Director Supply Chain Management

About the role

The Director of Supply Chain Management is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing and optimizing the end-to-end supply chain operations within the Part 145 MRO Business Unit. Reporting to the SVP MRO Business Unit, the role ensures the supply chain is aligned with the operational demands of Maintenance, Paint, Interiors, and Avionics Departments, meets regulatory standards, and supports the company’s strategic goals related to efficiency, turnaround time (TAT), cost control, customer satisfaction, and FAA Part 145 compliance.

Responsibilities

• Supply Chain Strategy & Leadership
  • Develop and execute the overall supply chain strategy aligned with organizational goals.
  • Lead, mentor, and manage procurement, logistics, and inventory teams to create accountability.
  • Drive continuous improvement and cost optimization across the supply chain.
• Procurement & Supplier Management
  • Oversee sourcing and purchasing of parts, tools, and services for Maintenance, Paint, Interiors, and Avionics operations.
  • Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements with OEMs, PMA suppliers, brokers, and service providers.
  • Evaluate and maintain supplier performance (quality, TAT, cost) via Supplier Score Cards and quarterly business reviews (QBRs).
• Material Planning & Forecasting
  • Ensure accurate forecasting of parts and materials based on scheduled maintenance work, historical data, and customer input.
  • Align inventory levels to meet service demands while minimizing excess and obsolescence.
  • Coordinate with planning and production teams to anticipate material needs.
• Logistics & Shipping
  • Manage inbound and outbound logistics, including customs, freight, and AOG (Aircraft on Ground) support.
  • Ensure timely delivery of parts to meet aircraft maintenance schedules.
  • Optimize logistics partners and transportation routes to reduce lead time and cost.
• Inventory Control & Warehouse Management
  • Oversee warehouse operations, including receiving, storage, issuance, and cycle counting.
  • Ensure compliance with FAA storage and handling requirements for aircraft parts.
  • Monitor inventory accuracy, shelf life, and traceability of components and consumables.
• Regulatory Compliance & Certification
  • Ensure all supply chain activities comply with Part 145 regulations, FAA requirements, and internal quality standards.
  • Maintain traceability and documentation for all aircraft parts (e.g., Form 1, 8130, CoC).
  • Lead or support audits by regulatory bodies and customers.
• Cost Management & Budgeting
  • Develop and manage the supply chain budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.
  • Implement cost-saving initiatives, supplier managed inventory, and surplus inventory sales.
  • Analyze spend trends and identify savings opportunities without compromising quality or compliance.
• Performance Monitoring & Reporting
  • Define and track supply chain KPIs such as inventory turnover, on-time delivery, procurement cycle time, and supplier performance.
  • Provide regular performance reports to executive leadership and recommend improvements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with Planning, Quality, Project Management, and Maintenance, Paint, Interiors, and Avionics teams.
  • Support customer requirements for part provisioning and respond to escalations related to material delays.
• Sustainability & Risk Management
  • Mitigate supply chain risks related to part shortages, geopolitical issues, and regulatory changes.
  • Promote sustainability initiatives such as reducing waste, energy-efficient logistics, and responsible sourcing.

Skills

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and build high-performing departments.
• Coaching, mentoring, and succession planning for procurement, logistics, and inventory staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with internal departments, executive leadership, and external partners.
• Capable of managing conflict and aligning teams with strategic objectives.
• Calm and decisive under pressure, particularly during AOG events or material shortages.
• Experienced in rapid decision-making and mobilizing resources for operational recovery.
• Skilled in driving process improvement, lean practices, and cultural change in an MRO environment.
• High sense of urgency and ownership over outcomes.
• Excellent organization, communication, and leadership skills.
• Strong ethical standards, particularly in supplier relations and compliance.

Competencies

• Deep understanding of aviation-specific parts sourcing, logistics, and compliance (Part 145, FAA regulations).
• Familiarity with airworthiness documentation (FAA 8130, PMA vs OEM parts).
• Skilled in negotiating long-term agreements and managing supplier performance.
• Understanding of contractual risk, warranties, service level agreements (SLAs), and incoterms.
• Competent in inventory planning, control, and optimization techniques.
• Experience managing rotable, expendable, and consumable stock efficiently.
• Proficiency in MRO production and procurement management tools (Corridor, Coupa).
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills using ERP/MIS tools.
• Strong understanding of aviation regulatory requirements for materials handling, storage, and traceability.
• Ability to lead or support audits from FAA or customer QA teams.
• Ability to define and execute a supply chain strategy aligned with company goals (cost, quality, delivery).
• Skilled in long-term supplier development and capacity planning.

Work environment

Work is primarily performed in an office environment with occasional exposure to hangar conditions. This role requires working in a fast-paced aviation environment and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Flexibility in schedule may be necessary based on project demands.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to see and hear clearly.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and speak English clearly.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to climb, twist, bend, crouch, stoop, kneel, and crawl.
• Ability to regularly lift/move up to 50 pounds.

Travel

Some travel required, less than 10%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Aviation Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 8+ years of experience in supply chain management, procurement, or inventory management.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to manage multiple projects/priorities simultaneously.
• Experience working in an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) environment preferred.
• Proficiency in procurement systems, project management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to supplier and inventory management.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations and industry best practices is a plus.
• Must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States and provide two forms of Federal Identification.
• Must successfully complete a comprehensive background check prior to employment.
• This position is classified as a Safety-Sensitive role under FAA regulations and is subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with FAA guidelines.