Procurement Contracts Specialist

Capella Space stands at the forefront of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology and signal intelligence. We provide customers in governments, academia, and commercial sectors with reliable information that enables unparalleled understanding of the world. Our mission is centered on delivering timely and reliable Earth imagery, supporting diverse applications in defense & intelligence, disaster response, energy, environmental monitoring and more. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Capella Space designs, manufactures and operates an advanced constellation of SAR imaging satellites. Our market-leading SAR satellites are complemented by an unmatched data infrastructure and automated ordering and delivery platform for fast, reliable insights where and when customers need it most. 

Recognized for our technological prowess, Capella Space was honored as one of the 10 most innovative companies in Space in 2023 by FASTCOMPANY. Capella Space is an internationally trusted Earth Observation data provider, working closely with the U.S. Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, the Canadian Government and more to make unclassified, high-resolution SAR data more accessible.  

What Makes Capella Unique? 

Capella Space is a highly collaborative team environment, providing an opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the space industry, though no prior space experience is needed.  We’re looking for people excited about tackling seemingly impossible challenges, learning new skills and concepts, and helping each other achieve success. Our mission and our products are meant to understand the whole world and help everyone in it - regardless of race, creed, or any other distinction. We encourage you to bring your unique perspective to help make us stronger, including applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. 

Position Overview: As a Procurement Contracts Specialist at Capella Space, you will join a dynamic and innovative team, rapidly scaling to meet significant growth projections.  Reporting to the Sr. Director of Contracts & Supply Chain, your primary responsibility will be to ensure Capella has the right material, at the right place, at the right time, by establishing and managing contractual agreements with suppliers, ensuring compliance with company standards, facilitating source selection, and fostering strong supplier relationships. This role involves coordinating with various internal departments, negotiating contract terms, and managing the performance of suppliers ranging from commodity buys to strategic partnerships to support the company's mission.  This position requires a deep understanding of legal and contractual frameworks, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to work in a dynamic and rapidly evolving space environment. 

Role Responsibilities:

• Supplier Sourcing and Contracting: 
  • Assist with the development of material strategies that deliver the best value and optimize production schedules. 
  • Collaborate with engineering and other stake holders to identify and source high performing suppliers. 
  • Facilitate supplier source selection processes, including issuing requests for information (RFI), request for proposals (RFP), request for quotes (RFQ), conducting best value source selection analysis, cost and/or price analysis etc. 
  • Conduct market research to benchmark costs and terms, ensuring competitive and fair pricing. 
  • Perform vetting an on-boarding of suppliers in accordance with standard processes. 
  • Draft, review, and negotiate supplier contracts to ensure terms are favorable and align with company policies and objectives, legal requirements, and industry standards. 
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for suppliers regarding contractual matters.
• Supplier Management:  
  • Manage the entire supplier contract lifecycle, from initiation to closeout, ensuring timely execution and compliance.
  • Maintain a comprehensive database of supplier contracts, ensuring all documents are up-to-date and accessible.
  • Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with key suppliers.
  • Facilitate communication and collaboration between suppliers and internal stakeholders to support project and program goals.
  • Monitor and drive performance metrics, including on time delivery, supplier quality, performance to budgets, cost and schedule reductions, etc.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews and audits of suppliers, addressing any issues and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Compliance and Risk Management:
  • Ensure all supplier contracts comply with relevant laws, regulations, company policies and industry standards.
  • Identify potential risks in supplier relationships and contracts, and work collaboratively with legal and project teams to develop risk mitigation strategies.
  • Monitor and track supplier contract performance, implementing corrective actions as needed to address deviations.  
• Stakeholder Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including project managers, engineers, and finance teams, to understand project requirements and incorporate them into contractual agreements.
  • Foster positive relationships with external partners, clients, and subcontractors.
  • Work closely with finance, legal, engineering, operations, and project management teams to ensure alignment on contract terms and supplier performance.
  • Support all financial management efforts related to material including, budget variances and monthly budget reconciliation processes.
• Documentation and Record Keeping:
  • Maintain accurate and organized contract files, ensuring all relevant documentation is stored securely and is easily accessible.
  • Generate reports and summaries for management review.
  • Prepare and present regular reports on supplier performance, contract status, and other relevant metrics to senior management.
  • Ensure all contract documentation is accurately maintained and filed in accordance with company policies.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Stay abreast of industry trends, regulations, and best practices to continuously improve contract administration processes.
  • Propose and implement enhancements to streamline process workflows and increase efficiency. 

Qualifications

• Required
  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, law, or a related field.  
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Subcontract Administrator, or Buyer, preferably within the aerospace industry.
  • Strong understanding of contract law, procurement processes, and supplier relationship management.
  • Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational and analytical abilities.
  • Familiarity with relevant industry regulations and standards.
  • Proficiency in contract management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ethical and professional conduct, with a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity.
  • To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
• Desired
  • Advanced degree or relevant certifications (i.e. CPSM, CPCM) ASCM (APICS) certification (CPIM, CSCP, CTSC etc.) or American Purchasing Society certification (Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM).
  • Experience with subcontracting with FAR/DFAR requirements
  • Strategic Sourcing and/or Category Management experience
  • Proficiency with Netsuite ERP
  • Lean / Six Sigma training or certification.
  • Security clearance 

Working Conditions: 

• Full-time position, hybrid based in an office setting. 
• Occasional travel to supplier sites and industry conferences may be required. 
• May involve extended hours to meet project deadlines and resolve urgent contractual issues. 

Compensation 

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $97,600 - $129,320.  The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on the education, qualification, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location and calibrated against relevant market data and internal team equity.  Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space.

Benefits/Perks 

In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation: 

• We offer up to 100% paid medical coverage, with robust vision and dental plans, comprehensive flexible spending accounts, and supplemental health plans 
• Equity 
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement planning 
• Generous Parental Leave 
• Flexible Paid Time Off Policy 
• Commuter & Parking Benefits 
• Mental Health Resources 
• Monthly phone stipend 
• Daily provided lunches and stocked kitchens.  
• Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with dog-friendly work environment & them with pet insurance options 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com 

To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/  and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!