Senior Category Manager (Mro)

Our client, an aerospace industry leader, a company of innovators and makers, who are transforming the future of flying and driving with high-performance engineered solutions that are paired with advanced manufacturing expertise, is looking to hire a Purchasing/Procurement Manager (Sr Category manager - MRO). This position is responsible for $150M in MRO spend for several plants in the US, position can be based in Torrance CA, Tucson AZ, Cleveland OH or Pittsburgh PA.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the performance and development of suppliers to reduce risk of supply shortages to maintain and improve Location manufacturing and delivery performance.
• Drive to function at world-class level by establishing best-in-class procurement processes and policies and utilization of state-of-the-art procurement systems and tools.
• Support actions / programs from customers to achieve efficient supply planning, qualification of new suppliers, and participation in enablement programs.
• Senior Category Manager leads and develops strategy for external Spend Categories (MRO) in conjunction with Procurement and Location Leadership.
• Provide both support and guidance to Procurement, Operations, and Sales at the Locations to improve the overall alignment between Demand and Supply, with primary focus on MRO.
• Works with Location Operation Leadership, Quality Management, and Customers on the development and implementation of qualification programs for critical 2nd sources.
• Ensure the best total cost position for all external spend within the Category, the lowest sourcing risks, and the best supplier performance.

Major Activities/Key Challenges:

• Facilitate communication between suppliers and Location planners and buyers (RM, Components, OSP).
• Develop good understanding of supplier manufacturing capabilities, volume capacity, and technical capabilities.
• Responsible for HFS Spend within the respective Category, including price negotiations, terms & conditions, lead times, assisting Locations in obtaining purchase order acknowledgements, etc.
• Develop standardized KPI performance reporting (OTD, Lead Times, Capacity) and organize and facilitate routine periodic Location feedback to suppliers regarding status of their performance and negotiate and monitor recovery plans as necessary.
• Work with the Locations to implement 2nd sourcing for critical Products, with a primary focus on MRO.
• Lead, co-lead, or support activities as required to meet objectives, such as Kaizen workshops, Consignment Programs, Stocking Programs.
• Develop a robust structured supplier onsite contact plan to ensure HFS priority and to assess performance (production, delivery, quality).

Qualifications:

Basic:

• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.
• 10 years of Procurement experience, preferably in aerospace, across a broad spectrum of Categories, including raw materials, purchased components, and MRO.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Supply Chain, and / or Logistics from an accredited Institution.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred:

• Engineering degree and / or MBA in Business Administration / Economics or similar.
• Innovative / Strategic thinker.
• Bilingual.
• Customer-oriented with business acumen.
• Good communication and negotiation skills.
• 2 – 5 years in Procurement Management.
• 2 – 5 years International Experience.
• Understands the stringent technical aspects of RM specifications.
• Able to interface with Senior Leadership.

Benefits/Salary:

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. The salary range for this position is $125K to $155K.