Head of Supply Chain

Job Description

The Head of Supply Chain is a strategic leader responsible for implementing, developing, and scaling Airbus' entire supply chain. This role designs resilient, scalable, and compliant supply bases through robust contracts and reliable partnerships, aligned with the Airbus Group strategy.

• Strategic Procurement & Sourcing (35%)
  • Define and implement sourcing strategies (make‑or‑buy, dual sourcing, localization, etc.)
  • Select, onboard, and contract key suppliers
  • Lead commercial negotiations (cost, lead times, MOQs, terms & conditions)
  • Drive cost‑reduction initiatives (should‑cost analysis, value engineering, design‑to‑cost)
  • Identify and mitigate supply risks (single sourcing, dependencies, geopolitical exposure)
  • Develop and implement mitigation plans (dual sourcing, safety stock, redesign)
  • Lead supplier‑related crisis management in coordination with Operations
  • Partner closely with the Head of Industrialization to define and execute the make‑or‑buy strategy
  • Align sourcing strategies with product roadmaps and industrial ramp‑ups
  • Align sourcing strategy and supply chain activities with Airbus group global strategy and policies
  • Foster a culture of excellence, process and data‑driven continuous improvement across the organization
• Supplier Management & Performance (35%)
  • Establish and monitor supplier performance metrics (OTD, quality, lead time, flexibility)
  • Drive supplier development and improvement plans
  • Manage strategic and critical suppliers
  • Lead supplier audits in coordination with Quality
• Bids & Contract Management (25%)
  • Secure raw materials and products, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships
  • Maintain required quantity of supplies and materials to optimize production
  • Identify and qualify new suppliers
• Team Leadership (5%)
  • Lead a multidisciplinary team of strategic and operational buyers
  • Set clear objectives, KPIs, and development plans for the team
  • Actively contribute to key cross‑functional routines (S&OP / demand reviews, NPI reviews, Shortage and escalation meetings)
  • Set up and structure processes and policy to drive supply chain activities and lead deployment of key processes into the organization

• Required:
  
  Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or equivalent work experience
• Preferred: MS in engineering or MBA

• Required
  • Minimum 10 years in procurement, supply chain, or materials management
  • Minimum 10 years in contract management and negotiation
  • Minimum 10 years of leadership building or scaling supply chain functions
  • Minimum 10 years in complex hardware industries (aerospace, drones, automotive)
  • Minimum 5 years leading and mentoring a team
  • Minimum 5 years of SAP experience
• Preferred
  • Background and experience in aerospace industry
  • Costpoint ERP and Power BI experience
  • Knowledge of FAR/DFAR contracting rules

• 30% Domestic and International

• US Person under ITAR definition (U.S. Citizen, green card holder or person covered under our ITAR license)

• None

• Required
  • Leadership in a supply chain environment
  • Strong negotiation skills
  • Strong knowledge of procurement contracts
  • Basic financial skills, including P&L management
  • Strong problem‑solving skills
  • High sense of urgency and accountability
  • Detail‑oriented with strong analytical skills
  • Risk anticipation and mitigation mindset
  • Ability to work in a multi‑cultural environment
  • Excellent communication and influence at all levels
  • Effective cross‑functional collaboration with technical and operational teams

• Required
  • English, verbal and written
  • High level of interaction with all levels of management
• Preferred
  • Some degree of French desirable

• Required
  • Microsoft Office and Google GSuite
  • Familiar with ERP systems
• Preferred
  • Basic understanding of Costpoint and Power BI

This position routinely makes complex, key business decisions regarding vendor selection, contract management and negotiation, strategy alignment on behalf of the company.

Equal Opportunity:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.