Manager - Purchasing and Performance

United Airlines; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 102,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Long-term incentive compensation

Job summary

United Airlines seeks a Manager of Purchasing and Performance to lead a team responsible for corporate procurement, drive supplier performance, and align standards with policy. The role supports our tech ops and supply chain functions to keep operations smooth and costs controlled.

You will coach staff, set goals in work management systems, and participate in weekly supplier reviews. Travel about 25% is expected, with opportunities across multiple locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Data Science.
• 4+ years supply chain or related experience.
• 2+ years management experience.
• Travel 25% of the time.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Manages team responsible for purchasing in accordance with company policy and procedures.
• Uses work management systems to execute responsibilities and set project goals.
• Meets with employees regularly to clear hurdles and escalate to senior managers as needed.
• Develops employees by providing feedback and opportunities.
• Trains and supports supply‑chain team members, including materials managers, buyers, analysts, and storekeepers.
• Attends supplier performance and review meetings.
• Continuously monitors supplier performance with respect to contractual metrics.
• Maintains current knowledge on regulatory, policy, and industry issues impacting supplier systems.

Skills

Data Analytics

Supplier management

Contract knowledge

Purchasing and sourcing processes

Leadership and people management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Data Science

Tools

Work management systems

Project management tools

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Job description

Manager - Purchasing and Performance

This job is available in 8 locations.

Job Type: Full-Time

Posted Date: 10/19/2026

Achieving our goals starts with supporting yours. Grow your career, access top-tier health and wellness benefits, build lasting connections with your team and our customers, and travel the world using our extensive route network.

Come join us to create what’s next. Let’s define tomorrow, together.

Description

At United, we have some of the best aircraft in the world. Our Technical Operations team is full of aircraft maintenance technicians, engineers, planners, ground equipment and facilities professionals, and supply chain teams that help make sure they’re well taken care of and ready to get our customers to their desired destinations. If you’re ready to work on our planes, join our Tech Ops experts and help keep our fleet in tip-top shape.

Job overview and responsibilities

• Manages team responsible for purchasing in accordance with company policy and procedures
• Uses work management systems to execute to responsibilities and set project goals to constantly drive improvements
• Meets with employees regularly to clear hurdles and escape to senior managers as needed
• Grows knowledge of ATA chapters within each team member
• Develops employees by providing feedback and diverse opportunities
• Trains and supports supply‑chain team members, including materials managers, buyers, analysts, and storekeepers
• Serves as primary point of contact for suppliers for purchase discrepancies requiring immediate action
• Attends weekly supplier performance, business, and technical review meetings
• Continuously monitors supplier performance with respect to contractual metrics, including site and station audits
• Provides feedback on suppliers to Sr. Managers
• Maintains current knowledge on regulatory, policy, and industry issues that may impact supplier systems and operations

Qualifications

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Data Science
• 4+ years supply chain or related experience
• 2+ years management experience
• Leadership and people management skills
• Supplier management
• Contract knowledge
• Data Analytics
• Knowledge of purchasing and sourcing processes
• Efficient with time and adaptable to changing priorities
• Travel 25% of the time
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Leadership certificates
• 2+ years project management experience
• Systems engineering knowledge
• Airline/Aerospace knowledge
• Demonstrates an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and effectively leverages them for research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving. Applies critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to company policies related to responsible AI use, data privacy, and security.

The base pay range for this role is $102,220.00 to $133,194.00.

The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, factors such as experience, education, and skills. This position is also eligible for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation awards.