Director of Materials

National Air Cargo Group Inc•Orlando, FL

22h•Onsite

About The Position

National Airlines is seeking a Director of Materials/Purchasing to provide strategic and operational leadership for its Materials and Purchasing functions. These functions include 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, while meeting regulatory requirements, company policies, and Technical Operations priorities. The Director oversees purchasing and repair of spare parts, warehouse operations, inventory levels and controls, supplier and vendor relationships, the Fly-Away Kit program, and development of the B777F inventory. The position manages the department budget, staffing, training, goals, performance measures, and continuous improvement efforts. It collaborates with Maintenance, Quality, Finance, Technical Operations, and other stakeholders, and provides Technical Operations leadership with updates on performance, risks, priorities, and issues affecting operational commitments. The role is based in Orlando, Florida, and reports to the Vice President of Technical Operations. The position is classified as exempt. Physical demands include extended computer work and light-to-moderate lifting of up to 10 pounds. The work environment is a moderate-noise business office or open cubicle setting.

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 the training and/or testing defined in applicable National Airlines approved or accepted manuals for the position’s duties.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills for communicating across organizational levels and settings.
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 and balance priorities while adapting to changing business needs.
Fluent in English, including reading, writing, and speaking.
Ability to pass a 10-year background check.
Valid passport.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and perform multiple assignments under stress.
Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods and perform light-to-moderate lifting of up to 10 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, aviation management, logistics, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and direction for Materials department activities, including purchasing, stores, inventory control, and warehouse operations.
Implement procurement and materials management strategies that support aircraft 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 aligned with operational needs.
Maintain inventory accuracy, cycle count programs, financial controls, and compliance with internal audit and reporting requirements.
Develop and use analytical tools, reporting, and performance metrics for purchasing decisions, inventory planning, supplier performance, and continuous improvement.
Evaluate staffing requirements, workforce planning needs, and departmental 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 regulatory requirements.
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, shipping and receiving, and training required by approved or accepted manuals.
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 applicable regulatory requirements.
Communicate expectations, monitor progress against performance measures, organize team resources, coach and mentor personnel, and reprioritize work as needed.
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 to support planning, resolve materials constraints, and align purchasing with operational priorities.
Manage procurement and administration of National’s Fly-Away Kit (FAK) program.
Develop National’s B777F inventory and work with the Vice President of Technical Operations to negotiate and implement vendor pooling programs for parts, materials, and equipment where applicable.
Maintain vendor performance scorecards and take appropriate action when required.
Manage National’s warranty program with Boeing and associated vendors.
Provide regular updates to Technical Operations leadership on department performance, risks, priorities, and issues that may affect operational commitments.
Perform other duties as assigned.