Category Manager, Aircraft

Category Manager, Aircraft & Engineering

• Report To

Senior Manager, Client Services Procurement (EMD) & Aircraft Engineering Category

• Position Summary

To strategically lead and optimize the procurement of engineering-related goods and services. This role is crucial for ensuring value creation, supplier performance, and alignment with the airline's Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations, supporting fleet reliability and regulatory compliance.

• Key Accountability
• Lead long-term category-specific sourcing strategies for engineering (e.g., components, spare parts, repair services, maintenance tools).
• Conduct market analysis to identify cost-savings opportunities, emerging trends and supplier innovations.
• Drive continuously improve procurement processes through data analysis, best practices, and stakeholder feedback.
• Oversee strategic supplier relationships to ensure compliance with performance and quality standards.
• Lead negotiations, contract development, and establishment of long-term agreements with suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and regular evaluations, addressing any performance gaps proactively.
• Drive cost savings and value engineering initiatives, leveraging market analysis and procurement best practices.
• Analyze total cost of ownership and integrate insights into sourcing and procurement decisions.
• Optimize procurement strategies to enhance value creation and minimize risks.
• Act as a key partner to business leaders Engineering & maintenance, Finance, and Logistics, to align procurement strategies with operational needs.
• Represent Procurement and operational teams in vendor selection, onboarding new vendors and parts.
• Lead governance of regulatory requirements (e.g., EASA, FAA) and internal policies.
• Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain risks, including supplier disruptions and non-compliance issues.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Asset Management) for periodic supplier evaluations based on key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Lead formal performance reviews and address any deviations from service-level agreements (SLAs) with suppliers.
• Qualification & Working Experience
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or supply chain management.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, or equivalent would be advantageous.
• Minimum 7 years of working experience, preferably 5 years in supply chain management (procurement) with at least 3 years in a managerial role
• Areas of Experience
• Comprehensive understanding of end-to-end procurement processes, including 7-steps sourcing process and supplier lifecycle management.
• Proficiency in SAP, Ariba, and advanced Microsoft Office skills.
• Personality Traits
• Excellent negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated capability in change management, process improvement, and strategic planning.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.