Commodity Manager - ICoE

Job Description - Commodity Manager - ICoE (337229)

Textron Aviation has been inspiring the journey of flight for nine decades through the iconic and beloved Cessna and Beechcraft brands. We are passionate advocates of aviation, empowering people with the freedom of flight. As you join our legacy as a global leader in private aviation, you’ll have opportunities to try new fields, expand your skills and knowledge, stretch your abilities, and build your career.

We provide a competitive and extensive total rewards package that includes pay and innovative benefits to support you and your family members – now and in the future, beginning day one. Your success is our success.

Plans, organizes and controls the strategic and tactical acquisition of materials and services of technical or contractual complexity through leadership of a cross‑functional commodity team, using analytically formulated supply management strategies to assure quality, delivery and cost performance goals are met.

• Works independently to develop and apply a strategic commodity plan, analytically and strategically defining a preferred supplier base for highly technical and/or contractually complex commodities.
• Leads a Supply Chain Management Commodity Team comprised of representatives from Purchasing and works closely with Engineering, Quality, Finance, etc. to solve strategic supply problems, gain cross‑functional involvement and "buy‑in” of solutions to satisfy all needs of internal customers.
• Negotiates performance‑based, preferred supplier agreements, to provide incentive for continuous supplier improvement. Advises supervision on strategic plans.
• Defines metrics and baseline supplier performance to adequately measure continuous supplier improvement.
• Encourages and coordinates early supplier involvement in highly technically and/or contractually complex new product parts design using the supplier’s expertise to optimize quality and producibility.
• Manages continuous supplier improvement, regularly reevaluating quality and performance benchmarks, and the risks associated with the preferred supply base selection.
• Leads Purchasing personnel to assist in the research, development and implementation of solutions to supply issues.
• Maintains current knowledge on any trends by personal contact, supplier research, industry information, etc.
• Develops and/or approves improvements in Purchasing Department policies and procedures. Monitors productivity and technical proficiency of assigned procurement personnel.
• Serves as a mentor to develop Purchasing personnel, fostering an environment of productivity and continual learning.
• Leads or coordinates Purchasing personnel in various buying functions including:
  • Interviewing supplier representatives and developing new sources.
  • Arranging approved supplier contact with responsible technical and managerial personnel in other departments.
  • Expediting the delivery of critical items.
  • Settling supplier and Cessna claims.
  • Coordinating with other departments regarding new programs.
  • Driving resolution on recurring issues, including part shortages, quality issues, and reliability problems.

• Bachelors’ degree required
• Minimum of 7 years’ aerospace/aviation purchasing or relative experience
• Supervisory experience is preferred

• Strong written and verbal communication
• Strong computer proficiency, particularly with Microsoft Office Suite
• Must possess strong negotiation, analytical, program management, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate to achieve desired goals and results
• Excellent and personable verbal, presentation and written communication skills.
• Ability to identify and maintain a high degree of confidentiality, when necessary.
• Strong work ethic and sense of urgency, with the ability to manage competing demands and frequent changes in the work environment, while managing time effectively to meet deadlines

Join Textron Aviation’s Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Visit  for more information on the tax credit.

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.