Purchasing Manager

About the role

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading the overall procurement strategy and purchasing function in support of company operational, financial, and growth objectives. This role provides strategic direction for sourcing aviation gas turbine materials, supplies, and equipment while driving supplier performance, cost optimization, risk management, and supply chain efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with organizational goals, operational requirements, and financial targets.
• Lead the overall procurement function, driving continuous improvement, operational excellence, and process standardization.
• Partner with executive leadership to establish sourcing priorities, procurement objectives, and long-term procurement initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate procurement risks through strategic sourcing, supplier diversification, and contingency planning.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align procurement activities with operational and financial objectives.
• Establish strategic supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply, quality, service, and cost competitiveness.
• Lead supplier negotiations and contract management activities to secure favorable commercial terms and long-term value.
• Monitor supplier performance through key performance indicators (KPIs), supplier scorecards, audits, and business reviews where applicable.
• Manage purchasing budgets, forecasts, and spending controls while identifying opportunities for cost reduction and margin improvement.
• Analyze market trends, pricing conditions, and demand forecasts to support strategic purchasing decisions.
• Collaborate with operations, inventory control, warehouse, sales, repair development, and finance teams to balance inventory investments and customer demand.
• Lead, mentor, and develop purchasing personnel, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish departmental goals and performance expectations while conducting regular performance reviews and development planning.
• Allocate resources, set priorities, and ensure effective execution of purchasing activities across the organization.
• Build organizational capability through training, succession planning, and talent development initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Implement procurement best practices, procedures, and controls to improve efficiency, accuracy, and governance.
• Support internal and external audits related to purchasing and supplier management activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing, MRO, aerospace, or aviation environment.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience managing purchasing or supply chain teams.
• Aviation gas turbine experience within an MRO, airline, leasing company, OEM, or aftermarket environment.
• Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract management, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasting, and procurement performance metrics.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Quantum Control, Component Control, SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems.
• Experience purchasing aviation Used Serviceable Material (USM).
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPIM, CSCP, CPM, or equivalent.
• Experience leading procurement transformation, strategic sourcing, or supply chain optimization initiatives.
• Strong understanding of aviation regulatory and quality compliance requirements.
• Leverage Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement experience.
• Proven ability to develop long-term supply strategies in support of growth and profitability objectives.