Job Description

The Team Leader – Gate 2 (Operational Purchasing) plays a critical role within the Aviation & Aero Engine MRO division, overseeing operational purchasing activities to ensure timely, compliant, and cost-effective sourcing of materials, components, equipment, and services. Reporting to the Head or Manager of Gate 2, this position manages complex, high-value procurement requirements and leads supplier negotiations while coordinating closely with cross-functional stakeholders such as Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain. The role may involve direct supervision of Specialists and Buyers, or provide functional leadership and mentoring, depending on the organizational structure. Key responsibilities include managing purchase orders, resolving supply chain issues, supporting continuous improvement, and ensuring adherence to aviation regulatory and quality standards, thus contributing to operational delivery and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Operational Purchasing Leadership and Coordination: Lead daily purchasing activities, prioritize requisitions, allocate workload, provide guidance, and act as escalation point for supplier or order issues.
• Strategic Sourcing and Market Analysis: Develop sourcing strategies for complex materials and services, conduct market and supplier analysis, and drive commercial optimization initiatives.
• Purchase Requisition and Delivery Management: Oversee purchase requisitions and orders through to delivery, monitor supplier performance, coordinate logistics, and resolve delivery challenges.
• Supplier Relationship and Negotiation: Establish and maintain relationships with key suppliers, lead commercial negotiations, manage disputes, and ensure supplier performance aligns with contractual terms.
• Stakeholder Management and Reporting: Serve as liaison with internal teams, provide operational updates, prepare management reports, and escalate critical supply issues timely.
• Quality, Compliance, and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with procurement policies, aviation regulations, and quality standards; manage supplier quality concerns and support audits.
• Team Leadership and Capability Development: Coach and mentor purchasing personnel, manage team performance where applicable, and foster a collaborative and ethical work environment.
• Continuous Improvement and Systems Enhancement: Identify process improvements, support system upgrades, monitor key performance indicators, and participate in cross-functional projects.
• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned to support operational priorities and business continuity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, Aviation Management, Logistics, or related field.
• Professional certification from recognized bodies such as Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), Association for Supply Chain Management, or equivalent is preferred.
• Formal training or working knowledge of aviation regulatory, airworthiness, quality, and material traceability requirements is required; familiarity with EASA, FAA, or other civil aviation regulations is advantageous.
• Minimum 7 years progressive experience in operational purchasing, strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management.
• At least 3 years’ experience in aviation, aerospace, engine MRO, aircraft MRO, manufacturing, or a similarly regulated technical environment preferred.
• Proven experience managing complex, high-value, and time-sensitive purchasing requirements, including supplier negotiation and performance management.
• Experience leading projects, mentoring personnel, and providing functional leadership; supervisory experience preferred but not mandatory.
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP), procurement, or material management systems.

Skills

• Operational Purchasing Leadership (Advanced): Ability to manage and prioritize multiple purchasing activities in a fast-paced MRO environment.
• Strategic Sourcing and Market Analysis (Advanced): Expertise in developing sourcing strategies based on market and supplier conditions.
• Procurement and Supply Chain Management (Advanced): Comprehensive knowledge of end-to-end procurement processes including expediting and logistics coordination.
• Supplier Relationship and Performance Management (Advanced): Skilled in building productive supplier partnerships and managing performance and recovery plans.
• Commercial Negotiation and Cost Management (Advanced): Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions.
• Aviation Quality and Regulatory Compliance (Advanced): Deep understanding of aviation-specific regulatory and quality standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication (Advanced): Effective communicator capable of managing expectations and facilitating decisions.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making (Advanced): Ability to analyze complex challenges and implement practical solutions balancing cost, risk, and quality.
• Data Analysis and Reporting (Advanced): Proficient in interpreting purchasing data and preparing management reports.
• Coaching and Knowledge Transfer (Intermediate to Advanced): Ability to mentor and develop junior personnel.
• Planning, Prioritization, and Execution (Advanced): Skilled at managing competing priorities and meeting operational deadlines.
• Continuous Improvement and Process Optimization (Advanced): Experience in identifying and implementing process and system enhancements.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, Aviation Management, Logistics, or a related discipline is required.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or CIPS qualification are preferred.
• Formal training in aviation regulations, quality standards, and procurement policies is essential.
• Leadership, supervisory, coaching, or contract management training is advantageous.