Supply Chain Manager (m/f/d)

About surge aero GmbH surge aero GmbH develops high-performance two-stroke engines and UAV platforms for the European market. We are currently establishing our manufacturing operations with the goal of transitioning towards serial production. As a growing startup, we are looking for an experienced, proactive, and hands-on Supply Chain Manager to take ownership of procurement, develop a reliable supplier network, and establish scalable supply chain processes to support our future manufacturing operations. Key Responsibilities 1. Procurement & Strategic Sourcing • Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers for mechanical components, precision parts, assemblies, electronics, and other production materials. • Request and compare quotations, negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and supplier contracts. • Establish and manage framework agreements and long-term supplier relationships. • Manage operational purchasing activities, including purchase orders, delivery schedules, and material availability. • Develop sourcing strategies to optimize costs, quality, and supply security. 2. Supplier Management & Outsourcing • Build and develop a reliable network of national and international suppliers and manufacturing partners. • Evaluate suppliers based on cost, delivery performance, manufacturing capacity, and reliability. • Develop make-or-buy strategies and identify opportunities for outsourcing component manufacturing and subassembly operations. • Identify, evaluate, and manage suitable external manufacturing and assembly partners. • Collaborate closely with our Quality Engineer on supplier qualification, supplier development, and supplier audits. 3. Material Planning & Supply Chain Management • Develop procurement and inventory strategies to support the transition towards serial production. • Perform ABC/XYZ analyses, considering component criticality and supply risks. • Evaluate and implement suitable material supply concepts, such as Kanban, safety stocks, and supplier-managed inventory. • Ensure material availability while maintaining efficient inventory levels and controlling working capital. • Identify and mitigate supply risks, shortages, and potential bottlenecks. • Coordinate material requirements with Engineering, Production, and Production Logistics. 4. ERP Implementation & Process Development • Actively contribute to the selection and implementation of an ERP system, such as Epicor, proALPHA, Infor, or comparable solutions. • Define and establish procurement, supplier management, inventory, and material planning processes. • Support the development of article and supplier master data, bills of materials (BOMs), and ERP-based material requirements planning (MRP). • Develop, document, and continuously improve efficient and scalable supply chain processes. • Support the establishment of auditable procurement and supplier management processes as part of future certification activities. 5. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement • Work closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Finance. • Support manufacturing ramp-up and the transition towards serial production. • Establish and monitor relevant KPIs for procurement costs, supplier performance, and material availability. • Identify and implement opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement. Requirements • Degree or vocational qualification in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. • Several years of experience in industrial procurement, supply chain management, or supplier management within a manufacturing environment. • Experience sourcing mechanical components, precision parts, and technical assemblies. • Strong negotiation skills and experience with supplier contracts and commercial agreements. • Good understanding of manufacturing processes, technical drawings, and bills of materials. • Knowledge of material requirements planning, inventory management, and procurement strategies. • Practical experience with ERP/MRP systems and a solid understanding of business process development and implementation. • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. • Independent, structured, and hands-on working style, with the ability to take ownership in a dynamic startup environment. • Good command of German and English. Preferred Qualifications • Experience in engine manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, UAVs, motorsports, or precision engineering. • Experience building or scaling supply chains for industrial serial production. • Familiarity with make-or-buy decisions, outsourcing, and external manufacturing partners. • Previous involvement in ERP implementation or procurement process development. • Knowledge of ISO 9001 or EN/AS 9100 and experience with supplier qualification and auditable processes. What We Offer • A key role with significant responsibility and the opportunity to shape our supply chain from the ground up. • Direct involvement in establishing our manufacturing operations and supporting the transition towards serial production. • The opportunity to contribute to ERP implementation and the development of company-wide processes. • Close collaboration with Engineering, Production, Quality, and company leadership. • A dynamic, international, and technically driven startup environment with short decision-making processes. • Long-term development opportunities and competitive compensation based on experience.