Director, Strategic Sourcing

Our company MHI RJ Aviation Group (MHIRJ) provides comprehensive critical operational, engineering and customer support solutions including maintenance, refurbishment, technical publications, marketing and sales activities for the global regional aircraft industry. Headquartered in Boisbriand, Quebec, and bolstered by an Aerospace Engineering Center, MHIRJ’s network of service centers, support offices and parts depots are positioned in important aviation hubs in the U.S., Canada and Germany. A wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd, MHI RJ Aviation Group includes MHI RJ Aviation ULC (Canada), MHI RJ Aviation Inc. (U.S.A.) and MHI RJ Aviation GmbH (Germany).

The Director, Strategic Sourcing, is responsible for leading and optimizing sourcing, procurement, and vendor management strategies to deliver efficient sourcing programs for the CRJ Program (CRJ200/CRJ550/CRJ700/CRJ900 aircraft). This role includes negotiating and executing long-term sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring cost-effective procurement of goods and services. The Director will work closely with business units’ stakeholders and leaders, managing supply chain risk and supporting the development of optimized contractual documents and processes. The Director will lead a team of specialists in strategic sourcing and collaborate with various company functions to enhance value creation and margin expansion.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy Development:

• • Develop and implement comprehensive sourcing and procurement strategies.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
  • Align sourcing strategies with business objectives and market conditions.

Supplier Management:

• • Identify, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships.
  • Negotiate contracts and agreements to ensure favorable terms.
  • Monitor supplier performance and compliance with contractual obligations.
  • Organize business reviews with key suppliers.

Cost and Risk Management:

• • Analyze market trends and conditions for cost-saving opportunities.
  • Implement strategies to reduce procurement costs and improve financial performance.
  • Develop and manage the sourcing budget.
  • Identify and mitigate risks associated with sourcing and procurement.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• • Collaborate with other departments (e.g., finance, operations, legal) to align sourcing strategies.
  • Lead cross-functional teams to achieve sourcing and procurement objectives.
  • Communicate sourcing strategies and outcomes to stakeholders.
  • Analyze value stream spend data and evaluate margin expansion opportunities.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• • Utilize data analytics to inform sourcing decisions and strategies.
  • Develop and maintain metrics and reports to track sourcing performance.
  • Present findings and recommendations to senior management.

Team Leadership:

• • Lead and mentor a team of sourcing and procurement professionals.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Provide training and development opportunities for team members.
  • Ensure appropriate resources are available to achieve team objectives and deadlines.

Problem Solving and Creativity:

• • Develop new strategic sourcing strategies based on the CRJ Program life cycle.
  • Provide guidance on resolving complex contractual and relationship issues with suppliers.
  • Exercise judgment to elevate issues to higher management and make recommendations.

Decision Making:

• • Make high-impact decisions on P&L and cash related to the CRJ Program.
  • Exercise high standards of judgment in balancing risk management with supplier focus.

Work and Partner Relations:

• • Interface directly with senior management within MHI RJ Aviation Group and external suppliers.
  • Foster strong work and interpersonal relationships.
  • Develop strategic alliances with internal/external suppliers to resolve needs.
  • Influence collaborators and stakeholders to support MHI RJ Aviation Group initiatives.

Supervision:

• • Work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Provide tactical and strategic leadership to direct reports and employees.

Qualifications:

Education:

• • Minimum university degree in Business, Engineering, Law, or a related field.
  • MBA, Law, or Engineering secondary degree or designation preferred.

Experience:

• • 7-10 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
  • 5-7 years’ experience in Procurement or a similar role at the managerial level, in Aerospace or a related field.

Skills:

• • Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Proficiency in sourcing and procurement software and tools.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
  • Knowledge of industry regulations and standards.
  • In-depth knowledge of MHI RJ Aviation Group functions and strong business acumen.
  • Excellent command of the English language (oral and written); additional languages are an asset.
  • Strong leadership and management skills.
  • Ability to travel for extended periods as required.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Develop and implement long-term sourcing strategies.
• Leadership: Motivate and manage a team effectively.
• Analytical Skills: Analyze data to drive decisions.
• Negotiation Skills: Negotiate favorable terms with suppliers.
• Communication: Present complex information clearly.
• Problem-Solving: Proactively address issues and develop solutions.
• Customer Service Focus: Excel in fostering influential relationships.
• Flexibility: Adapt to changing requirements and travel as needed