Supplier Program Manager

At Loft, we deliver innovative spacecraft platforms and satellite missions on schedule and within budget. The Supplier Program Manager role is central to our success, ensuring we meet commitments across the supplier ecosystem, including major bus or satellite manufacturers, optical payload suppliers, launch providers, and ground station SaaS suppliers. The SPM prepares and executes complex contracts to implement Loft’s strategy in a dynamic, fast‑paced, international environment.

Responsibilities

• Participate in evaluation, negotiation and closure of critical sub‑contracts with Loft's strategic suppliers across the space segment, launch, and ground & data services.
• Manage contract changes (waivers/deviations, addenda, exercised options) and change control throughout the full contract lifecycle.
• Maintain comprehensive and auditable records compliant with company, contractual and export control requirements.
• Review contracts to ensure they reflect applicable technical, quality, and regulatory requirements; flag non‑conformances to Engineering and Legal.
• Monitor and report subcontractor performance against schedule, cost and quality targets; feed results into the team supplier performance framework (≥90% on‑time delivery KPI).
• Identify, assess and mitigate supply chain risks; escalate issues when appropriate to the Director of Strategic Suppliers and relevant program stakeholders.
• Develop strong relationships both internally (Program Execution, Engineering, Legal/Contracts, Finance) and externally (vendors) to facilitate communication and alignment throughout contract execution.
• Maintain a working understanding of the technical baseline and actively assess supplier design maturity throughout development.
• Coordinate deliverables, acceptance milestones and ensure suppliers are integrated into the program Integrated Master Schedule, risk reviews, MRs and milestone gate readiness.
• Support Business Development with supplier inputs for proposals and pricing; contribute to the long‑term Approved Vendor List strategy.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of proven experience in subcontract management in spacecraft, aerospace or complex technical programs.
• Experience with procurement of multi‑million contracts.
• Hands‑on experience with contract lifecycle management: drafting, negotiating, executing SoW, MSA or milestone‑based contracts.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills; able to track multiple active contracts simultaneously.
• Strong negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills – comfortable interfacing with both engineering teams and management.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven, international environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy; comfort with legal and commercial contract language.
• Ability to work autonomously while keeping internal stakeholders informed.
• Fluent in English; speaking French preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain Management or a related field.
• Experience with export control frameworks: ITAR, EAR, French dual‑use regulations (SBDU).
• Experience in the aerospace, space or defense industry.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS regulations and U.S. Government contracting protocols.
• Supply Chain or Project Management certification (ASCM, PMP or equivalent).
• Proficient in ERP systems (NetSuite preferred) and Atlassian products (Jira, Confluence).

Benefits

• Equity, enabling active participation in Loft’s success.
• Up to 35 days of Paid Time Off (vacations & RTT) and flexible working hours.
• Health and life insurance.
• Lunch vouchers.
• Cross‑office travel opportunities between San Francisco, Colorado and Toulouse.
• Company and team off‑sites and other events.
• Relocation assistance to Toulouse when applicable.