Delivering a Strategic Spacecraft Procurement Leader

The Challenge:

The business required a senior Spacecraft Procurement Manager to strengthen its commercial capability within a highly technical satellite environment. Previous searches had failed to secure an individual who combined deep spacecraft procurement expertise with the gravitas and negotiation strength to manage contracts exceeding 50 million. The role demanded extensive sector knowledge, proven cost saving achievements, and the confidence to work closely with the CEO, taking ownership of a function previously handled at executive level. Finding someone commercially assertive yet collaborative enough to foster long term supplier relationships presented a delicate balance.

Our Solution:

Following a refined qualification process, the brief was recalibrated to prioritise advanced negotiation expertise alongside technical depth. A targeted search delivered a five person shortlist within two weeks, with all candidates progressing to interview despite summer scheduling delays. Proactive engagement ensured alignment and sustained momentum throughout a multi stage European interview process.

• Conducted targeted market mapping across established satellite manufacturers and spacecraft supply chains to identify proven procurement leaders with large scale negotiation exposure.
• Leveraged existing relationships and prior conversations within our network, including re engaging previously known talent already familiar with our sector focus.
• Maintained structured candidate management during extended summer timelines, ensuring alignment, transparency, and sustained interest throughout the process.

The Outcome:

The individual placed brought over 15 years of experience within the space sector, combining strategic procurement leadership with an engineering background that strengthened her technical credibility. Her track record of negotiating high-value contracts and delivering substantial savings aligned precisely with the business’s evolving commercial objectives. Relocating from France to Switzerland with her family, she navigated regulatory and schooling complexities, with a carefully negotiated start date ensuring compliance with Swiss residency requirements while meeting business needs.

Her methodical, research driven approach complemented the company’s culture, while her experience with major institutional and commercial suppliers positioned her to renegotiate existing agreements and secure stronger long term terms. By assuming responsibility previously held by the CEO, she has enabled greater executive focus on growth initiatives while driving cost efficiencies and strengthening supplier strategy across the organisation.