Director of Procurement

Comlux America•Indianapolis, IN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Procurement is responsible for leading and developing the procurement organization while driving strategic sourcing initiatives that support operational excellence, cost optimization, and continuity of supply across the business. This role partners closely with executive leadership and cross-functional departments to align procurement strategies with organizational objectives supporting aircraft completion, maintenance, engineering, and fabrication operations and supplier relationships, contract negotiations, purchasing strategy, and global sourcing activities to ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of materials, equipment, and services. This role is also responsible for maximizing rebate opportunities, supplier incentive programs, and overall purchasing efficiencies to improve gross profit performance and operational execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Aviation Management, or related field required.
Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience.
Minimum of 3–5 years of leadership experience managing procurement or supply chain teams.
Demonstrated expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, and cost reduction initiatives.
Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing procurement organizations.
Strong leadership, organizational development, and team-building capabilities.
Strong financial and commercial acumen with demonstrated ability to improve margins and manage complex spend categories.
Comprehensive understanding of procurement strategy, sourcing methodologies, inventory management, and supply chain operations.
Excellent negotiation, supplier management, and contract administration skills.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
Proficiency with ERP systems, procurement software, Microsoft Office applications, and reporting tools.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in aviation, aerospace, MRO, manufacturing, construction, or other highly regulated industrial environments strongly preferred.
Experience supporting operational growth, transformation initiatives, or private equity-backed environments is preferred.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop the procurement and purchasing organization, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Establish departmental performance objectives, KPIs, and operational metrics aligned with company goals.
Develop and implement procurement best practices, policies, and standardized processes across the organization.
Build and scale a procurement organization capable of supporting complex global aviation operations and future business growth.
Promote a culture focused on operational excellence, customer service, compliance, and cost discipline.
Develop and execute procurement strategies supporting aircraft completion, maintenance, engineering, and production operations.
Drive cost containment, margin improvement, and operational efficiency initiatives while ensuring quality, lead-time performance, and continuity of supply.
Identify and mitigate supply chain risks including long lead-time constraints, sole-source suppliers, material shortages, and capacity limitations.
Establish sourcing governance, procurement controls, and supplier compliance standards to ensure operational consistency and regulatory adherence.
Monitor procurement trends, market conditions, and supplier performance to support strategic sourcing decisions.
Support inventory optimization initiatives while balancing operational readiness and working capital objectives.
Serve as the primary corporate liaison with key suppliers, vendors, and service providers.
Lead supplier selection, qualification, contract negotiations, and long-term supplier relationship management activities.
Maximize vendor rebate programs, preferred supplier agreements, and strategic sourcing incentives to improve profitability.
Develop strategic supplier partnerships that support reliability, innovation, scalability, and competitive pricing.
Conduct supplier performance reviews and implement corrective action plans when necessary to improve delivery, quality, and service levels.
Partner closely with executive leadership, operations, engineering, finance, planning, and program management teams to align procurement activities with company objectives.
Ensure procurement execution supports aircraft production schedules, customer commitments, and operational priorities.
Oversee day-to-day purchasing activities as required, resolving escalations and supply chain disruptions impacting operations.
Support budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, and make-versus-buy decision-making processes.
Collaborate with Quality, Compliance, and Supply Chain teams to ensure adherence to FAA, AS9100, and other regulatory requirements.