Job Description

Procurement Category Lead - MRO / Vendor Management

Are you ready to lead the way in aviation?
We're looking for an organised and proactive Procurement Category Lead - MRO / Vendor Management to join our team and help us achieve new heights in excellence.

Do you posses the following skills?

Contract Negotiation Performance Management Communication Relationship Development Organisation Mentoring Experience Aviation Experience Pricing Negotiation Reporting / IT Skills Public Speaking Confidence Attention to Detail

About the Role

Due to continued growth, we are hiring an Procurement Category Lead - MRO / Vendor Management to join our MRO Department. This is a full-time, office-based position, working Monday to Friday from our Global Headquarters in Hassocks, West Sussex.

About Us

Serving the aviation industry since 1985, Avtrade is a leading global aircraft component service provider, specialising in bespoke aircraft components and support solutions. We are committed to getting the world flying again and investing in our team to make it happen.
At Avtrade, our people make the biggest difference. We take pride in our strong, diverse teams, whose dedication enables us to achieve our vision. We invest in our employees, offering training, career development, and opportunities to grow within the business.

Benefits of Working at Avtrade

25 days holiday Company pension scheme Bupa healthcare scheme Perkbox - enjoy discounts on supermarkets, days out, holidays, and more Holiday buy/sell scheme Cycle to work scheme Annual company events - summer and Christmas parties Team-building and social events Departmental BBQs Free on-site parking with free EV charging points Unlimited hot & cold drinks Games room - Xbox, TV, and relaxation space Enhanced sick pay (subject to length of service) Career progression opportunities with regular training and reviews Trim Trail - a 1km scenic walking route around our grounds

Function

The Vendor Team is responsible for sourcing and selecting suitable, cost-effective, and technically capable component repair vendors. These vendors must meet business requirements for cost, turnaround time, and quality.

As an MRO Category Lead, you will:

Adopt a Category Management approach, supporting internal and external customers with MRO outsourcing strategies and governance in line with Avtrade's business objectives. Work with MRO vendors worldwide to ensure quality meets business objectives and policies, deliveries are on time, and contracts are adhered to while minimising costs. Focus on stock availability, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Negotiate and implement vendor agreements and contracts. Conduct component analysis, effectivity reviews, repair shop capability assessments, and vendor sourcing. Collaborate with key stakeholders in Operational MRO, Asset Purchasing, Sales, and Technical teams to ensure an aligned vendor approach. Work with existing and potential vendors to secure the best prices through negotiation, collaboration, and benchmarking. Host regular vendor meetings, both on-site and at headquarters, addressing performance issues, keeping thorough records, and ensuring follow-ups on agreed solutions.

Requirements

Strong problem-solving skills with experience in Root Cause & Corrective Actions. Analytical thinking and reporting skills. Self-motivated and flexible, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills at all levels. Strong organisation and administration skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage workloads effectively. Experience in the Aviation industry/environment/role is preferred
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,800.00-52,287.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: MROCL08