit team driven by daily challenges and a strong spirit of continuous improvement. youll thrive in a structured yet agile environment where precision collaboration and the desire to grow together are core contribution matters youll play a key role in our collective performance.
Your Mission:
The Category Manager is responsible for defining developing and executing the procurement strategy for a specific set of space-related commodities (e.g. Raw and Production Materials Electrical & Electronics Mechanical etc). This role ensures optimal cost quality delivery and risk management performance across the supply base contributing directly to program success and long-term business competitiveness.
Category Strategy & Governance
- Develop and implement the category strategy in alignment with business needs program requirements and global procurement guidelines.
- Conduct market analysis technology scouting and supplier landscape assessment to identify trends opportunities and risks.
- Define multi-year roadmaps including cost reduction initiatives supplier consolidation dual-sourcing strategies and innovation pipelines.
- Ensure the category strategy is aligned with Business Units and Engineering stakeholders.
Supplier Management
- Identify select and manage strategic suppliers ensuring performance in quality delivery cost and compliance.
- Lead supplier evaluation negotiation and contracting activities including long-term agreements.
- Drive supplier development actions risk mitigation plans and performance reviews .
- Manage escalations and develop recovery plans when necessary.
Program Support
- Support ongoing space programs by providing procurement expertise and ensuring timely availability of critical parts and systems.
- Collaborate closely with Program Management Engineering Supply Chain and Quality teams.
- Ensure procurement deliverables (costing schedules risks documentation) are met throughout program phases (offer development production etc).
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Engineering to influence design-to-cost and make-or-buy decisions.
- Work with Finance to track budget impacts cost savings and procurement KPIs.
- Collaborate with Legal Compliance and Export Control teams to ensure adherence to regulatory frameworks (e.g. ITAR EAR NEO CMMC).
Leadership & Governance
- Provide guidance to Commodity Specialists within the category.
- Drive harmonization of processes tools and best practices across the procurement organization.
- Represent the category in internal governance boards and in front of senior leadership
Your Story:
- Bachelors or Masters degree in Engineering Supply Chain Management Business or related field.
- 58 years of experience in procurement ideally in aerospace defense or high-tech industries.
- Strong knowledge of direct procurement processes supplier management and negotiation.
- Familiarity with space systems components and industrial supply chains is a significant advantage.
- Proven ability to develop strategies and execute complex procurement activities.
- Supplier relationship and performance management expertise.
- Knowledge of Export Control regulations and compliance requirements.
- Fluent in English. Other languages are a plus.
Nice to haves:
- Experience with long-cycle high-tech procurement (e.g. propulsion electronics optics composites).
- Experience in global sourcing and supplier development.
- Prior leadership of small teams or virtual teams.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
- Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
- Ability to influence and collaborate across functions and cultures.
- Strong communication skills both written and verbal.
- Ability to manage ambiguity and operate in fast-paced environments.
Why Beyond Gravity
You will be a part of an engaged team with the ambition to innovate space!
You will work in a growing high-tech company with career opportunities within the location or internationally.
In Nyon we have a down-to-earth culture experienced and competent employees and a versatile management team.
We offer a hybrid work situation and flexible hours to match your rhythm.
We have a competitive salary and benefits
Are you ready for lift-off
Our core values - Passionate Together and Curious - transform challenges into opportunities. Embark on a journey to transcend the ordinary with us. Were actively reviewing candidates and will promptly select the ideal fit for our team.
Beyond Gravity is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race color religion sex gender national origin disability protected veteran status or any other legally protected categories.
Applications by e-mail cannot be considered. We do not accept dossiers from recruitment agencies for this position.
Required Experience:
Manager
About Company
Beyond Gravity has been supplying products for hundreds of space missions for over 40 years. They all ultimately serve one goal: advancing humanity.