Senior Buyer

Job Purpose/Summary

The Senior Buyer – Strategic Procurement is responsible for end-to-end planning, review, budgeting and execution of the USM (Used Serviceable Material) & Surplus process.

This role focuses on:

• Procuring used engine parts
• Overseeing engine teardown projects
• Optimizing inventory levels
• Ensuring the quality and technical suitability of USM & Surplus materials

The Senior Buyer maximizes the value of used engine assets through strategic procurement, teardown oversight and parts sales, collaborating closely with technical, commercial and leasing teams.

Key Responsibilities

USM Procurement (70%)

• Purchase Management: Procure used/surplus IAE V2500 engine material to meet strategic inventory requirements and customer needs, based on future induction plans. This includes identifying viable parts and negotiating acquisitions.
• Documentation & Compliance: Ensure all certifications and traceability papers are complete to maximize part value and regulatory compliance.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Build and maintain strong relationships with business partners and customers worldwide. Coordinate with commercial, legal and leasing teams on all procurement activities.
• Sourcing & Supplier Network: Develop and manage a global supply chain of engine-part suppliers by identifying teardown opportunities, engaging part-out companies, and maintaining relationships with lessors, asset owners and surplus-parts vendors to identify future acquisition opportunities.
• Procurement & Negotiation: Source and procure serviceable aircraft and engine components in line with operational needs. For V2500 engines, this includes high-demand parts (fan blades, compressors, turbines, life-limited parts). Negotiate purchase terms or consignment deals to meet inventory requirements cost-effectively.
• Inventory Management: Maintain a structured database of customer profiles and track component needs. Foster relationships with airline and MRO customers to understand material requirements and respond promptly. Monitor account performance versus budget forecasts and align V2500 parts inventory with projected demand. Identify resale opportunities for overstocked or aging parts to prevent obsolescence.
• Cross-Functional Support: Provide administrative and logistical support to the sales team, including coordination of marketing efforts or sales campaigns. Assist in creating marketing content (e.g., V2500 part availability) to drive new business. Collaborate with quality and engineering teams to verify proper documentation and certifications (traceability, tags, serviceable-condition reports) before adding parts to inventory.
• Inventory Value Optimization: Analyze and recommend stock-level adjustments and package offerings. For example, propose bundle sales or price incentives for excess parts, and advise on strategic purchases or additional teardowns when stocks run low. Prepare material-value analyses to assess the financial viability of tearing down a V2500 engine.
• Valuation Modeling & Analysis: Own and refine comprehensive valuation models that include each part's configuration, SB/AD compliance, remaining LLP cycles, projected repair/refurbishment costs, expected teardown yield, and current fair-market values. Conduct structured lot reviews and variance analyses, comparing actual sale outcomes and costs versus forecasts. Adjust models and strategies as needed to meet financial targets.

Supplier Coordination & Delivery Assurance (15%)

• Maintain close communication with suppliers to confirm order acceptance, delivery timelines and any deviations.
• Escalate delivery issues, discrepancies or urgent requirements to the Manager – Strategic Procurement for timely resolution.
• Monitor vendor performance by reporting delays, quality concerns and responsiveness.

System Management & Data Accuracy (10%)

• Enter procurement data accurately and promptly into the ERP system (e.g., Oracle).
• Generate reports on PO status, open orders and delivery timelines to support internal reporting.
• Maintain procurement documentation and supplier correspondence for audit readiness.

Compliance and Internal Coordination (5%)

• Ensure procurement activities adhere to company policies, delegation of authority (DoA) and procurement workflows.
• Coordinate with Finance for invoice matching and resolution of pricing or delivery issues.
• Participate in audits, reviews and system-improvement initiatives related to procurement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management (SCM), or equivalent field.
• Professional certification such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) is a plus.

Minimum Experience

• 3 to 5 years in strategic or operational procurement within aviation, aerospace, or MRO.
• Proven track record in supplier negotiations, contract management, and ERP systems (Oracle, SAP).
• Experience with procurement analytics or inventory management tools is desirable.

Job Specific Competencies

1. Strategic Sourcing
2. Negotiation & Commercial Acumen
3. Analytical & Valuation Modeling
4. Inventory Management & Optimization
5. Regulatory & Quality Compliance
6. Stakeholder Collaboration
7. ERP & Data Integrity
8. Project & Cross-Functional Coordination