Junior Purchaser

ZimB Altenrhein, Zimex HQ

Full-time

Permanent employee

What we are looking for

To strengthen our small Purchasing & Logistics team at our Base Maintenance facility in Altenrhein, we are looking for a Junior Purchaser. In this broad and varied role, you support the efficient supply of aircraft spare parts and components – covering the full purchasing and logistics cycle, from procurement and supplier coordination through to shipping, customs and documentation, as well as occasional sales of aircraft parts.

You work independently within a small, hands-on team, and occasionally support Line Maintenance where required. We are happy to welcome junior candidates and to grow the right person into the role.

Your main tasks

Purchasing & Procurement

Independently manage an assigned area of purchasing in accordance with aviation regulations.
Raise external purchase orders based on demand requests.
Request quotations and negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers.
Evaluate, assess and review suppliers on an ongoing basis.
Check order confirmations, monitor delivery dates and follow up where necessary.
In case of quality defects, arrange the return of material and request rectification from the supplier.
Check invoices and clarify any discrepancies.
Initiate stock orders and manage and reorder consumables (incl. regular min/max checks).

Logistics, Shipping & Customs

Coordinate incoming and outgoing deliveries with freight forwarders.
Handle the complete administration of goods to be shipped, incl. forwarding papers, proof of export, customs documents, proforma invoices and insurance.
Manage import and export administration for aircraft and components sent for repair.
Return exchange and warranty parts to suppliers, in coordination with Stores.

Documentation, Warranty & Sales

Maintain and manage records and files in the maintenance software.
Administer warranty claims with suppliers.
Carry out occasional sales activities – both internal and to external third-party customers.

Your qualifications

Commercial apprenticeship (KV) or an equivalent qualification.
Some purchasing experience is an advantage – ideally from a technical environment; aviation-industry experience is not expected.
Familiarity with our fleet types (e.g. DHC-6, ATR) is a plus, but not required.
Good English is essential, as the majority of business communication is conducted in English.
Good German is mandatory for the communication with local suppliers as well as the day-to-day integration at our Altenrhein site.
Good PC skills (Word / Excel); experience with maintenance or ERP systems is an advantage – relevant systems are covered during onboarding.
A reliable, accurate and independent way of working, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Resilient, with good negotiation skills and the confidence to follow things through.
A team player with a willingness to learn, a hands-on attitude and a practical, solution-oriented mindset.

What we offer

A varied and responsible role with genuine ownership in a small, close-knit team.
Structured onboarding and support to grow into the aviation industry – including training on our systems (Winair, LTB), Zimex procedures and Dangerous Goods (DG) – even without prior aviation experience.
An international working environment in special mission aviation.
A hands-on, on-site role at our maintenance facility in Altenrhein, close to the day-to-day operation.

Über uns

Gegründet im Jahr 1969, steht ZIMEX seit jeher für spezialisierte weltweite Einsätze in abgelegenen Regionen. Mit Sitz in der Schweiz verfügt die ZIMEX Group über ein Schweizer Luftverkehrsbetreiberzeugnis (AOC), einen eigenen Instandhaltungsbetrieb (Maintenance Repair Facility) sowie eine Aviation Training Organisation (ATO). Mit rund 250 Mitarbeitenden betreiben und warten wir eine moderne Flotte von Turboprop-Flugzeugen nach den europäischen EASA-Luftfahrtstandards. Führende Unternehmen der Erdölindustrie, internationale humanitäre Organisationen, Regierungen, UN-Agenturen sowie Expressfracht- und Postkunden vertrauen auf die bewährte Professionalität, das umfassende Luftfahrt-Know-how, die eigene Ersatzteillogistik, die hervorragende Sicherheitsbilanz und die hohe Einsatzzuverlässigkeit von ZIMEX.