Defense BU Procurement Manager

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Defense BU Operations Leader, you will drive delivery excellence and supplier performance in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders as needed. You will be accountable for supplier risk mitigation and for supporting the Supplier Assessment team in executing improvement plans when issues arise. In addition, you will ensure on-time delivery of critical parts impacting plant performance, manage recovery plans, monitor and improve KPIs through targeted action plans, prevent customer impact, reduce delinquency levels, and minimize inventory in close partnership with MRP planners.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a solid understanding of assigned suppliers’ capabilities, capacity, and operational risks in order to identify potential constraints, support recovery planning, and help mitigate delivery issues impacting material availability and plant operations.
• Support a regular operating rhythm with plants and internal stakeholders to review supplier performance, highlight emerging risks, and contribute to actions aimed at reducing supplier delinquency.
• Perform supplier follow-up activities, including participation in supplier visits when needed, to assess operational status, gather relevant information, and support timely escalation of issues based on impact and severity.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional stakeholders to support supplier delivery performance and operational execution. This includes coordination with Engineering and Supplier Quality on technical issues; Material Planning on supplier schedules, material flow, and inventory topics; Finance, Plants, and Buyers on payment-related constraints; and Lean / Digital teams on simplification and process improvement initiatives.
• Support the execution of supplier risk mitigation and recovery plans for critical parts affecting plant performance and customer commitments.
• Track key performance indicators and contribute to action plans focused on improving supplier delivery, responsiveness, delinquency reduction, and inventory optimization, in partnership with plant teams and material planners.
• Promote effective collaboration across buyers, plants, and cross-functional teams to improve issue visibility, support timely resolution, and strengthen execution across the supply base.
• Continuously look for opportunities to improve ways of working through simplification, continuous improvement, and development of functional and technical knowledge relevant to the role.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a technical field from an accredited university, or Bachelor’s degree with relevant work experience.
• Experience in supplier management, material planning, sourcing, supplier development, supplier quality, or related supply chain / operations roles.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate activities across different stakeholders.
• Problem-solving mindset with ability to identify issues and support practical solutions.
• Good analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix organization.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Fluent in English.
• Work visa according to local regulations.
• Availability to travel nationally and internationally.

Desired Characteristics:

• Previous experience in the aerospace industry.
• Experience in manufacturing of aerospace components.
• Knowledge of SAP, preferably MM module.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a cross-functional team environment.
• Experience in material planning with foreign suppliers.

Why Join Us:

At Avio Aero, people power our progress. That’s why we invest in an environment where you can develop professionally, feel valued personally, and enjoy a healthy balance between work and life. As part of the CCNL Metalmeccanico framework, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive package designed to support you and your family, including:

• Performance-related bonuses and local bonus scheme

• Flexible benefits platform with company contributions

• Employee pension plan with company contribution

• Life and accident insurance

• Private complementary medical coverage

• Sponsored canteen or meal vouchers where no canteen is available

• Global wellbeing program to support your physical, financial, social, and emotional wellbeing including Employee Assistance Program

• Recognition awards to celebrate service and achievements

• Local special agreements, discounts and special offers

• English and languages training for you and one member of your family

• Ongoing technical, leadership, and development training to help you build your career

• Company car

Contract Level: CCNL metalmeccanico – level A1  

Salary range for this role: 68.850 euro - 103.275 euro + Performance-related bonus + PDR up to 6000 euro  
Compensation will be defined within the published salary range, reflecting the candidate’s experience, developed skills, and overall alignment with the role’s responsibilities. 

Join us! 
Avio Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a culture of respect, where every individual is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Employment decisions are made based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. Join us and be part of a team where your talent, ideas, and ambition can help shape the future of flight. Apply now and see your career take flight! 

Additional Information