At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy for aircraft maintenance and negotiate high-value contracts.
- Company: Dynamic company in the aviation industry with a multicultural environment.
- Benefits: Exciting career opportunities, health insurance, pension, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Support for work-life balance and travel opportunities across locations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced industry while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in strategic procurement or aircraft maintenance services required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Category Strategy & Execution: Develop and implement a unified procurement strategy across group companies for Wide Body aircraft Base Maintenance. Execute the procurement strategy by running RFP, preparing and negotiating contracts, and contributing to business case preparation. Align sourcing initiatives with business objectives, cost efficiency, procurement best practices, and transformation goals.
- Supplier Management & Harmonisation: Lead third‑party MRO performance, including cost control of both fixed price and over‑and‑above, and overall turn‑around time to deliver the aircraft maintenance checks on budget and on time. Manage risks and work with OpCos to address operational challenges. Drive supplier benchmarking and comparative analysis across OpCos to identify inefficiencies and harmonisation opportunities. Negotiate group‑wide agreements to maximise leverage and rebates.
- Commercial & Contractual Excellence: Own high‑value sourcing initiatives including RFP design, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract finalisation. Collaborate with legal and finance teams to ensure robust contractual compliance and risk mitigation. Champion specification simplification and standardisation across business units.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Governance: Act as a strategic partner to senior stakeholders, influencing decisions and enabling value creation through procurement. Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, serving as the primary point of contact for category‑related decisions. Establish governance frameworks for external spend and supplier performance monitoring.
- Data‑Driven Optimisation: Use spend intelligence and analytics to identify rate leakage, contractor dependency, and opportunities for role‑based optimisation. Promote a shift from named contractor selection to skill‑based resource planning (where applicable).
Qualifications
- Minimum 5–10 years in strategic category procurement or aircraft maintenance services.
- Proven success in delivering savings and value through sourcing initiatives, especially in aircraft maintenance services.
- Strong understanding of aircraft base maintenance services; understanding of aircraft line maintenance services is a plus.
- Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
- Ability to operate effectively under tight deadlines and finite resources.
- Willingness to travel across OpCos and MRO as needed.
Benefits
- Challenging career in an exciting, fast‑moving environment within a dynamic industry.
- Opportunity to work in a multicultural environment with great offices in many locations.
- Support for work‑life balance, health insurance, pension and performance bonuses.
We are an equal opportunities employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Category Lead - Aircraft Heavy Maintenance, MRO employer: IAG Transform UK
Join a leading company in the aircraft maintenance sector, where you will thrive in a dynamic and multicultural environment. We offer a challenging career with opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits including health insurance and performance bonuses, and a strong commitment to work-life balance. As an equal opportunities employer, we value diversity and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace that empowers all employees to succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Lead - Aircraft Heavy Maintenance, MRO
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and connect with people 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 procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in aircraft maintenance services. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Lead - Aircraft Heavy Maintenance, MRO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic category procurement and aircraft maintenance services. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your previous roles; share specific examples of how you’ve delivered savings and value through sourcing initiatives. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, even better!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in a fast-moving environment!
How to prepare for a job interview at IAG Transform UK
✨Know Your Procurement Strategies
Make sure you brush up on procurement strategies, especially those related to aircraft maintenance. Be ready to discuss how you've developed and implemented similar strategies in the past, and think about specific examples where you’ve successfully executed RFPs or negotiated contracts.
✨Showcase Supplier Management Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in managing suppliers and ensuring performance. Highlight any instances where you’ve driven cost control or improved turnaround times. It’s all about demonstrating your ability to harmonise supplier relationships and tackle operational challenges.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss high-value sourcing initiatives you’ve led. Share your approach to RFP design and supplier selection, and don’t forget to mention how you’ve collaborated with legal and finance teams to ensure compliance and risk mitigation. This shows you understand the bigger picture.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Think about how you’ve influenced decisions and created value through procurement in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you’ve maintained strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers, as well as how you’ve established governance frameworks for monitoring performance. This will highlight your strategic partnership skills.
