Director of Materials
Want to join The World''s Fastest Growing Cargo Airline? Then look no further!
We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and results-driven Director of Materials to lead procurement, strategic sourcing, inventory planning, materials management, and logistics operations within our aviation organization.
This leadership role is responsible for developing and executing end-to-end procurement strategies, optimizing organizational spend, achieving financial and negotiated savings targets, and ensuring compliance with company policies, aviation regulations, and strategic sourcing processes.
The ideal candidate will bring aviation industry experience, strong negotiation and leadership skills, and a proven ability to build effective supplier relationships, improve operational efficiency, and drive continuous improvement across procurement and supply chain functions.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement & Cost Optimization
- Develop and implement enterprise-wide procurement strategies aligned with organizational goals and changing market conditions.
- Establish departmental policies, procedures, controls, budgets, and purchasing plans.
- Lead complex negotiations and manage strategic supplier relationships to secure competitive pricing, favorable contract terms, and measurable cost savings.
- Identify opportunities to optimize purchasing patterns, reduce sourcing costs, and improve supplier performance.
- Drive innovation, process improvements, and financial performance across procurement operations.
- Select, implement, and manage procurement systems and sourcing resources.
Leadership & Supplier Management
- Lead, coach, and develop procurement team members while managing staffing and sourcing functions.
- Build strong partnerships with internal business units, suppliers, and third-party service providers.
- Negotiate new contracts, interpret existing agreements, and ensure contractual terms support the organization''s best interests.
- Evaluate and select outside repair agencies for rotable and repairable aircraft components in coordination with Quality Control.
- Monitor supplier reliability, cost efficiency, service quality, and overall performance.
Aviation Materials & Inventory Management
- Oversee purchasing, repair, logistics, and heavy maintenance materials planning and budgeting.
- Manage initial provisioning and replenishment of rotable parts, equipment, and supplies for current operations and planned aircraft acquisitions.
- Maintain inventory levels within approved investment limits while ensuring parts availability and operational readiness.
- Establish procedures for processing maintenance material requirements.
- Recommend appropriate disposition of surplus inventory.
- Ensure required parts are obtained and supplied for FCBS EO and FCBS EA operations, including coordinating parts borrowing and shipment arrangements.
Logistics, Shipping & Regulatory Compliance
- Oversee domestic and international shipping, freight movement, customs clearance, and shipment tracking.
- Select and negotiate rates with freight and courier vendors while evaluating service reliability and cost efficiency.
- Ensure accurate import/export documentation, shipment records, and dangerous goods compliance using applicable IATA guidelines.
- Coordinate shipments with line stations, management, and internal stakeholders through final delivery.
- Manage claims for lost or damaged shipments, warranty claims, and daily courier requirements.
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations and company requirements for quality, documentation, and material traceability.
Education & Qualifications
- Previous airline or aviation industry experience required.
- Minimum of 3 years of management experience.
- College degree in Business Administration or a related field preferred.
- Previous purchasing, procurement, or inventory planning experience preferred.
- Experience with TRAX maintenance or aviation management systems preferred.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Demonstrated leadership, strategic planning, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Working knowledge of procurement processes, supplier contracts, inventory management, and aviation logistics.
What You Bring to the Role
- A strategic mindset with a focus on cost savings and operational excellence.
- The ability to lead teams and influence stakeholders across the organization.
- Strong supplier relationship management and contract negotiation skills.
- A commitment to regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, and service quality.
- The ability to balance inventory investment, material availability, and operational demands in a dynamic aviation environment.
Ready to Lead and Make an Impact?
If you are an aviation procurement professional ready to lead strategic sourcing, strengthen supplier partnerships, optimize costs, and improve supply chain performance, we encourage you to apply. We take pride in finding and hiring the best people and providing them with opportunities to grow and excel.
Drug Free/EOE