Strategic Project Buyer (m/f/d)

Your mission:
The future of AI computing is light, not electrons. Q.ANT is building photonic processing systems that compute with light – delivering a scalable, energy-efficient alternative to transistor-based architectures for next-generation AI and HPC applications.
 
As Strategic Project Buyer (m/f/d), you are the catalyst transforming procurement from a transactional function into a high-impact strategic engine. You will sit at the intersection of breakthrough R&D and industrial scalability, ensuring ourtechnological leadership is backed by a resilient, future-proof supply chain. By proactively engaging with engineering teams and global suppliers, you will secure the innovation and cost-optimization necessary to translate Q.ANT’s photonic visioninto market-ready reality.

Your Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing Architecture: Analyze needs and develop sophisticated sourcing strategies aligned with business goals and long-term category planning.

• Supply Chain Resilience: Drive proactive risk management through second-source strategies, frame agreements, and supplier stewardship to secure critical goods and services.

• Innovation & NPI Integration: Ensure seamless new product introductions (NPI) by bridging engineering requirements and supplier capabilities within the Product Development Process.

• Lateral Leadership: Operate as the connective tissue across R&D, Finance, Project Management, Production, and Quality – coordinating complex interfaces without formal authority and driving cross-functional alignment.

• High-Stakes Negotiation: Design and execute advanced negotiation strategies with full authority to secure optimal terms with global partners.

• Strategic Market Intelligence: Build and apply deep market insights into semiconductor and electronics supply markets to anticipate bottlenecks, identify opportunities, and inform make-or-buy decisions.

Your profile:
• Educational Foundation: Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or a comparable field.

• Industry Expertise: Minimum 5 years in procurement functions; experience in high-tech, semiconductor, computing, or advanced manufacturing is a strong advantage.

• Ownership Mindset: High degree of accountability with a focus on proactive risk management and solution-finding.

• Technical Literacy: Working knowledge of optics, semiconductors, and electronics to translate requirements into commercial action.

• Collaborative Drive: Proven track record of building trust across functions and with external partners. You lead through influence, not hierarchy.

• Analytical Toolset: Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office to manage complex procurement data and workflows.

• Language: Fluent English required; German or another European language is a strong advantage.

Why us?:
• We hire for attitude and train for skills.

• We encourage self responsibility and accelerate professional development.

• We move fast and encourage experimentation.

• You have the opportunity to be part of developing breakthrough photonic computing technology and have a lasting impact on the future of computing.

• You can be part of a passionate international, highly skilled cross functional team.

• You will have access to the founders of the company.