Company description

ASCO, part of Swiss group Montana Aerospace, began operations as a private subcontractor in 1954.

Today ASCO Group is engaged in a broad range of development, engineering, manufacturing and assembly activities providing multidisciplinary subcontracting services to various markets and aerospace programs around the world.

Asco operates from several locations, Belgium, Canada, Germany and USA, with a turnover exceeding 200 million euros.

Asco produces over 2,500 assemblies every month and has the ambition to be a world leader in design and manufacture of high lift devices, complex mechanical assemblies and major functional components for the aerospace industry. 

Montana Aerospace AG is a highly-vertically integrated manufacturer and supplier of system components and complex assemblies for the aerospace, e-mobility and energy sectors with worldwide engineering and manufacturing operations announced the signing of the acquisition of 100% of shares of the Asco Group on the 7th of September 2021.

Objective of the function

The buyer is responsible to be the business partner between plant requirements and category management duties to have the right suppliers with the right contracts in place. As well to be on the day-to-day commercial relationship to make sure of the right approach internally and externally on the supply chain activities. For dedicated spend which is limited to a plant or region buyers can act as a lead buyer to create and to manage spend and supply base.

Description:

• Prepare or support Request for Quotation (RFQ) file and bidders’ list
• Prepare or support short list presentation based on offers received and four pillars (Total Cost, Quality, Technical, Logistics) analysis
• Commercial and contractual negotiation
• Launch Best and Final Offer (BAFO) phase
• Be a business partner for the plant about suppliers and the capabilities
• Manage suppliers based on the assigned KPI´s
• Identify and develop suppliers to become strategic partners
• Manages efficiently the procurement contract data base
• Manage and negotiate contract with the supplier, considering back-to-back requirements from the customer
• Balance total cost of ownership vs. best cost country
• Negotiate and execute contracts on behalf of the business to meet business requirements. Use advanced legal skills to understand opportunities to gain Montana Aerospace impact at the supplier
• Support/Prepare yearly budget and purchasing business plan under his/her responsibility
• Define extra cost reduction activities to optimize Total Cost
• Follow up monthly on key procurement indicators for performance monthly
• Monitor supplier’s revenue evolution at corporate level
• Monitor supplier’s annual financial results
• Keep the organization informed on price/contractual changes which might impact the end customer, Montana Aerostructures profitability or the internal processes

Profile, skills and experience

Education: Master with min 5 years of experience as a Buyer

Languages: English is a must; Dutch and/or French is preferable, German is an advantage

Skills / Experience: 

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Buyer in a manufacturing industry - (preferably in aerospace)
• Work according to Lean principles
• Knowledge of Project Management Tools
• Previous experience in forgings management is a plus
• Familiar with an ERP system and planning process
• Analytical skills and proactive approach to vendor and commodity management.
• Sensitive to commercial aspects
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills; capable to interact with senior management at suppliers
• Good team-player
• Flexible thinker
• Result oriented
• Takes responsibility and ownership of his/her projects
• Loves to work in a dynamic environment
• Open to travel