Category Buyer

Airbus is looking for a Category Buyer to join the Procurement Team in Mobile, AL. This role focuses on setting up procurement activities for Facilities Management and Real Estate/Building Construction, securing supplier contracts, and ensuring optimal purchasing conditions for the company.

About the team

The Procurement team acquires indirect goods and services for Airbus commercial aircraft and helicopters, driving value and competitiveness. Team members ensure on-time, high-quality delivery of equipment and systems, leveraging expertise in Industrial, Operations & Quality Management, and strong relationship-building skills to proactively address supply chain challenges.

Working environment

Located near the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility on ‘Airbus Way,’ this role supports operations at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley. The facility, opened in 2015, produces A320 Family aircraft and added a second line for the A220 in 2019, strengthening the U.S. aerospace industry and enhancing Airbus’ global competitiveness.

Responsibilities

• Drive compliance with Airbus General Procurement and related processes through clear communication with internal customers.
• Lead Sourcing Projects (Call for Tenders) and Commodity Multi Divisional Teams (MDT) in the RFP/RFI process for assigned commodities, with project values typically around $1,000,000 (some exceeding this amount).
• Develop procurement plans and identify savings opportunities within assigned commodities to meet Airbus Americas’ savings program targets.
• Escalate blockages to the Director of General Procurement or Regional Director as needed.
• Manage relationships with internal business partners across multiple Airbus divisions to achieve customer satisfaction targets.
• Oversee all Operational and Regional Sourcing activities for an assigned commodity.
• Report savings to the Shared Services organization using standard mechanisms.
• Manage supplier performance, addressing issues as needed.

Expertise in procurement tools (e.g., SAP, Ariba, Coupa, Oracle) is preferred.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business.
• 7+ years of relevant experience.
• PMP certification or deep procurement process knowledge.
• Experience in contract negotiations and management.
• Facilities management services knowledge to effectively contract work.
• Strong teamwork and customer-first mindset.

Physical requirements

• Vision: Daily ability to read computer screens, documents, reports, and engineering drawings.
• Hearing: Daily ability to participate in conversations (in-person, teleconference, or phone) and hear production floor sounds, including safety warnings.
• Speaking: Daily ability to communicate in meetings and deliver information.
• Equipment Operation: Daily use of computers, phones, copiers, fax machines, and electronic access cards; occasional use of production tools like hydraulic lifts.
• Carrying/Lifting: Rarely carry or lift documents, tools, or equipment up to 30 lbs/14 kg.
• Pushing/Pulling: Rarely push or pull small office furniture, equipment, or tools.
• Sitting: Daily ability to sit for extended periods during meetings or computer work.
• Squatting/Kneeling: Rarely squat or kneel to retrieve items from low shelving.
• Standing: Daily ability to stand for discussions in offices or on the production floor.
• Walking: Daily ability to walk through office and production areas, including uneven surfaces.

Appropriate hearing/eye protection may be required when visiting the shop floor.

Benefits

• Financial Rewards: Competitive base salary, incentive compensation (including profit-sharing), retirement savings plan, and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Work/Life Balance: Paid time off (including personal time, holidays, and a generous paid parental leave program).
• Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage (medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, disability), Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and supplemental benefits.
• Individual Development: Access to Airbus’ global Leadership University, 10,000+ e-learning courses, certifications, career path development, accelerated programs, and national/international mobility opportunities.

Airbus supports flexible working arrangements to foster innovation and collaboration.