Category Buyer (all genders)

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 Category Buyer, you will drive global price and contract negotiations, manage end-to-end procurement workflows, and ensure supplier compliance. You will optimize vendor performance to ensure uninterrupted supply and seamlessly scale operations alongside rapidly growing production demands. Responsibilities • Develop and implement strategies to optimise the entire supply chain, from procurement to delivery. • Monitor and manage inventory levels to minimise overstocking and shortages. • Select, evaluate, and maintain relationships with suppliers; negotiate contracts and terms. • Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the supply chain and implement improvement measures. • Analyse and mitigate supply chain risks to minimise disruptions. • Monitor and optimise logistics costs. • Work closely with internal departments (R&D, production, quality, logistic, sales) and external partners. • Prepare reports and analyses on supply chain performance. • Evaluate and implement supply chain management software and technologies. Qualifications • Completed degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain • Management, Industrial Engineering, or a comparable qualification. • Several years of professional experience in a comparable position in Supply Chain Management, Procurement • Profound knowledge in all areas of the supply chain. • Strong analytical and conceptual skills, as well as a good understanding of numbers. • Ability to identify 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 • Ideally, experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle NetSuite, etc.) • Languages: Business-fluent English required. German strongly preferred