Aerospace Procurement Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the era of rapid technological advancements, the role of an Aerospace Procurement Specialist has become increasingly important.

As the aerospace industry continues to grow and evolve, so does the demand for specialists who can successfully manage the procurement of aerospace parts and services.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Aerospace Procurement Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the dynamics of aerospace procurement,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Aerospace Procurement Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Aerospace Procurement Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Aerospace Procurement Specialists are responsible for purchasing the goods, materials, and services necessary for aerospace manufacturing operations.

They work with vendors and suppliers, negotiate contracts, and ensure that procured items meet the technical and quality specifications required for aerospace projects.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Identifying and sourcing potential suppliers and vendors for aerospace manufacturing needs
• Negotiating contracts and agreements with suppliers to ensure best quality, cost and delivery timelines
• Inspecting and verifying the quality and specifications of procured items to ensure compliance with aerospace standards
• Monitoring market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers
• Processing purchasing orders and maintaining accurate records of purchases, pricing, and other important data
• Developing and maintaining professional relationships with suppliers and vendors
• Working closely with other departments, such as engineering and quality assurance, to ascertain procurement needs and specifications
• Managing inventory, delivery and logistics of procured items
• Ensuring compliance with the company’s procurement policies and procedures as well as relevant laws and regulations

 

Aerospace Procurement Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Aerospace Procurement Specialist to manage our acquisition program for aerospace systems, parts, and related equipment.

The specialist will be responsible for managing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the timely delivery of quality products and services.

The ideal candidate should be familiar with aerospace technology, have strong negotiation skills, and understand the importance of cost-effective procurement strategies in a competitive industry.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for aerospace parts and systems.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers to ensure the best cost and quality.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers and resolve any issues with orders or deliveries.
• Forecast demand for parts and systems to ensure the timely acquisition of necessary supplies.
• Work closely with engineers and technical staff to understand their requirements.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with industry regulations and standards.
• Monitor and report on supplier performance and quality.
• Manage risk in the supply chain and develop contingency plans.
• Stay updated on advances in aerospace technology and procurement practices.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a procurement specialist or in a similar role, preferably in the aerospace industry.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace technology and equipment.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to analyze market trends and apply this knowledge to procurement strategies.
• Knowledge of procurement regulations and contract law.
• Experience with supply chain management and risk assessment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Aerospace Procurement Specialist
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional travel to suppliers and aerospace facilities.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Procurement Manager or Supply Chain Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Aerospace Procurement Specialist Do?

Aerospace Procurement Specialists play a crucial role in the aerospace industry, often working for aerospace companies, manufacturing firms, or government agencies.

Their main responsibility is to procure, or purchase, the necessary components, materials, and services required to manufacture and maintain aerospace equipment such as aircraft and spacecraft.

This involves sourcing suppliers, negotiating pricing, and managing contracts.

They work closely with engineers and production teams to understand the technical specifications and requirements of the items to be procured.

Aerospace Procurement Specialists also ensure that the procured items meet the quality standards and regulations of the aerospace industry.

They assess potential suppliers based on their ability to meet these standards and deliver on time.

They also have the responsibility to manage supplier relationships, handle supply chain issues, and keep track of industry trends to secure the best prices.

Moreover, they may have to devise cost-effective strategies for procurement and work on reducing the lead times for delivery of the procured items.

In some cases, Aerospace Procurement Specialists may also be involved in the logistics and inventory management of procured items, ensuring their safe and efficient storage and transportation.

 

Aerospace Procurement Specialist Qualifications and Skills

An Aerospace Procurement Specialist should possess a mix of industry knowledge, technical abilities, and soft skills, such as:

• Thorough understanding of aerospace industry standards, regulations and practices to ensure all procurements meet these requirements.
• Excellent negotiation skills to secure the best deals and terms for aerospace parts, equipment, and services, while maintaining the quality requirements.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate potential suppliers, assess their capability to meet requirements, and compare their offerings to make the best decisions.
• Technical knowledge of aerospace equipment and parts to make informed purchasing decisions, and to understand the specifications and requirements of the items being procured.
• Effective communication skills to liaise with suppliers, internal stakeholders, engineers, and other related parties to ensure clear understanding of procurement needs and timelines.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities, keeping track of orders, delivery schedules, and payments, while ensuring compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Proficient in using procurement software and systems, maintaining accurate records of purchases, orders, receipts, and payments.
• Problem-solving skills to address issues that may arise during the procurement process, such as delivery delays, supplier issues, or budget constraints.

 

Aerospace Procurement Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Aerospace Procurement Specialists may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through an internship or part-time role in procurement or a related field such as supply chain management or logistics.

This allows individuals to gain practical experience in sourcing, contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and understanding aerospace industry regulations and standards.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have comprehensive knowledge of aerospace components, materials, and services.

They have usually developed their negotiation skills, budget management, and strategic sourcing in roles such as Procurement Officer or Supply Chain Analyst in the aerospace industry.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in aerospace procurement are often considered experts in their field.

They may have leadership experience, having managed procurement teams or projects.

At this level, they may be ready for managerial or supervisory roles, overseeing the procurement process and strategy, handling complex contracts, and leading supplier negotiations.

In addition, experience with software systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems is often necessary for all experience levels as these are commonly used in procurement roles.

 

Aerospace Procurement Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Aerospace Procurement Specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, engineering, or a related field.

They also need a strong understanding of aerospace technology, components, and industry regulations.

In addition to the educational prerequisites, it is beneficial for these professionals to have a few years of work experience in procurement, ideally within the aerospace sector.

Some positions, especially those with more complex responsibilities or those in larger organizations, may require Aerospace Procurement Specialists with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or supply chain management.

Certifications such as Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) can be advantageous in this field.

Having a master’s degree and/or certification may also indicate a candidate’s leadership potential and commitment to ongoing professional development.

Besides the formal education and qualifications, Aerospace Procurement Specialists should possess excellent negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.

They should also be detail-oriented and adept at managing relationships with suppliers and other stakeholders.

 

Aerospace Procurement Specialist Salary Expectations

An Aerospace Procurement Specialist earns an average salary of $78,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the company in the Aerospace industry.

Certain skills and qualifications may also influence the compensation.

 

Aerospace Procurement Specialist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are required for an Aerospace Procurement Specialist?

An Aerospace Procurement Specialist typically has a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, supply chain management or a related field.

Additionally, prior experience in procurement, preferably in the aerospace industry, is highly beneficial.

Certification in procurement or supply chain management can also be advantageous.

 

What skills are necessary for an Aerospace Procurement Specialist?

An Aerospace Procurement Specialist should have strong negotiation skills to ensure the best prices and terms for the company.

They should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with suppliers and working in a team.

Analytical skills are also important for evaluating proposals and understanding market trends.

Knowledge of procurement software and contract management is typically required.

 

What are the responsibilities of an Aerospace Procurement Specialist?

The responsibilities of an Aerospace Procurement Specialist involve sourcing materials, parts, and services required for aerospace manufacturing or operations.

They negotiate contracts, manage supplier relationships, ensure timely delivery of items, and maintain procurement records.

They also work closely with engineering and production departments to understand their material requirements.

 

What are the career advancement opportunities for an Aerospace Procurement Specialist?

With experience and excellent performance, an Aerospace Procurement Specialist can advance to supervisory or managerial roles in procurement or supply chain management.

They may also choose to specialize further in areas like global sourcing, contract management, or strategic procurement.

Some individuals may choose to pursue advanced degrees or certifications to aid in their career progression.

 

What challenges do Aerospace Procurement Specialists face?

Aerospace Procurement Specialists can face challenges such as supply chain disruptions, changes in market conditions, and supplier performance issues.

They have to navigate these challenges while ensuring the best quality, cost, and delivery times for their company.

Therefore, the ability to problem-solve and adapt to change is crucial for this role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we took a journey into the exciting world of aerospace procurement.

Surprised?

It’s not just about purchasing materials.

It’s about sourcing the vital components that make up the next generation of aeronautical innovation, one piece at a time.

With our ready-to-use aerospace procurement specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the leap.

But don’t hit the brakes yet.

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your fast-track to meticulously curated listings or refining your resume to the nines.

Remember:

Every component sourced is a step closer to the stars.

Let’s reach for new heights. Together.

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