Lead Purchasing Agent (USI6) (1876)

SUMMARY: The Purchasing Lead is responsible for overseeing and managing the procurement of aircraft parts, materials, tools, and services required to support Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) operations. This role ensures timely, compliant, and cost-effective purchasing activities while maintaining high standards of quality, airworthiness, supplier performance, and operational support. The Purchasing Lead guides the purchasing team, coordinates with internal departments, and collaborates closely with approved vendors, OEMs, and repair stations.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage the end-to-end purchasing cycle for aircraft parts, components, consumables, and tooling.
• Ensure all purchased items meet aviation regulatory requirements (FAA, EASA, OEM) and are delivered with proper certifications (8130, EASA Form 1, CoC).
• Evaluate vendor quotes, negotiate pricing, terms, delivery schedules, and long-term agreements.
• Create purchase orders (POs) in the company's ERP/MRO system and ensure timely follow-up.
• Support scheduled maintenance checks and respond quickly to AOG (Aircraft on Ground) demands.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with OEMs, distributors, repair stations, and service providers.
• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs (quality, on-time delivery, pricing, responsiveness).
• Conduct supplier evaluations and participate in audit processes with the Quality team.
• Identify new sourcing opportunities, alternative suppliers, and cost-reduction options.
• Manage warranty claims, repairs, exchanges, and returns (ROs/REOs).
• Coordinate logistics, shipping, customs clearance, and tracking of inbound materials.
• Work with warehouse and planning teams to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Ensure proper logistics management for critical and AOG shipments.
• Support planning for heavy checks, modifications, and fleet support programs.
• Ensure all purchased items comply with aviation regulations and internal quality standards.
• Verify documentation accuracy and maintain traceability records.
• Support regulatory, customer, and internal audits.
• Ensure accurate data entry and purchasing record maintenance in the ERP system.
• Lead, mentor, and train purchasing staff in processes and best practices.
• Work closely with engineering, planning, quality, maintenance, and finance teams.
• Ensure purchasing activities align with organizational objectives, budgets, and timelines.
• Analyze spending data to identify cost-saving opportunities and supplier performance trends.
• Implement procurement strategies to improve cost efficiency and supply reliability.
• Support continuous improvement programs and digitalization of procurement workflows.
• Manage purchasing risks, including supply disruptions and obsolescence.
• Other Duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree

• or an additional 3 years of relevant work experience in lieu of degree.

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in procurement, ideally within the aviation MRO sector.

• Strong knowledge of aircraft components, materials, and airworthiness documentation requirements.

• Experience managing suppliers, contracts, and negotiations.

• Proficiency with ERP/MRO systems (e.g., AMOS, Quantum, Ramco, TRAX, Aerotrack).

• Strong understanding of aviation regulations (FAA, EASA, ICAO).

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and procurement reporting.

• Excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work under pressure, especially during AOG situations.

• High attention to detail and commitment to compliance.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's degree in supply chain management, finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of purchasing work experience.
• 4+ years in the aviation industry.
• Experience buying in a heavily sole source environment.
• Knowledge of Engineering Data such as specifications & source control drawings.
• Experience with Quantum (ERP system).

OTHER:

• The selected applicant will be subject to a background check and drug testing.