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Job Description:
The Head of Supply Chain is a strategic role that will have the responsibility to implement, develop and scale the entire supply chain in a fast-growing and innovative environment. This leader will be the architect of a resilient, scalable, and compliant supply base secured through robust contracts and reliable partnerships, fully aligned with the Airbus Group strategy and policy. They will be accountable for developing and diversifying sourcing as well as managing supplier performance to guarantee cost, on time and on quality deliveries from our supply chain.
Primary Responsibilities:
1. Strategic procurement and sourcing: 35%
● Define and implement sourcing strategies (make-or-buy, dual sourcing, localization, etc.)
● Select, onboard, and contract key suppliers
● Lead commercial negotiations (cost, lead times, MOQs, terms & conditions)
● Drive cost reduction initiatives (should-cost analysis, value engineering, design-to-cost)
● Identify and mitigate supply risks (single sourcing, dependencies, geopolitical exposure)
● Develop and implement mitigation plans (dual sourcing, safety stock, redesign) ● Lead supplier-related crisis management in coordination with Operations
● Partner closely with the Head of Industrialization to define and execute the make or buy strategy
● Align sourcing strategies with product roadmaps and industrial ramp-ups
● Align sourcing strategy and supply chain activities with Airbus group global strategy and policies
● Foster a culture of excellence, process and data driven and continuous improvement across the organization
2. Supplier Management and performance: 35%
● Establish and monitor supplier performance metrics (OTD, quality, lead time, flexibility)
● Drive supplier development and improvement plans
● Manage strategic and critical suppliers
● Lead supplier audits in coordination with Quality
3. Bids and Contract Management: 25%
● Secures raw materials and products, negotiates contracts and manages supplier relationships
● Maintains required quantity of supplies and materials to optimize production
● Identifies and qualifies new suppliers
4. Team leadership and management 5%
● Lead a multidisciplinary team of strategic and operational buyers
● Foster a culture of excellence, process and data driven and continuous improvement across the organization
● Set clear objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), and development plans for the team
● Actively contribute to key cross-functional routines (S&OP / demand reviews, NPI reviews, Shortage and escalation meetings)
● Set up and structure processes and policy that will drive supply chain and sourcing activities and lead deployment and adherence of key processes into the organization.
Qualified Experience and Training:
Education:
Required:
● Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or equivalent work experience
Preferred:
● MS in engineering or MBA
Experience:
Required:
● Minimum of ten (10) years experience in procurement, supply chain, or materials management
● Minimum of ten (10) years experience in contract management and negotiation: Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
● Minimum of ten (10) years leadership building or scaling supply chain functions
● Minimum of ten (10) years' experience in complex hardware industries (aerospace, drones, automotive)
● Minimum of five (5) years' experience leading and mentoring a team
● Minimum of five (5) years of SAP experience
Preferred
● Background and experience in aerospace industry
● Costpoint ERP and Power BI experience
● Knowledge of FAR/DFAR contracting rules
Travel Required:
● 30% Domestic and International
Citizenship:
● US Person under ITAR definition (U.S. Citizen, green card holder or person covered under our existing ITAR license)
Clearance:
● None
Qualified Skills:
Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:
Required
● Leadership in a supply chain environment
● Strong negotiation skills
● Strong knowledge about procurement contracts
● Basic financial skills, including a clear understanding of Profit and Loss (P&L) management.
● Strong problem-solving skills
● High sense of urgency and accountability
● Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills
● Risk anticipation and mitigation mindset
● Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
● Communicate and Influence effectively throughout all levels of the organization and to external suppliers
● Ability to effectively work cross-functionally with technical and operational teams
Communication Skills:
Required:
● Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form in English
● High level of interaction with all levels of management, able to display appropriate level of communication and professionalism
Preferred:
● Some degree of French is highly desirable.
Technical Systems Proficiency:
Required:
● Microsoft Office and Google GSuite
● Familiar with ERP systems
Preferred:
● Basic understanding of Costpoint and Power BI
Complexity of the Role:
Level of Decision Making:
● This position routinely makes complex, key business decisions regarding vendor selection, contract management and negotiation, strategy alignment on behalf of the company.
Organizational information: The position will report to the Chief Operating Officer
Direct Reports:
Is this a people manager? Yes
# of Exempt Reports: 3
# of Non-exempt Reports: 0
Job Dimensions:
● Responsible for assisting internal customers with acquiring external goods and services, and guiding them through the General Procurement process, typically dealing with, but not limited to, projects up to a budget of $350k.
● Maintains relationships with internal customers and suppliers
Nature of Contacts:
● Extensive, negotiation-type communication daily with internal and external parties
Physical Requirements:
● Onsite or remote: 100% onsite
● Vision: able to see and read computer screens and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents, reports and engineering drawings. Daily.
● Hearing: able to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds on the production floor including safety warnings or alarms. Daily.
● Speaking: able to speak in conversations and meetings, deliver information and participate in communications. Daily.
● Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment and some tools including production tools such as hydraulic lifts. Daily.
● Carrying: able to carry documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs. Daily.
● Lifting: able to lift documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs. Daily.
● Pushing / Pulling: able to push and pull small office furniture and some equipment and tools. Occasionally.
● Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on the computer. Daily.
● Squatting / Kneeling: able to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items stored on low shelving. Occasionally.
● Standing: able to stand for discussions in offices or on the production floor. Daily.
● Travel: able to travel independently and at short notice. Frequently.
● Walking (include routine walking such as to a shared printer to retrieve documents): able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces. Daily.
● Personal Protective Equipment required: Required PPE includes, but is not limited to, Safety Shoes, Safety Glasses, Hearing Protection, Respirators/Masks, and/or Protective Gloves as required by site and/or customer site
● Administrative position only PPE required: Steel-toed shoes are required for all shop floor visits, appropriate hearing/eye protection may also be required when visiting the shop floor.
Salary range: Based on the required profile: $156,159.00 - $249,973.00 (plus bonus) per year, depending on the candidate's experience. Actual minimum and maximum may vary based on geographic differential. Individual pay is based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors.
Equal Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status
As a leader in our field, Airbus Helicopters, Inc. provides relocation assistance for qualified positions and a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. As a matter of policy, Airbus Helicopters, Inc. does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered.
Airbus Helicopters, Inc. does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice.
NOTE: Airbus Helicopters, Inc. reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.
Company:
Aerovel CorporationEmployment Type:
US - Direct HireExperience Level:
ProfessionalRemote Type:
On-siteJob Family:
Supplier Management------
Job Posting End Date: 05.16.2026------
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