Director, Purchasing

Are you ready to be part of a team that drives big ideas and even bigger wins? At Safran, we believe in the power of both collaboration and individual contributions. We understand that it takes diverse perspectives, problem-solving skills, dependability, and trust to push each other forward and achieve great success. For us, working here is more than just a job; it's a passion.

The Purchasing Director will direct and oversee the company's Purchasing Department supporting the Evacuation Systems business with a portfolio of over $130 million of materials, supplies and services spend. This position will identify, lead, and execute strategic activities that will generate long term supplier relationships while managing cost reduction opportunities. The position will work collaboratively and in close coordination with the Supply Chain department. This position will be responsible for strategic procurement activities, negotiations, contract management, and supplier performance management, ensuring compliance to the Safran Purchasing Handbook and One Safran Processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Directly responsible for the overall administration, coordination and evaluation of the Purchasing function. Developing and implementing purchasing strategies aligned with the organization's overall business objectives.
• Develop the Department's annual strategic plan and oversee the Purchasing Department's execution of the annual plan and progress toward that plan as well as other Department goals.
• Responsible for the continuous development of a strategic and qualified global “Approved Supplier” base that will annually provide approximately $130 million of materials, supplies and services
• Responsible for the negotiation of multi-year contracts to ensure optimal pricing, quality and delivery of commodity materials used at all facilities.
• Collaborate with other business functions to search out the most cost effective solutions to complex supply problems.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers. including monitoring vendor performance and identifying areas of improvement.
• Build an organization capable of supporting the purchasing needs and maintain a long-term plan to effectively optimize spend in the company.
• Analyze market trends and identify opportunities for cost reduction and value creation.
• Ensure One Safran principles are applied across purchasing processes.
• Ensure that all work carried out / completed by the Purchasing (Contracts, SPM, Data Administration, Strategic, etc) are compliant to meet the requirements of Internal Control.
• Guide and mentor staff on purchasing strategic view; customer service and project management skills.
• Embrace a robust pre and post contract approach and the deployment of tools and techniques to improve the process.
• Participate in committees, teams and special projects throughout the Safran organization.
• Other duties as assigned

Are you ready to be part of a team that drives big ideas and even bigger wins? At Safran, we believe in the power of both collaboration and individual contributions. We understand that it takes diverse perspectives, problem-solving skills, dependability, and trust to push each other forward and achieve great success. For us, working here is more than just a job; it's a passion.

The Purchasing Director will direct and oversee the company's Purchasing Department supporting the Evacuation Systems business with a portfolio of over $130 million of materials, supplies and services spend. This position will identify, lead, and execute strategic activities that will generate long term supplier relationships while managing cost reduction opportunities. The position will work collaboratively and in close coordination with the Supply Chain department. This position will be responsible for strategic procurement activities, negotiations, contract management, and supplier performance management, ensuring compliance to the Safran Purchasing Handbook and One Safran Processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Directly responsible for the overall administration, coordination and evaluation of the Purchasing function. Developing and implementing purchasing strategies aligned with the organization's overall business objectives.
• Develop the Department's annual strategic plan and oversee the Purchasing Department's execution of the annual plan and progress toward that plan as well as other Department goals.
• Responsible for the continuous development of a strategic and qualified global “Approved Supplier” base that will annually provide approximately $130 million of materials, supplies and services
• Responsible for the negotiation of multi-year contracts to ensure optimal pricing, quality and delivery of commodity materials used at all facilities.
• Collaborate with other business functions to search out the most cost effective solutions to complex supply problems.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers. including monitoring vendor performance and identifying areas of improvement.
• Build an organization capable of supporting the purchasing needs and maintain a long-term plan to effectively optimize spend in the company.
• Analyze market trends and identify opportunities for cost reduction and value creation.
• Ensure One Safran principles are applied across purchasing processes.
• Ensure that all work carried out / completed by the Purchasing (Contracts, SPM, Data Administration, Strategic, etc) are compliant to meet the requirements of Internal Control.
• Guide and mentor staff on purchasing strategic view; customer service and project management skills.
• Embrace a robust pre and post contract approach and the deployment of tools and techniques to improve the process.
• Participate in committees, teams and special projects throughout the Safran organization.
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

Education and/or Experience
• BA/BS in Supply Chain Management, Economics, Finance, Operations, Engineering, Business, Accounting or Manufacturing related field or equivalent experience preferred, MBA a plus.
• Minimum 8+ years purchasing experience and experience in strategic sourcing.

Knowledge/Skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including word, excel, access and outlook
• General knowledge of the principles and practices of World Class Supply Chain Systems
• Exceptional negotiation skills with above average communication skills
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems - Expert
• Knowledge of various office software packages - Expert
• Demonstrated excellence in negotiation skills - Expert
• Demonstrated skills in leadership, management and delegation - Expert
• Excellent overall organizational and communicational skills – Expert
• Ability to work in a cross-functional/international team environment – Expert
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with team members, clients, and suppliers
• Assertive, resilient, and welcomes change
• Proven record of initiating and carrying out cost reduction programs
• Engages in and influences interest and participation of others
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Able to work well under pressure and handle emergency and stressful situations
• Demonstrates leadership and coaching skills

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• Professional certificates (CPM, APICS) highly desirable

Job Requirements

Education and/or Experience
• BA/BS in Supply Chain Management, Economics, Finance, Operations, Engineering, Business, Accounting or Manufacturing related field or equivalent experience preferred, MBA a plus.
• Minimum 8+ years purchasing experience and experience in strategic sourcing.

Knowledge/Skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including word, excel, access and outlook
• General knowledge of the principles and practices of World Class Supply Chain Systems
• Exceptional negotiation skills with above average communication skills
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems - Expert
• Knowledge of various office software packages - Expert
• Demonstrated excellence in negotiation skills - Expert
• Demonstrated skills in leadership, management and delegation - Expert
• Excellent overall organizational and communicational skills – Expert
• Ability to work in a cross-functional/international team environment – Expert
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with team members, clients, and suppliers
• Assertive, resilient, and welcomes change
• Proven record of initiating and carrying out cost reduction programs
• Engages in and influences interest and participation of others
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Able to work well under pressure and handle emergency and stressful situations
• Demonstrates leadership and coaching skills

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• Professional certificates (CPM, APICS) highly desirable

Company Information

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Aerosystems is one of the world leaders in aviation systems dedicated to aircraft and helicopter safety, as well as fluid and fuel management. The company is a key player in the field of flight safety (oxygen, evacuation, floatation) and participates in the decarbonization of aviation through enabling sustainable alternative fuels and new engine architectures. It has 5,200 employees in 7 countries.

Company Information

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Aerosystems is one of the world leaders in aviation systems dedicated to aircraft and helicopter safety, as well as fluid and fuel management. The company is a key player in the field of flight safety (oxygen, evacuation, floatation) and participates in the decarbonization of aviation through enabling sustainable alternative fuels and new engine architectures. It has 5,200 employees in 7 countries.