Director, Purchasing
Safran Group
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Safran Aerosystems USA's Wall Township, New Jersey facility serves as the North American headquarters for the Evacuation Systems unit, overseeing a $130M materials and services portfolio. The Director of Purchasing will lead strategic procurement, drive supplier relationships, and ensure compliance with Safran processes.
Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in purchasing, strong negotiation, and ERP/MRP expertise, with MBA a plus.
Qualifications
- BA/BS in a relevant field; MBA a plus.
- 8+ years purchasing experience with strategic sourcing.
- Strong negotiation and leadership skills.
Responsibilities
- Directly responsible for the purchasing function administration and strategy.
- Develop annual strategic plan and oversee execution of the plan.
- Negotiate multi-year contracts for pricing, quality and delivery.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to reduce costs.
- Manage supplier relationships and performance.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.
Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.
Join Safran Aerosystems: an international leader in aviation safety, fluid management and fuel systems. Our strength? Innovating to enhance flight safety (oxygen systems, evacuation systems, flotation systems) and driving the transition toward decarbonized aviation through sustainable fuels. 6,200 employees, operations in 7 countries, and one shared objective: a safer sky.
2025-164031
Performance and Support
Purchasing - Management of purchasing domains
Director, Purchasing
Permanent
Professional, Engineer & Manager
Full-time
Safran Aerosystems' Wall Township, New Jersey facility is home to the North American headquarters of our Evacuation Systems Business Unit (SEV). Here, you will help design, manufacture, maintain, and support life-saving aircraft evacuation systems, including emergency slides, life rafts, and flotation devices.
The Purchasing Director will direct and oversee the company's Purchasing Department supporting the Evacuation Systems business with a portfolio of over $130 million of materials, supplies and services spend. This position will identify, lead, and execute strategic activities that will generate long term supplier relationships while managing cost reduction opportunities. The position will work collaboratively and in close coordination with the Supply Chain department. This position will be responsible for strategic procurement activities, negotiations, contract management, and supplier performance management, ensuring compliance to the Safran Purchasing Handbook and One Safran Processes.
- Directly responsible for the overall administration, coordination and evaluation of the Purchasing function. Developing and implementing purchasing strategies aligned with the organization's overall business objectives.
- Develop the Department's annual strategic plan and oversee the Purchasing Department's execution of the annual plan and progress toward that plan as well as other Department goals.
- Responsible for the continuous development of a strategic and qualified global “Approved Supplier” base that will annually provide approximately $130 million of materials, supplies and services
- Responsible for the negotiation of multi-year contracts to ensure optimal pricing, quality and delivery of commodity materials used at all facilities.
- Collaborate with other business functions to search out the most cost effective solutions to complex supply problems.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers. including monitoring vendor performance and identifying areas of improvement.
- Build an organization capable of supporting the purchasing needs and maintain a long-term plan to effectively optimize spend in the company.
- Analyze market trends and identify opportunities for cost reduction and value creation.
- Ensure One Safran principles are applied across purchasing processes.
- Ensure that all work carried out / completed by the Purchasing (Contracts, SPM, Data Administration, Strategic, etc) are compliant to meet the requirements of Internal Control.
- Guide and mentor staff on purchasing strategic view; customer service and project management skills.
- Embrace a robust pre and post contract approach and the deployment of tools and techniques to improve the process.
- Participate in committees, teams and special projects throughout the Safran organization.
- Other duties as assigned
- On-site cafeteria with meal options, snacks, and complimentary coffee and tea
- Well-Being Committee promoting employee engagement and wellness
- Employee Club supporting social connections and team events
- Life Event Recognition Program celebrating employee milestones
- Active sports culture including golf, running, volleyball, and soccer clubs
- Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage
- FSA and HSA options, plus supplemental health benefits
- 401(k) with generous company match
- Profit-sharing program
- Paid time off and holidays
- Employee assistance and wellness programs
- Tuition assistance
Join Safran Aerosystems USA and become part of a team developing innovative aerospace solutions that shape the future of flight. Here, you can look to the skies and proudly say, "We did that."
At Safran Aerosystems USA, we value service-oriented team players who demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to adapt to our dynamic, innovative environment.
- BA/BS in Supply Chain Management, Economics, Finance, Operations, Engineering, Business, Accounting or Manufacturing related field or equivalent experience preferred, MBA a plus.
- Minimum 8+ years purchasing experience and experience in strategic sourcing.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office including word, excel, access and outlook
- General knowledge of the principles and practices of World Class Supply Chain Systems
- Exceptional negotiation skills with above average communication skills
- Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems - Expert
- Knowledge of various office software packages - Expert
- Demonstrated excellence in negotiation skills - Expert
- Demonstrated skills in leadership, management and delegation - Expert
- Excellent overall organizational and communicational skills – Expert
- Ability to work in a cross-functional/international team environment – Expert
- Strong interpersonal skills to work with team members, clients, and suppliers
- Assertive, resilient, and welcomes change
- Proven record of initiating and carrying out cost reduction programs
- Engages in and influences interest and participation of others
- Excellent organizational and time management skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
- Able to work well under pressure and handle emergency and stressful situations
- Demonstrates leadership and coaching skills
- Professional certificates (CPM, APICS) highly desirable
$140,000-170,000
North America, United States, New Jersey
Wall Township, NJ
Bachelor's Degree
More than 8 years
English (Fluent)
No
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