Overview

Job Summary

Responsible for leading strategic sourcing and supplier management activities across Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) and machining-related categories. This role plays a critical part in supporting aircraft maintenance and production operations by ensuring reliable, cost-effective supply of components, repairs, and precision-machined parts.

The Category Manager will develop sourcing strategies, lead supplier quoting and negotiations, and drive make vs. buy decisions while building strong supplier partnerships. This position operates as an individual contributor, influencing cross-functional stakeholders and delivering measurable cost savings, supply continuity, and operational performance.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:  

Category Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for MRO services machining suppliers to support production, reliability and operational performance
• Lead make vs. buy evaluations for manufactured parts in partnership with Engineering and Maintenance
• Execute competitive sourcing events (RFQs/RFPs) for components, and machined parts
• Align sourcing strategies with operational priorities including AOG support, lead time reduction, and supply continuity
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for MRO services machining suppliers to support production, reliability and operational performance

Supplier Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with strategic MRO and machining suppliers to ensure capacity, responsiveness, and quality performance
• Lead commercial negotiations including pricing, turnaround times (TAT), and service agreements 
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and drive improvements across delivery, quality, and cost
• Partner with suppliers and engineering on repair capability expansion, process improvements, and capacity planning

Quoting & Commercial Execution

• Lead supplier quoting activities for operational needs, customer projects and machining work scopes ensuring competitive pricing and technical compliance
• Analyze supplier quotes using historical data, cost models, and market benchmarks
• Develop and execute contracts, LTAs, and service agreements that balance cost, service levels, and risk
• Partner with Maintenance and Engineering teams to validate scope and specifications methodologies

Cost Management & Value Creation

• Drive cost savings and cost avoidance initiatives through sourcing strategies, negotiations, and supplier consolidation
• Utilize should-cost modeling, benchmarking, and total cost of ownership (TCO) to validate pricing and identify opportunities
• Identify opportunities to reduce repair costs, improve turnaround times, and optimize inventory strategies
• Deliver measurable financial results, including PPV improvements and budget alignment

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with Maintenance teams to support aircraft availability and operational priorities, including AOG situations
• Collaborate with Engineering. Production, and Planning on alternate sourcing, and design-for-manufacturability (DFM) opportunities
• Serve as the primary sourcing lead for assigned categories, influencing decisions and direction in supply chain
• Communicate sourcing strategies, supplier risks, and cost-saving initiatives to leadership and stakeholders

Risk Management & Supply Continuity

• Identify and mitigate risks related to supplier capacity, single-source dependencies, and long lead times 
• Develop contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply for critical components and repairs
• Ensure suppliers meet quality, regulatory, and operational requirements
• Partner with Quality to manage supplier Non-Conformances (NCRs), ensure robust root cause and corrective actions, and drive sustained compliance with FAA regulations and AS9100 quality system requirements

Process Improvement & Analytics

• Improve sourcing and supplier management processes to increase speed, transparency, and efficiency 
• Leverage ERP/MRP systems and data analysis to support sourcing decisions and track performance 1
• Analyze spend and supplier performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities
• Other duties as assigned

Additional Job Requirements

• Regular scheduled attendance
• Indicate the percentage of time spent traveling: 25%
• Willingness to travel as needed to support suppliers and maintenance operations

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities but may provide guidance and support to buyers and cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree (BS/BA) from four-year college or university and seven or more years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience  
• 7 years of Strategic Sourcing/Procurement experience, Performance Measurement, Contract Negotiation, Project Management, Category Management, Business Analysis, Change Management experience
• Experience supporting MRO, aviation, manufacturing, or machining environments preferred
• Experience in aviation MRO and/or aircraft components supply chains preferred
• Familiarity with machining processes and technical sourcing preferred
• Experience working in regulated environments (FAA, AS9100, or similar) preferred

Skills  

• Ability to support a fast-paced, operational environment with shifting priorities
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills 
• Demonstrated ability to lead make vs. buy decisions and supplier sourcing strategies
• Experience with supplier quoting, repair sourcing, or machining procurement
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, including cost modeling and TCO analysis 
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams in an operational environment 
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills

Computer Skills

• Advanced in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and data analysis tools

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• NA

 

Minimum payUSD $94,132.50/Yr. Maximum PayUSD $117,666.15/Yr.