Director of Procurement
A global aviation organization is seeking a Director of Procurement for Technical Operations. This role leads sourcing and supplier management across technical and maintenance‑related categories, including aircraft components, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, and other technical support services. The position partners closely with maintenance, engineering, supply chain, finance, and legal teams to ensure cost‑effective, reliable, and compliant supply of critical goods and services required to maintain fleet airworthiness.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement category strategies for aircraft materials, components, MRO services, and technical operations support.
- Build supplier risk assessments and establish selection criteria for sourcing activities.
- Partner with technical leadership to forecast operational needs, manage lifecycle costs, and support fleet reliability.
- Create commercial strategies and risk‑mitigation plans that ensure operational continuity and deliver measurable value.
- Integrate sustainability, ESG principles, and cost‑optimization goals into procurement strategy.
Procurement Execution
- Lead complex negotiations to secure favorable commercial terms, service levels, and long‑term agreements.
- Oversee sourcing and contracting for line maintenance, base maintenance, and component repair programs.
- Ensure supplier compliance with applicable aviation regulatory and internal quality standards, including safety, documentation, and traceability.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define supplier performance metrics (KPIs, SLAs, audits, continuous improvement).
- Use analytics, market intelligence, and benchmarking to identify cost savings and operational improvements.
Team & Stakeholder Management
- Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing procurement team.
- Maintain strong relationships with suppliers throughout the lifecycle of sourcing initiatives.
- Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including maintenance, engineering, supply chain, finance, and legal.
- Present sourcing strategies, savings, and supplier updates to senior leadership.
- Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related technical field (advanced degree preferred).
- 10+ years of procurement or supply chain leadership experience within the aviation or aerospace environment.
- Deep understanding of MRO operations, aircraft systems, and technical procurement processes.
- Proven track record negotiating complex, high‑value agreements with OEMs and service providers.
- Familiarity with aviation regulatory frameworks (e.g., FAA, EASA, IATA) and related quality standards.
- Strong analytical, financial, and project‑management capabilities.
- Experience with enterprise procurement or ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Ariba).
Preferred Experience
- Experience in airline, MRO, or OEM procurement operations.
- Knowledge of component repair programs and PBH (Power‑By‑the‑Hour) contracts.
- Familiarity with digital procurement tools and supplier analytics dashboards.
FAQs
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