Air India - Manager - Procurement

Job Purpose:
- Execute strategic procurement strategies for aircraft BFE, SFE, MRO, service providers, and related contracts aligned with Air India Group business goals.
- Lead RFPs, negotiations, and contract management.
- Drive cost optimization initiatives while ensuring quality and regulatory compliance.
- Build relationships with key aviation stakeholders to identify strategic partnership opportunities.
- Evaluate suppliers for alignment with Air India's standards and requirements.
- Monitor industry, market, and regulatory developments to identify risks and opportunities.
Key Accountabilities:
Strategic Procurement:
- Implement strategic procurement plans aligned with Air India's Group business objectives.
- Identify cost-saving and value optimization opportunities.
- Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, competitor benchmarking, and industry dynamics to inform procurement strategies.
- Stay informed of industry developments and emerging technologies.
- Lead RFPs and contract negotiations for engineering items including components, base/line maintenance, wheels and brakes, landing gear, APUs, tyres, and ground handling services.
- Lead RFPs and negotiations for BFE and SFE requirements including seats, inflight entertainment systems, connectivity systems, avionics, galley equipment, safety equipment, and related aircraft requirements.
- Prepare reports and presentations for approvals.
Supplier Management:
- Manage supplier relationships and support contract negotiations.
- Monitor supplier performance against delivery, quality, and contractual commitments.
- Conduct supplier evaluations and drive performance improvement initiatives.
- Participate in industry events to identify suppliers, technologies, products, and services.
Financial Analysis and Negotiation:
- Develop supplier evaluation models, conduct commercial and financial analysis, assess competing technologies and products, and provide recommendations.
- Benchmark pricing, payment terms, and commercial conditions against market standards.
- Negotiate commercial terms with manufacturers, service providers, and MROs.
Compliance and Risk Management:
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal procurement policies.
- Collaborate with Legal, Finance, and user departments to finalize contracts.
- Additional responsibilities may be assigned from time to time as project-based or ongoing work, as agreed between the incumbent, reporting officer, and HR.
Skills/Qualities Required:
- Strategic Procurement Planning
- Supplier Relationship Building
- Negotiation and Contract Management
- Regulatory Compliance Assurance
- Financial Analysis and Modeling
- Risk Mitigation Strategy
Educational and Experience Requirements:
Minimum Education Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
- Master's degree, MBA, or CA preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum: 3 - 5 years of experience in procurement, engineering, MRO, aircraft contracts, or related aviation roles.
- Desired: 5 - 7+ years of procurement experience focused on aircraft contracts, including complex negotiations and supplier relationship management.