Senior Procurement Specialist

Sr. Procurement Specialist

San Antonio, Texas

Build an Aviation Career You’re Proud Of

Your work ties us all together, helping our teams function and operate. Experience opportunities to learn and be a part of an organization that has your back. And with competitive compensation and total rewards, you’ll also enjoy our great perks.

Work with the latest technologies and techniques in the aviation industry to source materials, manage inventory, and coordinate logistics. You’ll ensure we have what we need to service our customers.

As a Sr. Procurement Specialist, you’ll plan, order and manage inventory at a business unit level. Purchase materials, equipment, supplies and services within established limits for quality, quantity, governmental and price guidelines from manufacturers, government entities, distributors and surplus dealers. Obtain quotes and negotiate price and delivery dates. You will be responsible for the maintenance and integrity of related data in multiple systems.

What you’ll do:

• Carry out inventory control functions by balancing company goals (cost, quality, delivery, and stock level), Conduct analysis of inventory, monitoring and controlling customer consignment parts, disposing of excess/obsolete inventory, scheduling orders and monitoring levels. Transfer inventory between service center locations if necessary. 
• Manage, plan and report on the status of all inventory owned by the business unit. Plan the purchase of all assigned inventory based on forecasts, percentage replacement factors and the alternate parts data file. 
• Obtain quotations from vendors to ensure favorable quality, price and delivery terms; research new products and vendors; provide data to technical staff and assist them in purchasing decisions. Expedite orders to ensure timely delivery of purchases by verifying initial demands and analyzing back order reports. 
• Interface with vendors, staff and management to resolve discrepancies, answer questions and provide guidance and training on inventory systems. Recommend enhancements to material planning systems. 
• Control data integrity of inventory systems by creating and updating item master files, analyzing engineering control changes, monitoring past due purchase orders and work-in-progress, researching inventory discrepancies, verifying and updating alternate parts file, and verifying and updating standard costs. 
• Coordinate and monitor the return of damaged goods, arranging for replacements or credits, and document all transactions. 
• Research and reconcile discrepancies noted during cycle count process. 
• Carry out new, used and sub-contract supplier/vendor development for the business unit by sourcing new vendors, negotiating price and delivery terms, administering vendor qualification surveys, and educating suppliers on the material policies and procedures of the business unit. 
• Participate in the recommendation of business unit material policy discussions. Exhibit an understanding of complex material/financial situations. 
• Review and recommend updates to company instructions and material policies and procedures. 
• Monitor and report on measures of performance including inventory levels, overall shortages, opportunity costs, inventory turns, average costs by supplier, fill rates, supplier due date compliance and supplier rejects. 
• Ensure maximization of freight savings and communicate priority shipments of incoming materials.
• Ensure compliance with required approvals.
• Meet with and/or visit vendors to stay abreast of all buying opportunities and options available to the Facility.
• Expedite orders as required to ensure that deliveries are received within appropriate timeframes.
• Communicate daily status of all open purchase orders for production.
• Research and resolve all purchasing/receiving problems related to a purchase orders.
• Ensure that all Accounts Payable problems are resolved on a daily basis.
• Process purchase orders through the system.
• Obtain SDS and approvals as required for HAZMAT purchases.
• Comply with all StandardAero’s procurement policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as required by the Department Manager.
• Purchase goods, materials, components or services in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets which includes both consumables and expendables.
• Support relevant departments and communicate any supply problems which may impact business operations.
• Act as an interface between suppliers and other relevant departments on supply matters.
• Monitor and advise on any issues which present risk or opportunity to the organization.
• Provide analysis on costs, new and existing and review cost reduction activities.
• Prepare reports and updates as required.
• Work closely with others in the procurement function and review opportunities for continuous improvement and business improvements.
• Improve prices and terms of business with suppliers and review opportunities to make business savings utilizing negotiation and procurement best practice tools and methods.
• Build, maintain and manage supplier relationships and maintain communications with internal and external customers.
• Ensure that a professional, ethical and consistent approach is taken in relation to all supplier relationships.
• Ensure compliance to company guidelines, purchasing policies and procedures.
• Conduct research for new suppliers.
• Compile data relating to supplier performance to enable evaluations.
• Assess and evaluate suppliers and contribute to performance reviews to ensure contract compliance.
• Contact suppliers to resolve price, quality, and delivery or invoice issues.
• Research, Prepare and conduct all activities related to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), in accordance with StandardAero’s procurement and contracting policies and procedures. This includes planning, administering and executing the procurement process to include developing specifications/scope of work (SOW), developing pricing matrix, coordinating with appropriate end user departments, finalizing solicitation documents, tabulating bids/proposals, facilitating evaluation and final selection process.
• Oversee all negotiations, terminations, and renegotiations of RFPs/Contracts.
• Approve or reject request for deviations from contract specifications and delivery schedules.
• Provide technical assistance and direction regarding contract compliance.
• Train and mentor StandardAero employees and vendors in RFP/Contract policies.
• Prepare detailed written reports, presentations and debriefings as necessary.
• Facilitate, coordinate, and participate in the evaluation of proposal responses in negotiations with vendors.
• Conduct product and vendor research for goods and non-professional and professional services to determine market volatility, price trends, availability, alternative products and potential future problems or opportunities.
• Prepare award recommendations and coordinate with end customer departments.

What skills you will use:

• High school diploma required. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent work experience. Two (2) years of experience for every year of schooling maybe substituted for a Bachelor’s degree (8 years).
• Minimum of 5 years directly-related experience.
• Previous experience of working in a purchasing team preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 5 years purchasing, negotiation, commercial understanding and cost breakdown experience.
• Experience of working closely with suppliers.
• Able to add value, reduce costs and input to business improvements.
• Computer literate, Excel Skills (Basic: VLOOKUPS & Pivot Tables).
• Must successfully pass all background investigations and drug testing.
• Strong planning, organizational, analytical, negotiation, interpersonal, decision making, attention to detail, oral and written communication skills. 
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook). 
• Thorough knowledge of inventory control, purchasing and production management computer systems. Experience with Oracle or other MRP/ERP systems a plus.
• Experience in an inventory or manufacturing environment (Aerospace preferred). 
• Ability to understand and follow company instructions, company processes and manuals. 
• Must be capable of researching information on the internet.
• Experienced making buying decisions and negotiating prices.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize critical items and resourceful in looking for alternatives to solve sourcing problems.
• Able to give guidance to Customers, Project Managers and mechanics on materials.
• Demonstrate customer focus and experience with vendors. Proven track record in getting results, and developing successful relationships behind-the-scenes with internal and external customers to ensure on time customer delivery dates.
• Possess a strong sense of ethics, especially when dealing with pricing and purchasing.
• Must be authorized to work in the US. 

Desired Characteristics:

• Completion of an appropriate certification program (PMAC, APICS, CPM or CMA.) 
• An understanding of aerospace processes and components would be advantageous.
• Analytical, numerically astute with strong demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
• Able to manage time effectively, prioritizes tasks and achieve set targets.
• Able to work well under pressure and handle emergency and stressful situations.
• Familiarity with an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). 

Benefits that make life better:

• Comprehensive Healthcare
• 401(k) with 100% company match; up to 5% vested
• Paid Time Off starting on day one
• Bonus opportunities
• Health- & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• Learning & Training opportunities

Raising the Standard of Excellence since 1911

With over a century of proven excellence, StandardAero has become an industry leader in MRO services and customized solutions in the aerospace industry. Our shared values and learning-based culture inspire our team to exceed their potential and power our customers’ missions worldwide. With on-the-job training, advancement opportunities, and excellent benefits, StandardAero invites you to experience a fulfilling and meaningful career with us.

 Inclusivity Is Our Standard

It is StandardAero’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Our supportive environment celebrates diversity with no room for harassment or discrimination of any kind. We invite you to bring your authentic self to our team and experience our welcoming culture.