Technical Procurement & Contracts Specialist

Role Purpose

• The Technical Procurement Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies aligned with the airline’s overall objectives and goals. This role requires a deep understanding of the airline industry, technical specifications, supply chain management, and risk mitigation strategies.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage the procurement process for specialized aircraft parts, equipment, and services, including identifying suppliers, negotiating contracts, and ensuring timely delivery.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to understand technical requirements and ensure procurement aligns with the airline’s operational needs.
• Conduct market research to identify new suppliers, evaluate pricing, and stay abreast of industry trends and regulatory changes that may impact procurement.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and conditions to secure the best value for the airline.
• Analyze procurement data, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the procurement function.
• Assist in the development and implementation of procurement policies, procedures, and strategies to support the airline’s overall business objectives.
• Provide regular reports and updates to management on the status of procurement activities, budget utilization, and key performance indicators.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to address complex procurement challenges and contribute to the resolution of supply chain issues.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with the organization’s overall objectives and goals.
• Analyze market trends, supply chain risks, and opportunities to optimize procurement processes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand their needs and align procurement activities accordingly.
• Oversee the end-to-end procurement process, including requisition, sourcing, evaluation, negotiation, and contract management.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and ethical standards in all procurement activities.
• Identify potential cost-saving opportunities and implement cost-effective purchasing practices.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, conducting supplier evaluations and performance reviews.
• Conduct supplier audits and monitor supplier performance to ensure quality and delivery standards are met.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks in the supply chain, ensuring continuity of supply and minimizing disruptions.
• Implement risk management strategies to address supplier dependencies and geopolitical uncertainties.
• Implement, elaborate, and monitor vendor performance across the technical organization.
• Engage with requestors to receive and work on Statements of Work and requirements.
• Set up RFX documents and project plans to procure technical goods, materials, components, or services in ARIBA, aligned with specified cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Identify and engage with suppliers, maintaining communication throughout the tendering or contracting process, ensuring a professional and consistent approach to all supplier relationships.
• Provide qualitative and quantitative evaluation of received proposals and deliver project recommendations and outcomes.
• Monitor market trends, competitor strategies, and market suppliers, and research and evaluate areas of opportunity to reduce costs where possible.
• Deliver briefs, updates, and reports as and when required.
• Negotiate contracts with the support of the legal department and other stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with company guidelines, procurement policies, and procedures during supplier negotiations and contract award processes.
• Liaise with all stakeholders to support any contractual issues.

 Education, Experience & Skills

• Minimum 5 years of experience in procurement, logistics, or supply chain management, with a focus on the airline industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, engineering, or a related field.
• Thorough understanding of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) processes and technical specifications.
• Expertise in developing and implementing procurement strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address procurement challenges.
• Proficient in using procurement software, data analysis tools, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Excellent negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.