DescriptionKey Responsibilities:The Global Procurement organization at United Airlines is responsible for procuring goods and services and developing/managing relationships with third-party providers with the objective of reducing total cost and risk to the company while improving levels of quality, service, and technology.
The Sr. Strategic Sourcing Manager will spearhead procurement initiatives within the airframe maintenance category, executing third-party maintenance strategies to support our long-term fleet roadmap. This critical role drives the acquisition of cost-effective, high-quality MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) services that align with key strategic initiatives regarding fleet configuration and schedule reliability, while optimizing supplier performance to maximize aircraft utilization.
- Collaborate with leaders across the company on current state and future needs
- Proactively engage, consult and influence stakeholders and leadership on sourcing strategy
- Develop and maintain adequate knowledge in the assigned spend categories through relationships with department leaders, suppliers, and market experts
- Manage business relationships with key internal stakeholders and external suppliers including routine enhancements to agreements, communication of demand/volume changes, updating contracts and sharing end-user feedback
- Conduct requests for complex proposals (RFPs) to competitively source products and services, including gathering requirements, identifying vendors, proposal evaluation and scoring, stakeholder engagement and TCO analysis
- Negotiate commercials and contractual terms to drive savings and reduce overall risks while ensuring stakeholders' needs are met
- Redline and negotiate contracts by collaborating with United's legal department, Global Procurement leadership and other stakeholder departments
- Research and analyze market trends and potential suppliers and develop detailed sourcing strategies and plans
- Identify continuous improvement opportunities by leveraging new systems and product/services as well as new and innovative market offerings
- Participate in vendor management activities which may include following-up on performance against contract (compliance) and resolution of any constraints or issues
Please Note: This is a Chicago-based, hybrid position requiring 2-3 days per week in office.QualificationsWhat's needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):- Bachelor's degree
- 3 years of experience in Procurement, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Analytics, and/or Finance
- Knowledge of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) concepts and strategic procurement process
- Highly analytical with excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Strong negotiation skills
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects of various scale
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
- Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
- Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):- Master's degree in business, Supply Chain, Finance
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or other relevant certification
- Ability to act as a change agent who seeks out and advocates for new and innovative solutions to meet business needs
- Experience working in the transportation or airline industry
