Manager - Purchasing & Performance

United Airlines; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

United Airlines is seeking a purchasing leader to manage a team of buyers and analysts responsible for tactical parts procurement to support Technical Operations. The role focuses on prioritizing work, steering projects, and streamlining leadership-to-supplier communication.

As a manager, you will develop staff, monitor supplier performance, and ensure adherence to contracts, policies, and regulatory requirements.

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 for any employer without sponsorship
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

Responsibilities

• Manages team responsible for purchasing in accordance with company policy and procedures
• Uses work management systems to execute responsibilities and set project goals to constantly drive improvements
• Meets with employees regularly to clear hurdles and escalate 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

Skills

Leadership

Data Analytics

Purchasing & Sourcing

Contract Knowledge

Time Management

Education

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

Tools

Work management systems

Job description

Purpose of the job is to manage a team of purchasing representatives and analysts who will be responsible for tactical purchasing of parts to support Technical Operations. Management role required to prioritize work and projects within the team. This role is also required to streamline leadership and communication between the United tactical purchasing team and suppliers.

• 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 escalate 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

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
• 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
• 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.