Sr. Category Manager – Aviation

About DHL Group and Procurement:

DHL Group the logistics provider of the world with over 580,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories. We are an organization that is not just moving goods around, we have a very clear purpose, and we are: Connecting People. Improving Lives. We provide challenges and opportunities for personal and professional development, we recognize the difference you bring to our business and together we share the pride of building one of the largest world leaders in logistics and supply chain.

DHL Corporate Procurement is a trustworthy business partner that builds a competitive ecosystem for the DHL Group - SUSTAINABLE, AGILE, CONNECTED, FORWARD LOOKING. We transform the way DHL Group is sourcing products, systems and services from external partners, leveraging modern digital tools and technologies. Our global procurement team is our biggest asset and by focusing on clear priorities, we drive tangible value for our colleagues. As our business keeps growing, we want you in our Americas region.

Ready to immerse yourself in the exciting world of Procurement? Join the team and bring your expertise on board! As part of DHL Group, you will be working with a global network of Procurement colleagues and benefit from a wide range of development opportunities.

Job Purpose:

DHL’s Global Business Services (GBS) Procurement group is hiring a Category Manager in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

You have more than 8 years of procurement management experience in the airline, aircraft-maintenance, -conversion, or - leasing business.  In this role, you will develop and implement best regional and global procurement strategies, take responsibility for supplier relationship management and lead strategic supplier negotiations of major contracts at predominately regional level jointly with our DHL Express business colleagues.

In your career, you are a highly experienced procurement manager who manages within a nominated sub-function and is responsible for short to mid-term (1-3 years) execution of functional strategy and operational direction.  The problems you’ve faced are often complex and require extensive investigation and analysis.  You’ve been responsible for driving innovation for business within specific category. 

Your Tasks:

• Provide professional sourcing support for key business initiatives, supply market research / intelligence to support business decisions in investments and budgets and establishment of global or regional frame contracts
• Specialize in strategic sourcing of capital intensive goods and services in order to reduce costs and ensure quality and supply as needed by the business / function in scope, i.e., technical centers (MRO) for engine maintenance, APU maintenance, heavy components (landing gears, wheels, brakes, T/R, etc.) and line and base maintenance in a highly regulated and certified industry.
• Identify strategic sourcing opportunities and development and management of strategic suppliers.
• Develop new and existing minor suppliers into more strategic partner relationships.
• Integrate Procurement services at global level for and with the business colleagues (divisions) that are in scope.
• Achieve greatest value contribution, benefit realization and efficiency from all procurement activities and ensuring fulfillment of joint goals with internal business partner by meeting their demands in terms of quality, price and service.
• Identify and recommend ´best in class´ suppliers and maintain good relationships with those within the scope.
• Develop and implement long-term category strategies and manage categories with an understanding of external innovation management.
• Deep understanding of the business as well as market and trends of the specific categories
• Master data/AI enabled negotiation techniques. 
• Develop partnerships with traditional suppliers and startups.
• Communicate and influence senior business leaders outside of own job area to accept practices and approaches.
• Develop strong, trusting relationships with senior business leaders across DHL.
• Cooperate with and coordinate 3rd parties e.g. external service providers.
• Implement corporate compliance and ESG rules.
• May lead negotiations.
• New supplier types (e.g. Startups). 
• Innovation partnership programs (external and internal). 

Your Profile:

• Bachelor’s Degree, commercial, technical or flight operational
• At least 8 years in airline, aircraft maintenance or aircraft leasing business with management function in Administration, and/or Technical, and/or Flight Operations
• Procurement/contract management skills

We offer:

• Great opportunity to work for the biggest logistics company in the world
• International and virtual environment
• Flexibility and great opportunity to learn
• Tempting Compensation and benefits

DHL Group is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.  The EEO is the Law poster is available here: [1] https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/eeo-law-poster

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.