Procurement Controller

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Aircraft Spares Buyer to join our dynamic team. In this critical role, you will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:

• Strategic Procurement: Effectively manage the purchasing process for aircraft spares, Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE), tools, consumables, and modification/retrofit materials required by Engineering to maintain our desired dispatch reliability standards.

• Timely Delivery & Cost Control: Ensure the timely sourcing, purchasing, and borrowing of assigned parts while adhering to budget constraints. Develop strategic sourcing methodologies to optimize costs for each type of equipment.

• Supply Chain Management: Implement and monitor supply chain management objectives to track and control key performance indicators (KPIs) such as overdue orders, backlogs, vendor performance, and more. Identify and address any adverse trends to maintain optimal performance and delivery.

• Vendor Management: Oversee and support price and lead time reviews in collaboration with Contracts Management. Challenge vendors on any pricing or lead time discrepancies that deviate from contractual agreements. Act as the point of escalation for vendor issues.

• Invoice & Discrepancy Resolution: Ensure the timely clearance of invoices and resolve any discrepancies with stores to avoid backlogs, quarantine stock buildup, and credit holds. Work with vendors to establish preventative measures to minimize future quality-related issues.

• Spend Analysis & Optimization: Monitor materials spending and perform detailed reviews of contracted vs. non-contracted materials. Identify and highlight unfavorable trends to management and recommend appropriate corrective actions.

• Data Analysis & System Optimization: Analyze supply chain data and provide recommendations for implementing new systems, processes, and procedures to optimize KPIs and cost-efficiency. Participate in the selection and implementation of purchasing system enhancements to ensure they meet our needs and are utilized effectively.

• BFE & Retrofit Management: Oversee the ordering process for BFE for new aircraft deliveries and major retrofits, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations. Obtain necessary budget approvals for orders exceeding allocated limits. Track BFE/retrofit deliveries and generate progress reports for management.

• Team Leadership & Development: Provide effective leadership and manage staff workload within the section. Utilize performance management tools to recognize high performers and develop strategies to improve the performance of lower performers. Continuously assess section workload and recommend resource or process optimization strategies to management.

• Stakeholder & Vendor Relations: Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and vendors. Act as the first point of escalation to ensure timely resolution of any outstanding disputes.

The Ideal Candidate

• 5+ years of experience in Engineering/Planning.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification (A-levels with additional relevant experience may be considered).

• Prior experience in Supply Chain Management (ideally within the aviation industry) is preferred, with experience in areas such as warehouse and logistics, repair management, material planning/support & inventory control, and technical purchasing.

• Aircraft maintenance spares purchasing experience is a plus.

• Experience working for an airline or MRO (Maintenance Repair Organization) is highly regarded.

• At least 3 years of demonstrated experience in a leadership/supervisory role.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of inventory systems, forecasting models, materials management, and purchasing principles.

• Familiarity with all relevant repair, warranty, stores, inventory, technical production, and quality interfaces.

• Working knowledge of aircraft systems, including maintenance philosophies, practices, policies, and procedures.

• Preferred knowledge of contractual terms associated with Boeing's Product Support and Assurance Agreements (PSAA) and Airbus' Supplier Support Conditions (SSC).