Strategic Procurement Manager Components

About Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines, part of the Lufthansa Group, is the national airline of Belgium with its home base at Brussels Airport.
Our mission is to be the most reliable airline, making everyone feel at home.
We are passionate about what we do, whether it’s on board, in an office, in the hangar or at an airport. Our people are recognized for always going above and beyond and for constantly challenging themselves.

Mission

As part of the Maintenance & Engineering department at Brussels Airlines, the Strategic Purchaser Components reports to the Head of Commercial and Supply Chain and plays a key role in developing and executing sourcing strategies for aircraft components. The role focuses on securing high-quality suppliers, optimizing procurement processes, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost efficiency through strategic negotiations and contract management. This position supports operational needs and long-term business objectives and will be deputized by the Head of Commercial and Supply Chain.

Tasks

Contract and Supplier Management

• Managing plan to strategy, advanced procurement and source-to-contract process for aircraft components, C&E material and APUs
• Conducting strategic sourcing to identify and evaluate potential suppliers for component maintenance and pool contracts, wheels & brakes, ARC, APU, and C&E contracts, managing tenders and supplier evaluations to ensure optimal selection based on total cost of ownership
• Managing the procurement process for assigned categories, incl. strategic negotiations, contract implementation and ongoing supplier performance management to drive value and efficiency
• Ensuring the continuous improvement of the supplier performance management and contract management processes and tools
• Building and maintaining strategic sourcing networks and developing strong supplier partnerships, both independently and in close collaboration with the LHG

Procurement and Compliance

• Translating the vision and business strategy for assigned material categories into the sourcing strategy, ensuring implementation with a focus on generating added value through strategic procurement levers
• Analyzing the supplier spanet for new opportunities to increase availability and quality while lowering costs and execute procurement activities in line with regulations and LHG policies
• Creating and maintaining contract and procurement data in relevant Brussels Airlines Procurement Tools, ensuring adherence to data and quality standards specified in CAME, MOE and Part-145 / Part M

Financial Planning and Budgeting

• Supporting the development of the annual budget for assigned material categories, including monthly cost monitoring, forecasting and follow-up
• Create and follow up clear Key Performance Indicators to steer the procurement process
• Identifying and implementing cost-saving strategies to optimize procurement efficiency and reduce expenses
• Ensuring all procurement activities align with budgetary constraints and financial goals

Interface and Coordination

• Aligning strategy requirements from key stakeholders for optimal implementation and compliance, while cooperating on LHG-level to identify synergies and saving
• Represent Brussels Airlines within the corresponding LHG entities (f.e. commercial stream within Technical Fleet Management) to align on strategy and participate in group tenders
• Coordinating with internal stakeholders, including operational procurement, inventory management, and business analysts, to assess supplier performance, align on contract details, and ensure ongoing collaboration with CAMO and Part 145 teams
• Responsible for following and continuously improving the procurement methods, guidelines and processes within ProX, regularly reviewing and optimizing practices to enhance efficiency and productivity as well as sharing procurement know-how within the LHG

Your profile         

• University degree (Bachelor’s) in Engineering and/or Business Administration or equivalent experience
• A minimum of five (5) years of professional and management experience in the field of Procurement / Supply Chain field with in-depth knowledge of negotiations, legal requirements and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) concept as well as the relevant tools and methods
• Extensive knowledge of the aviation industry, with a deep understanding of aircraft components, contract structures, turnaround times (TAT), repair cycles, supply chain dynamics and EASA regulations
• Project management experience with a proven ability to lead initiatives effectively and manage multiple priorities under pressure
• Strong organizational skills and proficiency in data management and analysis techniques, with a good command of MS Office, particularly Excel while having an entrepreneurial spirit, capable of leveraging data insights to drive strategic decisions
• Solid understanding of financial impacts on the business value chain
• Experience in managing supplier relationships, with a focus on intercultural competencies and effective communication across diverse stakeholders
• Advanced negotiation and problem-solving skills, demonstrating a proactive approach to challenges and the ability to evaluate long-term contracts to mitigate business risks
• Proficient in English (verbal and written); Dutch and / or French is a plus

What we offer

• A flexible reward plan that allows you to optimize part of your salary;
• A flexible work environment focused on activity-based working & home office possibility;
• Travel benefits;
• Company car (or car allowance);
• Profit sharing;
• Group insurance;
• Company medical plan (optional);
• Meal- & eco vouchers;
• Representation & homeworking allowance;
• A spot in a very enthusiastic team & a great company to work for.