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 a 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 our technological 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 vision into 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.