External Supply Planning Manager M/F

Safran Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran Seats in Abu Dhabi is seeking an External Supply Planning Manager to lead the operational and tactical planning of externally supplied components and materials, ensuring uninterrupted production through supplier management in collaboration with the buying organization.

You will coach a team of about five, monitor procurement KPIs, and drive continuous improvement and Lean initiatives across ERP-driven schedules.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in procurement planning and supplier management.
• Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and supplier portals.
• Experience with Lean practices and risk mitigation.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily and weekly procurement activities, aligning with ERP-driven production schedules.
• Ensure timely placement, maintenance, and follow-up of purchase orders to suppliers.
• Manage supplier priorities, shortage routines, and orderbook performance.
• Provide supply chain input for strategic sourcing and supplier selection decisions.
• Monitor supplier capacity against rolling forecasts and coordinate with international teams to address gaps.
• Maintain critical supplier risk registers and mitigation plans.
• Ensure procurement processes are documented and drive continuous improvement.
• Track and manage procurement KPIs and on-time delivery metrics.
• Coach, develop, and support a team of around five, setting performance goals.

Skills

Supplier management

ERP/MRP systems

Forecasting & planning

Lean practices

Tools

Supplier portals

Analytics tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job description

External Supply Planning Manager M/F

Permanent

Professional, Engineer & Manager

Full-time

Ready to take part in shaping the future of aerospace in the Middle East? Safran Seats is expanding its industrial footprint with a brand-new production plant, bringing our expertise even closer to customers and the region's dynamic aviation hub. Here, our teams will deliver top-tier Business and Economy Class seats, supporting airline partners. To join this exciting new journey, we are now seeking an External Supply Planning Manager – a key role at the heart of our growth. The objective is to lead the operational and tactical planning of externally supplied components and materials, ensuring uninterrupted production through effective supplier management in collaboration with the strategic Purchasing organisation. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading daily and weekly procurement activities, ensuring alignment with ERP-driven production schedules.
• Ensuring timely placement, maintenance, and follow-up of purchase orders to both internal and external suppliers.
• Managing supplier priorities, shortage routines, and orderbook performance in line with changing production requirements.
• Providing supply chain input for strategic sourcing and supplier selection decisions.
• Monitoring supplier capacity against rolling forecasts and working with international teams to address any shortfalls or disruptions.
• Maintaining critical supplier risk registers and operational mitigation plans.
• Ensuring procurement processes are documented and compliant with Internal Referential standards, driving continuous and digital improvement in line with business transformation initiatives.
• Tracking and managing procurement KPIs and on-time delivery metrics.
• Coaching, developing, and supporting a team of approximately five, setting performance goals, and ensuring staff development.

Management: You will lead a team of around five and report directly to the Supply Chain Director.

• Minimum 5 years' experience in procurement planning and supplier management, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong technical expertise with ERP/MRP systems, supplier portals, and supply chain analytic tools.
• Solid knowledge of inventory planning methods, demand and supply analysis, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Experience in supplier relationship and performance management, including escalation and recovery plans.
• Demonstrated ability in structured problem-solving and experience with lean practices; greenbelt qualification a plus.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office and relevant analytical/management software.
• Excellent interpersonal, planning, and communication skills with the ability to coach, lead, and develop a team.