Job Description

The Specialist – Gate 2 within the Aviation & Aero Engine MRO division plays a pivotal role in Operational Purchasing by collaborating with various departments to understand high-value demands and execute informed procurement decisions. Reporting to the Manager – Gate 2, this full-time, overhead position involves sourcing, supplier negotiations, purchase order processing, and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services. Additionally, the role includes vendor performance management to meet stringent quality and operational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Sourcing Strategy & Market Analysis (30%): Understand requestors' needs and develop sourcing strategies that comply with quality requirements and optimize profit margins, including managing RFPs for indirect materials or services exceeding 500k AED.
• Purchase Requisition & Order Processing (25%): Process requisitions and purchase orders, track approvals, and coordinate manufacturing and shipment logistics to ensure timely delivery.
• Stakeholder Communication & Reporting (10%): Provide regular updates to management and requestors on requisition and order status through meetings and reports.
• Supplier Relationship Management & Negotiation (10%): Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships and negotiate favorable pricing and terms.
• Quality Control & Issue Resolution (10%): Assess stock quality, escalate discrepancies promptly to suppliers and management.
• Vendor Research & Documentation (10%): Conduct vendor research, maintain documentation, ensure quality approvals, and monitor vendor performance.
• Other Duties (5%): Perform additional tasks as required to support operational purchasing functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Purchasing/Procurement, or related discipline.
• Professional certification preferred from CIPS, APICS, or CSCP.
• Mandatory certification or formal training in aviation regulatory compliance from EASA and FAA.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in strategic or operational purchasing, preferably within the aviation sector.
• Supervisory experience is preferred but not required; proven ability to lead projects or cross-functional collaborations in SCM or Procurement is advantageous.

Skills

• Strategic Sourcing & Market Analysis: Advanced ability to analyze market trends and develop effective sourcing strategies aligned with procurement policies.
• Procurement & Supply Chain Management: Expertise in managing procurement processes from requisition to delivery while optimizing logistics efficiency.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Strong communication skills to collaborate with internal teams and suppliers, provide updates, and resolve procurement concerns.
• Supplier Relationship Management & Negotiation: Proficient in building partnerships and negotiating favorable terms to ensure competitive supply chains.
• Quality Assurance & Issue Resolution: Skilled in assessing product quality, identifying discrepancies, and implementing corrective actions.
• Research & Data Management: Competent in conducting vendor research, managing documentation, and monitoring vendor performance.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Advanced critical thinking to handle procurement challenges and make strategic purchasing decisions.
• Attention to Detail & Compliance: Meticulous in ensuring adherence to procurement policies, regulations, and maintaining audit-ready records.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Purchasing/Procurement, or a related field is required. Additional professional certifications from recognized bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), Association for Supply Chain Management (APICS), or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) are preferred. Formal aviation regulatory compliance training or certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is mandatory to meet industry standards.