At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing for airport ground service equipment and optimise lifecycle management.
- Company: Join a dynamic aviation company focused on innovation and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and opportunities to work with global teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation logistics while developing your expertise.
- Qualifications: 4-7+ years in strategic sourcing or logistics; strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Work in a fast-paced environment with a focus on teamwork and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Strategic Sourcing Manager to own the end-to-end sourcing and lifecycle management of airport ground service equipment used in aircraft servicing operations. The role focuses on high loaders, trucks, trailers, and related special-purpose vehicles, and covers the full lifecycle: sourcing, commercial structuring, fleet strategy, maintenance concepts, and cost optimization.
We are deliberately open to candidates from different backgrounds — including strategic sourcing, logistics procurement, fleet management, or commercial/sales roles with equipment manufacturers or service providers — as long as you bring strong commercial judgment and a lifecycle mindset.
Key Responsibilities- Lead regional sourcing activities for airport ground equipment (high loaders, trucks, trailers, fleet solutions).
- Develop and execute the transport and warehouse sourcing strategy, with strong emphasis on:
- Road transport (linehaul, local distribution, airport transfers).
- Air freight and courier services.
- Time-critical and airport-constrained logistics solutions.
- Warehouse specialized in frozen, chilled and ambient products.
- University degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) or equivalent professional experience.
- 4–7+ years of experience in:
- Strategic sourcing or category management experience.
- Logistics sourcing, fleet sourcing, or heavy equipment categories.
- Experience with RFQs/RFPs, negotiations, and contract management.
- Experience managing or sourcing vehicle fleets or logistics assets.
- Strong understanding of maintenance, uptime, and operational requirements.
- Exposure to TCO-driven decision-making.
- Strong exposure to road transport and time-critical logistics; air freight experience is a plus.
- Experience in aviation, food logistics, FMCG, or similarly operationally intensive environments is highly desirable.
- Solid understanding of transportation markets, pricing mechanisms, and cost drivers.
- Strong analytical and stakeholder communication skills.
- Comfortable working in international, matrix-driven organizations.
- Fluent in English, French, German or another European language is an advantage.
- Execution-oriented with a strong operational mindset.
- Structured, pragmatic, and resilient in fast-paced environments.
- Curious and motivated to deepen transportation and logistics expertise in an aviation context.
Strategic Sourcing Manager employer: DSJ Global
Contact Detail:
DSJ Global Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Sourcing Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their sourcing strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Strategic Sourcing Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate strong commercial judgement. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Sourcing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Strategic Sourcing Manager. Highlight your experience in sourcing, logistics, and fleet management, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your commercial judgement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, especially around lifecycle management and cost optimisation.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role involves analysing transport spend and identifying savings, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles. We love numbers, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at DSJ Global
✨Know Your Equipment
Make sure you brush up on the specific types of airport ground service equipment mentioned in the job description. Understand their functions, maintenance needs, and lifecycle management. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about the industry.
✨Master the Cost Optimization Game
Be prepared to discuss how you would approach cost optimisation across the full asset lifecycle. Think about examples from your past experience where you successfully identified savings or improved efficiency. This will demonstrate your strategic mindset and commercial judgement.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves preparing and running strategic sourcing events, come ready with examples of successful negotiations you've led. Highlight your approach to structuring commercial models and how you’ve navigated complex supplier relationships in the past.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This position requires strong communication skills with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you’ve collaborated with different teams, such as engineering or finance, in previous roles. Show that you can be the bridge between internal and external partners, ensuring everyone is aligned.