Procurement Manager

JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY:The Manager – Operational Procurement is accountable for leading and optimizing the end-to-end procurement lifecycle of engine parts and materials to support Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations. This includes overseeing the sourcing and timely availability of Used Serviceable Materials (USM) and new parts, managing supplier relationships, ensuring full regulatory compliance, and driving strategic procurement initiatives.This role provides managerial oversight to the Operational Procurement team (Supervisor, Senior Buyer, and/or Buyer) and collaborates cross-functionally with Planning, Material Fulfillment, Quality, Technical Services, and Customer Account teams to meet engine induction and build schedules. The Manager plays a pivotal role in aligning procurement performance with MRO turnaround commitments, cost control, and material availability goals.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES1. Strategic Procurement Leadership •Lead and manage the overall operational procurement strategy in alignment with Gate 2 objectives.•Develop sourcing strategies for USM and new materials that balance quality, cost, lead time, and regulatory compliance.•Ensure the procurement plan supports engine build schedules and customer SLAs.2. Team Management and Development •Supervise and mentor the Supervisor – Operational Procurement, Senior Buyers, and Buyers.•Set clear KPIs and performance goals, conduct regular performance reviews, and provide coaching and development.•Foster a culture of accountability, efficiency, and compliance within the team.3. Procurement Execution Oversight•Oversee the full procurement lifecycle including PR to PO processing, PO approval, supplier follow-up, delivery monitoring, and internal coordination.•Escalate and resolve supply chain risks, supplier delays, and quality issues affecting engine build readiness.4. Supplier and Vendor Relationship Management•Maintain strong relationships with approved suppliers.•Lead supplier evaluations and coordinate with the Strategic Procurement team for vendor development and risk mitigation.•Negotiate key contracts to secure cost-effective and quality-driven supply chains.5. Engine Material Readiness Monitoring•Ensure engine-specific dashboards and trackers are accurately maintained by the team.•Review material readiness against build plans and proactively address shortages and potential delays.6. Compliance, Traceability & Documentation•Ensure all procured materials meet airworthiness and traceability requirements per EASA and FAA regulations.•Monitor and enforce compliance with company procurement SOPs, DOA, and regulatory standards.7. Stakeholder and Cross-Functional Coordination •Collaborate closely with Material Fulfillment, Planning, Technical Services, Quality, and Customer Account teams to align procurement with operational workflows and customer demands.•Serve as the single point of contact for escalations related to Gate 2 procurement.8. Procurement Systems and Continuous Improvement •Lead procurement system utilization (e.g., Oracle cMRO) and champion digital tools to improve efficiency and data accuracy.•Initiate process improvement projects and participate in cross-functional Kaizen or Lean initiatives.9. Strategic Initiatives and Reporting Support the Head of Supply Chain or Gate 2 with strategic assignments, cost-saving initiatives, audit preparations, and reporting to senior management.QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIESMinimum Qualifications:(Education/Certification/Licensure/Professional Membership)•Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Procurement, Engineering, or related discipline.•Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MBA or MSc in SCM) are preferred.•Professional certifications such as CIPS, CSCP, or APICS required or preferred.•EASA/FAA regulatory compliance training or certification required.Minimum Experience:•10 years of progressive experience in procurement, including at least 5 years in aviation MRO focused on engine material sourcing.•Minimum 3 years of managerial or team leadership experience, with proven ability to lead multi-level procurement teams.•Demonstrated success in vendor negotiation, material planning alignment, and procurement performance reporting.Job Specific Competencies:1.Aviation Procurement Expertise: Advanced knowledge of aviation procurement processes, including sourcing of Used Serviceable Material (USM) and new engine parts. Ability to lead strategic procurement planning and execution to support engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) cycles.2.Regulatory Compliance & Documentation: In-depth understanding of airworthiness and traceability standards required by European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Ensures procurement compliance and documentation accuracy across all transactions.3.Leadership & People Management: Demonstrated capability to manage multi-layered procurement teams, including supervisors and buyers. Strong skills in performance management, delegation, coaching, and fostering a high-performance culture.4.Supplier Relationship & Negotiation: Expertise in supplier evaluation, development, and negotiation. Proven ability to manage complex vendor relationships to achieve cost savings, quality assurance, and timely delivery targets.5.Procurement Planning & Execution: Ability to oversee end-to-end procurement processes with alignment to engine build schedules and turnaround time requirements. Ensures timely material readiness and resolution of sourcing challenges.6.Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination: Strong coordination and communication skills to align procurement activities with Planning, Fulfillment, Quality, Technical Services, and Customer Account Management teams.7.Analytical & Reporting Skills: Proficient in data analysis and dashboard reporting for procurement KPIs, supplier performance tracking, material availability, and engine-specific procurement status.8.ERP System Proficiency: Advanced working knowledge of Oracle Complex Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (cMRO) or similar ERP platforms used in aviation supply chain management.9.Process Optimization & SOP Development: Experience in developing and refining procurement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), implementing improvements, and supporting audits and compliance reviews.10.Decision Making & Multitasking: Strong decision-making capabilities under pressure, with ability to handle multiple priorities, respond to operational challenges, and ensure continuity in procurement support.