Head of Global Procurement

WE ARE SKYTREE

Skytree enables a transition to a world with cleaner Air for everyone. We do this by developing and deploying smart technology that captures atmospheric carbon dioxide, enabling its use or storage to combat climate change and aid society and businesses around the world.

Born out of the European Space Agency (ESA), we are a global team of highly talented scientists, engineers and business professionals, supported by an experienced management team. Our working culture is based on a dynamic and smart approach to business with an open and understanding attitude to others and a desire to expand the boundaries of what is possible.

As we enter a new phase of growth, we are looking for a Head of Procurement to continue on this journey with us.

Ready to make your mark on the world of CO2? Then read on!

THE ROLE

As Head of Procurement, you will be a pivotal leader within our Supply Chain organization, reporting directly to the VP of Operations. You will be responsible for architecting, implementing, and leading Skytree’s global procurement strategies and operations, ensuring they robustly support our rapid innovation, product development, and aggressive global scaling plans.

This role requires a dynamic leader capable of navigating an evolving growth trajectory, guided by our strategic plan:

• Initial Phase (Foundation & Intensive Innovation Support): Your primary focus will be to establish and mature the core procurement function, processes, and initial team structure. Your team will provide intensive support for a significant portfolio of concurrent projects—including major technology platforms, multiple New Product Introductions (NPIs), and various technology exploration streams—ensuring a de-risked supply chain and achievement of COGS targets.

• Transitional Phase (First Production Ramp & Future Network Development): As the company moves towards its first significant production ramp, your team will continue to support the next wave of NPIs. You will lead your Strategic Sourcing & Technology Lead in the strategic activities of identifying, evaluating, negotiating with, and contracting an initial network of additional global CMOs.

• Growth Phase (Global Expansion & Full-Scale Operations): As Skytree expands its global operational footprint, you will lead a mature, global procurement organization. This will involve overseeing strategic sourcing, NPI procurement for a global market, and global execution, including the ongoing commercial management of an expanding network of global CMOs.

Across all stages, you will be responsible for managing the flow of inbound goods, ensuring timely and cost-effective sourcing. You will drive the continuous assessment and mitigation of supply chain risks, the development and maintenance of a long-term Approved Vendor List (AVL), and foster strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers and manufacturers to drive innovation, reliability, and value. You will play a central role in the maturation of the procurement function, acting as a mentor to your team members and championing the necessary evolution of roles and responsibilities as dictated by our product roadmap and international expansion.

YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT BY:

• Building and Leading a High-Performing Procurement Team: Recruiting, developing, and managing a dedicated team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.

• Driving Strategic NPI Procurement: Ensuring procurement is an early and integral partner in the NPI process, collaborating closely with Engineering and Product Development to meet COGS targets, de-risk supply chains for new technologies, and ensure production readiness in line with ambitious customer delivery timelines.

• Developing and Implementing Global Procurement Strategies: Creating and executing comprehensive procurement strategies that support Skytree's rapid growth, technological innovation, and global operational goals, including make-vs-buy analyses.

• Mastering Supplier Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with key global suppliers and manufacturers.

• Achieving Cost Optimization & Value Engineering: Driving initiatives to reduce COGS and total cost of ownership while balancing component quality, supply resilience, and innovation.

• Ensuring Supply Chain Resilience & Risk Mitigation: Developing and implementing strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks (disruptions, single-source, geopolitical, financial), ensuring business continuity.

• Overseeing Global Procurement Operations: Optimizing procurement operations across all continents for efficiency, compliance, and responsiveness to the needs of production and NPI.

• Championing Procurement Excellence: Setting and monitoring procurement policies, procedures, and KPIs. Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards, and continuously identifying areas for improvement within the procurement function.

• Collaborating Cross-Functionally: Working seamlessly with key internal stakeholders to achieve integrated supply chain success.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Extensive hands-on experience in building and leading procurement functions within internationally oriented production companies, particularly those with high-tech products (machines/equipment) involving complex Bills of Materials (mechanical hardware, electronic components, buy and make parts).

• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams through all stages of the product lifecycle: New Product Introduction (NPI), Ramp-Up, and Life Cycle Management. Demonstrable scale-up and NPI experience is highly desirable.

• Deep expertise in strategic sourcing, category management, and developing global supplier networks, including Contract Manufacturers.

• Strong negotiation skills and comprehensive purchasing knowledge (e.g., Kraljic model, Incoterms, advanced contract structures).

• Demonstrable experience in negotiating and managing complex commercial agreements with suppliers and CMOs, including terms related to consignment stock, credit limits, liability, and performance metrics.

• Experience in developing and implementing strategies for supply chain risk mitigation and ensuring business continuity.

• A Master’s or Bachelor’s (HBO) degree in Engineering, Business Economics, Purchasing, Logistics, or Supply Chain Management.

• EPC(M)/Complex Contracts experience is highly desirable.

• A strategic thinker with the ability to operate tactically, capable of building a function while managing current operational demands.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization and with external partners globally.

• Additional purchasing certifications or courses are appreciated.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Apart from working with great colleagues and a competitive package, you can also expect these additional benefits:

• An opportunity for professional and personal growth in one of the most innovative climatetech start-ups in Amsterdam!

• A diverse and international team

• A competitive salary aligned with the market, with regular compensation reviews

• A company laptop and SIM subscription

• Travel cost reimbursement (choose from an NS business card or 23ct p/km travel allowance)

• 25 vacation days per year, with additional special leave days for life events:-)

• Possibility to take an additional 5 days of unpaid leave each year

• Pension scheme with 5% employer contribution and flexible employee contribution

• A (flexible) hybrid working policy where possible

• A cozy office located close to the Science Park train station, also close to the highway

• Access to the Science Park and Amsterdam University cafeterias (and all the great and healthy meal options)

• Fruits and snacks in the office

• A monthly lunch allowance

• Regular social activities hosted by our very own Champagne Committee

QUESTIONS?

Need some more info, or simply have a question for us? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Please send an email to wandia.gichanga@skytree.eu and I will get back to you!