Manager, Procurement

AAR Corp. (NYSE: AIR) is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 6,000 people across over 60 sites in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago, Illinois area, AAR supports commercial and government customers in more than 100 countries through four operating segments: Parts Supply, Integrated Solutions, Repair and Engineering and Expeditionary Services.

AAR's purpose is to empower people to build innovative aerospace solutions today so you can safely reach your destination tomorrow. The company's mission is to go above and beyond to provide value-driven aerospace aftermarket solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers worldwide. AAR constantly searches for the right thing to do for its customers, employees, partners and for society.

Description:

The Procurement Manager is responsible for planning and leading implementation activities related to the procurement of direct goods and services. The Procurement Manager will lead a team of Senior Buyers, Buyers and Purchasing Clerks ensuring proper procurement, inventory levels, inventory mix, and overall efficiencies of MRO Procurement operations. Ensure quality service is provided and short- and long-term objectives are achieved.

What you will be responsible for:

• Responsible for distributing tasks and setting priorities in the purchasing department
• Assist procurement director overseeing purchasing in preparing short-and-long term plans for the purchasing team
• Holds oversight of purchase and repair orders from the MRO and ensures timely execution
• Coordinate customer requirements with on-site managers.
• Identify opportunities to enhance margin of C&E materials.
• Provide leadership in developing purchasing strategies and identify potential risks in the procurement process.
• Monitor target service levels to ensure customer support focus and address deficiencies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and OEMs to ensure consistent supply of all related materials
• Purchase general and specialized equipment, materials, parts or services, which will be used or processed by AAR Aircraft Services or its customers.
• Preparing short- and long-term plans for the purchasing team, with collaboration and approval from directors.
• Assist procurement director with proposal reviews, price negotiations, select or recommend suppliers, analyze trends and ensure necessary records are maintained
• Negotiate with suppliers and analyze suppliers' operations to determine factors that affect prices
• Manage any escalations from Buyers as it relates to terms and conditions of the suppliers' contract and services and escalates when required, to Director.
• Recommend enhancements to systems and processes.
• Work with team to prepare reports for operational and customer program reviews.
• Coordinate logistics for transport and customs, establish delivery schedules, enforce fulfillment of contracts and communicate with customers and suppliers to solve problems.
• In conjunction with Manager, Quality Assurance, ensuring all procured materials and services meet the required standards and specifications.
• Communicate with project managers and customer representatives.
• Assist Finance in project follow up for project and billing completion.
• Assess needs and clarify specs for equipment, materials and supplies to be purchased.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, industry standards and regulatory requirements. Maintain accurate records and documentation for audits and compliance reviews.

Perform other duties as assigned

What you will need to be successful in this role:

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, inventory management or related field
• Certification in procurement (such as CPM or CPSM) is an asset
• Procurement experience in the Aviation field is an asset
• Minimum 4 years of experience in a purchasing leadership/supervisor position
• Experience in the aeronautics field is an asset
• Ability to understand and apply Illustrated Parts Catalogues and other technical document considered an asset
• Practical knowledge of project management considered an asset
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills including Word, Excel and Power Point

Core Competencies for this role:

• Managing Relationships - meeting the personal needs of individuals to build trust, encourage two-way communications, and strengthen relationships
• Building Partnerships - developing and leveraging relationships within and across workgroups to achieve results
• Building Trust - operates with integrity, discloses own positions, remains open to ideas and supports others through dignity, respect and fairness
• Communication - conveying information and ideas clearly and concisely to individuals or groups in an engaging manner that helps them understand and retain the message. Listens actively to others.
• Creating an Inclusive Environment - making decisions and initiating action to ensure that business unit policies and practices leverage the capabilities and insights of individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, styles, abilities, and motivation
• Coaching and Developing Others - providing feedback, instruction, and development guidance to help others excel in their current or future job responsibilities
• Innovation - ability to think creatively and encourage this thinking within the purchasing team
• Attention to Detail - ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail
• Sound professional judgement - problem solving and decision making

The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary:

• Competitive salary and bonus package
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous paid time off program
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.
• The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting.
• The role requires occasional travel.
• No shift work however extended work hours may be required.
• Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.

AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.