Director of Procurement

Job Description

Job Description

First Class Air is a fast-growing organization that includes a family of brands, which collectively provide comprehensive aftermarket aviation solutions, focused on delivering high quality OEM, PMA, and aftermarket parts, maintenance, repair, overhaul, storage, disassembly, emergency equipment, and customer service. 

The Director of Distribution Procurement is responsible for all aspects of materials market management, materials planning, and procurement globally for the First Class Air Support business. This position reports to the Vice President of Supply Chain.

Essential Job Functions:

Issue and Manage Purchase Orders and Contracts

• Source suppliers for components and issue RFQs in response to internally generated parts requisitions
• Issue purchase orders for aircraft parts, components, tools, and repair services and document any deviations to procurement policy
• Follow-up and/or expedite orders with suppliers
• Ensure all procured items meet First Class Air’s quality standards and are compliant with required traceability and airworthiness certifications (e.g., CofC’s, Form 8130)
• Minimize expedited procurement by providing feedback to materials staffing model

Build & Manage an Active Pipeline of Suppliers

• Develop a supplier calling program for aircraft owners, aircraft operators, MROs or other parts distributors which provide early opportunities to stock sales that enhance FCA’s parts availability model
• Manage a team of international buyers who are responsible for sourcing components sales

Materials Planning 

• Analyze historic consumption and current market trends (with Sales and Asset Management) to understand current sales dynamics for FCA’s customers.
• Develop and implement a materials purchasing forecast and an approach to materials management that focuses on replenishing Tier 1 and Tier 2 components
• Understand key drivers of material consumption and proactively identify any weaknesses in the current materials forecast for those components.

Develop a Market Understanding

• Provide insights into current stocking levels, including an assessment of fair market value and part sales velocity in order to determine return on investment. 
• Define materials requirements for high velocity parts and manage a dynamic list of requirements.
• Determine and communicate signals for purchasing components.

Integration into Distribution Sales & Asset Management

• Integrate tightly with the sales organization to understand future sales opportunities and contractual commitments and work with site leadership to understand the demand picture for all components.
• Proactively participate in routine stand-ups to understand customer requirements, parts management, and sales meetings to understand the dynamic nature of customer demands.

Requirements:

• 7-10 years of experience purchasing materials for distribution or brokering of parts; 
• 30-40% travel including trips to Louisville HQ at least four (4) times per year, as well as routine visits to supplier/customer sites as part of FCAS’s pipeline management program
• Demonstrated negotiating skills and approach to optimize costs and service levels;
• Management Background with proven leadership experience across multiple time zones and geographies
• Demonstrated attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to meet deadlines in fast paced environments
• Strong managerial and problem solving skills with the ability to balance competing priorities
• High school diploma required; four year college degree in aerospace management, supply chain, or business management preferred;
• Clear written and verbal communication skills with an ability to communicate complex ideas with data
• Ability to collaborate across departments to gather information and drive improvements
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related inventory management systems
• Preferred
• Experience using a Maintenance Operations System such as Quantum, Corridor, AMOS, Trax eMRO, or other
• Experience in international logistics, shipping/receiving, and inventory control
• Working knowledge of the aviation industry and MRO is preferred
• Must reside in the United States and be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship