Application Guide
How to Apply for Category Manager
at Vertical Aerospace
🏢 About Vertical Aerospace
Vertical Aerospace is revolutionizing personal air travel by developing on-demand, carbon-free electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Unlike traditional aerospace companies, they're pioneering sustainable urban air mobility with a mission-driven approach to decarbonize aviation. Working here means contributing to cutting-edge technology that could transform how people commute while addressing climate change.
About This Role
As a Category Manager at Vertical Aerospace, you'll lead procurement strategy for critical aircraft components (Airframe, Propellers, Powertrain & Energy Storage, or Mechanical Systems) for their Valo eVTOL program. This role involves sourcing suppliers who align with VA's sustainability vision, negotiating high-value contracts, and managing supplier relationships to ensure quality, cost-efficiency, and on-time delivery in a regulated aerospace environment.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves analyzing market data for eVTOL components, drafting RFPs for potential suppliers in categories like powertrain systems, and negotiating contract terms via virtual meetings with global partners. You might also review supplier performance metrics, collaborate with engineering teams on technical specifications, and strategize risk mitigation plans to ensure timely delivery for the Valo program's development milestones.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Vertical Aerospace Is Looking For
- Has procurement experience in regulated industries like aerospace, automotive, or energy, with proven success negotiating complex, long-term contracts with global suppliers.
- Possesses a degree in business or CIPS qualification, combined with commercial acumen to evaluate suppliers on cost, quality, and reliability for eVTOL components.
- Demonstrates strategic thinking by leveraging market insights and understanding both VA's business priorities and supplier capabilities in sustainable aviation.
- Thrives in fast-paced, diverse teams with global exposure, showing adaptability to different cultures and challenges in a mission-driven startup environment.
📝 Tips for Applying to Vertical Aerospace
Tailor your resume to highlight specific procurement experience with aerospace components (e.g., airframes, propulsion systems) or in other regulated industries, quantifying contract values or supplier performance improvements.
Research Vertical Aerospace's Valo program and eVTOL technology to discuss how your procurement strategy could support their carbon-free vision in your cover letter.
Emphasize experience with RFI/RFP processes and supplier relationship management in global contexts, noting any work with innovative or sustainability-focused suppliers.
Prepare examples of negotiating high-value contracts in complex industries, focusing on risk mitigation and quality assurance for long-term partnerships.
Showcase your understanding of aerospace regulations or similar standards (e.g., ISO, FAA) in procurement, as this role requires navigating a regulated environment.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain why you're passionate about Vertical Aerospace's mission to decarbonize aviation and how your procurement experience aligns with sourcing sustainable suppliers for eVTOL components.", 'Detail your experience in regulated industry procurement, highlighting specific achievements in contract negotiation, supplier selection, or risk management for complex projects.', "Describe how you've built strategic supplier partnerships in global businesses, emphasizing skills in performance management and driving innovation with key partners.", "Mention your ability to contribute to VA's in-house expertise in one of the four category areas (e.g., Powertrain & Energy Storage), based on your background and interests."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Study Vertical Aerospace's Valo eVTOL aircraft specifications and their progress in certification/testing to understand the technical procurement needs.
- → Research the competitive landscape for eVTOL components (e.g., battery technology, lightweight materials) to discuss market insights during interviews.
- → Learn about aerospace regulations (e.g., EASA/FAA standards) and sustainability initiatives in aviation to show alignment with VA's regulated, eco-friendly focus.
- → Explore VA's partnerships and supply chain announcements to identify potential suppliers or procurement challenges they've highlighted publicly.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without tailoring it to eVTOL or sustainable aviation procurement—avoid focusing solely on unrelated industries like retail or non-regulated sectors.
- Overemphasizing cost-cutting without discussing quality, reliability, or sustainability in supplier selection, which contradicts VA's mission-driven approach.
- Failing to demonstrate experience with RFI/RFP processes or global supplier management, as these are core to the role's responsibilities in a diverse team.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Vertical Aerospace!