Manager - Operational Purchasing (Outside Vendor Performance)

About the role

Sanad Aerotech is hiring a Manager for its Gate 2 (Outside Vendor Performance) function in Abu Dhabi. The role oversees the performance of external repair vendors in the aviation and aero-engine MRO sector, ensuring repair orders are executed on time and within budget while meeting quality and regulatory standards. It coordinates procurement, material fulfillment, kitting and warehouse teams to support engine maintenance and overhaul schedules. The position reports to the Head of Gate 2 and sits at Grade 9 within Operations.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the initiation, approval and tracking of repair orders against procurement policy and Oracle cMRO workflows, and ensure repaired parts are returned and kitted on schedule.
• Build partnerships with OEM-approved MROs and third-party repair shops, monitor vendor KPIs, run quarterly business reviews and prepare risk mitigation plans; manage vendor agreements with legal and contracts teams.
• Align repair schedules with procurement and material teams, coordinate receipt, inspection and kitting of repaired components, and escalate critical delays.
• Analyse historical turnaround times, negotiate vendor terms and control costs in line with budgets, working with finance and commercial teams.
• Lead and mentor a team of buyers handling repair orders, prioritising workloads by engine schedule and vendor lead times.
• Produce reports and dashboards on repair orders and vendor performance, ensure compliance with FAA, EASA and GCAA regulations, and drive continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field, preferably with APICS CIPM or CSCP certification.
• Minimum 8 years' experience in supply chain, procurement or vendor performance in aerospace, aviation or MRO, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Expertise in repair vendor management, turnaround time optimisation, contract negotiation, cost control and supplier risk management in regulated environments.

Required skills

• Repair order processing and procurement and supplier management.
• Data analysis and reporting with Microsoft Excel, Power BI and Oracle cMRO.
• Leadership of procurement teams and strategic thinking focused on operational excellence and vendor escalation.

Internal employees are encouraged to apply; the role is full-time and includes training on Oracle cMRO, procurement workflows and vendor management best practices. Applications require a resume/CV and a passport-size photograph.