Operational Purchasing Lead - Gate 2 (Aviation MRO)

The Sanad Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 320,000 - 460,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sanad Group in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Team Leader – Operational Purchasing to lead and coordinate purchasing for aviation and aero-engine MRO projects. You will ensure timely, compliant, and cost-effective sourcing of materials, components, and services, aligned with applicable regulatory and quality requirements.

You will manage complex requisitions and supplier negotiations, monitor order progress, and collaborate with Operations, Planning, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Logistics,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Purchasing, Business Administration, Engineering, Aviation Management, Logistics, or a related discipline.
• Professional certification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, Association for Supply Chain Management, or an equivalent recognized procurement or supply-chain professional body is preferred.
• Certified Supply Chain Professional, Certified Professional in Supply Management, CIPS qualification, or equivalent certification is preferred.
• Training relating to European Union Aviation Safety Agency, Federal Aviation Administration, or other applicable civil aviation regulatory requirements is preferred.
• Leadership, supervisory, coaching, or people-management training is preferred.
• Commercial negotiation or contract-management training is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate day-to-day operational purchasing activities to ensure timely, compliant, and effective sourcing.
• Drive strategic sourcing for high-value, critical materials within regulatory and quality requirements.
• Oversee requisitions, POs, and delivery management from initiation to receipt.
• Establish and maintain supplier relationships, negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery conditions.
• Act as a primary liaison with Operations, Planning, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Logistics, and Supply Chain.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, controls, and aviation regulations; monitor supplier performance.
• Provide coaching and guidance to Specialists and junior staff; promote best practices and process improvements.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, controls, and data quality; support process standardization.

Skills

Operational Purchasing Leadership

Strategic Sourcing

Procurement and Supply Chain

Supplier Relationship

Commercial Negotiation

Aviation Quality

Stakeholder Engagement

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related discipline

Professional certification from CIPS/ISM or equivalent

CIPS / equivalent certification

EU/ aviation regulatory training (preferred)

Job description

The Sanad Group in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Team Leader – Operational Purchasing to lead and coordinate purchasing for aviation and aero-engine MRO projects. You will ensure timely, compliant, and cost-effective sourcing of materials, components, and services, aligned with applicable regulatory and quality requirements.

You will manage complex requisitions and supplier negotiations, monitor order progress, and collaborate with Operations, Planning, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Logistics,