Director of Materials

National Airlines • Orlando, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Materials/Purchasing provides strategic and operational leadership for the Materials and Purchasing functions, including procurement, inventory control, stores, warehousing, supplier management, and materials planning. The role ensures aircraft parts and materials are available to support safe, compliant, cost-effective, and efficient airline operations, in alignment with regulatory requirements, company policies, and Technical Operations priorities.

The Director leads purchasing and repair of spare parts, materials planning, warehouse operations, supplier and vendor management, inventory controls, department budgeting, workforce planning, training, performance management, and continuous improvement. The position is accountable for National Airlines’ Fly-Away Kit program, developing the B777F inventory, the Boeing and vendor warranty program, and providing updates to Technical Operations leadership. The role reports to the Vice President of Technical Operations and is based in Orlando, Florida.

Requirements

• Working knowledge and understanding of Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFRs), National Airlines approved or accepted manuals, as applicable, and Operations Specifications.
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in aviation materials, purchasing, supply chain, inventory control, or related Technical Operations functions.
• At least 3 years of experience in a leadership or management capacity.
• Satisfactorily complete training and/or testing defined in National Airlines approved or accepted manuals pertinent to the position’s duties.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills across organizational levels.
• Ability to coordinate and execute projects involving multiple dependent departments.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities, sound judgment, and influencing skills.
• Ability to multitask, balance competing priorities, and adapt to changing business needs.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Pass a 10-year background check.
• Valid passport.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, aviation management, logistics, or a related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant aviation experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead Materials department activities, including purchasing, stores, inventory control, and warehouse operations.
• Implement procurement and materials management strategies to support parts availability, cost control, supplier performance, and maintenance requirements.
• Direct warehouse receiving, storage, issuance, traceability, and control of aircraft parts, materials, tooling, and supplies.
• Manage the Materials department budget, monitor spending, and recommend cost-effective solutions.
• Maintain inventory accuracy, cycle count programs, financial controls, and compliance with internal audit and reporting requirements.
• Develop and use analytics, reporting, and performance metrics for purchasing decisions, inventory planning, supplier performance, and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate staffing needs, workforce planning, and department structure.
• Oversee training, development, and performance expectations for Materials department personnel.
• Establish departmental goals, objectives, operating priorities, and performance measures aligned with Technical Operations and company goals.
• Direct the purchasing, repair, storage, and distribution of spare parts in accordance with the General Maintenance Manual and applicable regulations.
• Provide leadership and performance oversight for Stores and Purchasing personnel, including senior managers, managers, supervisors, and team members.
• Determine and maintain inventory levels to support aircraft availability, maintenance schedules, AOG requirements, and operational readiness.
• Develop, maintain, and administer purchasing and repair procedures for materials, consumables, and rotatable parts.
• Ensure procurement, repair agency, certification, audit, and traceability documentation is complete and maintained before procurement, shipment, or repair of aircraft rotatable parts.
• Ensure stores and purchasing personnel complete required training, including HAZMAT and shipping and receiving training.
• Lead supplier, vendor, contract, and agreement management for materials-related services and partnerships.
• Oversee disposition and sale of excess inventory in accordance with company policy, financial controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate departmental expectations, monitor progress against measures, organize team resources, and reprioritize work as needed.
• Coach and mentor department personnel and assist them in establishing goals and objectives.
• Lead special projects and continuous improvement initiatives involving materials availability, purchasing efficiency, inventory accuracy, supplier performance, and cross-functional problem resolution.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, Finance, Technical Operations, and other stakeholders on planning, materials constraints, and purchasing priorities.
• Manage National’s Fly-Away Kit program and develop National’s B777F inventory.
• Work with the Vice President of Technical Operations to negotiate and implement applicable parts, material, and equipment pooling programs.
• Maintain vendor scorecards and take appropriate action when required.
• Manage National’s warranty program with Boeing and associated vendors.
• Provide Technical Operations leadership with regular updates on department performance, risks, priorities, and issues affecting operational commitments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed