Commodity Buyer – Substrate Panels (Solar Arrays)

Location: Leiden, Netherlands
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Contract: 1-year Deta-Vast contract, with the intention of permanent employment after one year
Department: Procurement
Start date: January 2027 (February 2027 may be considered)

About Airbus

Airbus is a global leader in aerospace and space technology, developing innovative solutions for commercial aviation, defence and space exploration. At Airbus, you will contribute to advanced space programmes and work alongside highly skilled engineers and supply chain professionals.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Commodity Buyer – Substrate Panels (Solar Arrays) to strengthen the Procurement team in Leiden.

In this role, you will take responsibility for the strategic procurement of substrate panels and composite components used across multiple solar array programmes, including high-profile international space projects.

You will act as the commercial lead for substrate panels, working closely with engineers, quality managers and Program Supply Managers (PSMs). Initially, you will work alongside the PSM, who currently manages the procurement activities, with the intention of gradually taking over these responsibilities.

You will manage the procurement process from supplier selection and negotiations through to contract management, risk mitigation and delivery follow-up.

Key Responsibilities

• Supplier & Contract Management: Manage relationships with international suppliers, coordinate RFQs and RFPs, analyse cost breakdowns and lead commercial negotiations.

• Strategic Procurement: Develop and implement procurement strategies for substrate panels and composite components across multiple programmes.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering and quality teams to align technical requirements, material specifications and supplier capabilities.

• Programme Coordination: Collaborate with Program Supply Managers and Project Managers to ensure supplier deliveries meet programme schedules and project milestones.

• Supply Chain Risk Management: Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, monitor supplier capacity and support quality compliance.

• Cost Management: Evaluate supplier proposals, monitor costs and identify opportunities for cost optimisation.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering or a related field.

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in procurement, strategic purchasing or commodity management.

• Experience working with suppliers and managing commercial negotiations and contracts.

• Affinity with technical products and the ability to work closely with engineering teams.

• Experience with SAP is mandatory.

• Knowledge of SAP S/4HANA and CCE is considered an advantage.

• Strong analytical, communication and negotiation skills.

• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.

• Proactive, independent and comfortable working in a multidisciplinary environment.

• Available for 40 hours per week.

What We Offer

• Contract Structure: An initial one-year contract through Deta-Vast, with the intention of permanent employment at Airbus after one year.

• Impactful Work: Contribute to innovative solar array technology used in international space programmes.

• Professional Development: Take ownership of a strategic commodity and gradually build responsibility for supplier relationships and procurement activities.

• Collaborative Environment: Join a close-knit Procurement team and work alongside experienced engineers, quality specialists and programme professionals.

• International Exposure: Opportunities to visit suppliers, primarily in Luxembourg and Italy, as the role develops.

Application Process

The selection process consists of two interviews:

1. First interview: On-site interview with the manager and the Program Supply Manager.

2. Second interview: Online interview with the Engineering Lead for solar arrays.

We look forward to receiving your application!