Director Procurement

Join Atlas Air Worldwide. Move the World with Us! At Atlas Air Worldwide, we're not just an airline, we're a global engine powering cargo, passenger, and leasing operations across more than 70 countries. As a leader in outsourced aviation logistics, we're built on a foundation of safety, service excellence, integrity, innovation, teamwork, and responsibility. With over 30 years of history, a modern all-Boeing fleet, and nearly 5,000 teammates collaborating across operations, technical, and corporate functions, we're driven by purpose.

This role requires a hybrid, in‑office work schedule in either our Erlanger, Kentucky or Miami, Florida location.

The Director of Procurement for Technical Operations is responsible for leading sourcing and supplier management activities across technical and maintenance‑related categories, including aircraft components, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, and other related technical services. This role partners closely with Line Maintenance, Scheduled Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain Operations, Finance, and Legal to ensure cost‑effective, reliable, and compliant supply of critical goods and services that keep the fleet airworthy and operational.

The Director will develop category strategies, lead negotiations with suppliers and service providers, and ensure suppliers meet the highest standards for safety, quality, and performance.

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies for aircraft materials, components, MRO services, and technical operations support.
• Develop supplier risk assessments and selection criteria for all sourcing activities.
• Partner with Technical Operations leadership group to forecast needs, manage lifecycle costs, and support fleet reliability objectives.
• Develop category‑specific commercial and risk mitigation strategies that ensure operational continuity and deliver value‑added solutions.
• Integrate sustainability, ESG, and cost optimization goals into procurement strategy and supplier selection.
• Lead complex negotiations with Technical Operations suppliers to secure best‑in‑class commercial terms and service levels.
• Oversee sourcing and contracting for line and base maintenance and component repairs.
• Ensure supplier compliance with FAA/EASA and internal quality standards, including safety, documentation, and traceability requirements.
• Partner with business stakeholders to identify and negotiate supplier performance concepts in agreement, including KPIs, SLAs, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Utilize data analytics, market intelligence, and benchmarking to identify cost savings and operational improvements.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team of managers and analysts.
• Develop and maintain positive engagements with suppliers during sourcing activities and throughout the supplier lifecycle, in partnership with Supplier Management and business stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including Scheduled Maintenance, Supply Chain Operations, Engineering, Finance, and Legal.
• Present sourcing strategies, cost savings, and supplier briefings to senior leadership.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the procurement organization.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related technical field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of procurement or supply chain experience within the aviation or aerospace industry, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Deep understanding of MRO operations, aircraft systems, and technical procurement processes.
• Proven ability to manage complex negotiations and long‑term agreements with OEMs and service providers.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements (FAA, EASA, IATA) and aviation quality standards.
• Strong analytical, financial, and project management skills.
• Experience with ERP and procurement systems (e.g., SAP or Ariba).
• Willingness to work onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and travel as needed to other office or vendor locations.

• Experience with airline, MRO, or OEM procurement operations.
• Knowledge of component repair…