About FlightSafety International

FlightSafety International is the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world’s largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Purpose of Position

The Category Leader, Sr. is responsible for the development and execution of Supplier and Category strategies driving long-term improvements in service, quality, cost, delivery, and innovation, enhancing the competitive and commercial performance of FlightSafety International and its customer base. The Category Leader, Sr. manages a portfolio across several suppliers. The Category Leader, Sr. executes the relevant Category strategies across the managed portfolio by leading the sourcing process, negotiating with approved suppliers, culminating in a contract that meets the product or service requirements.  The Category Leader, Sr. manages the commercial and contractual relationships within their portfolio ensuring commercial issues are appropriately and expeditiously resolved.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The following duties are essential to the successful and satisfactory performance of this job.  Other duties may be assigned.

Develops, maintains, and executes the portfolio of Category and Supplier Strategies. Leads the procurement and sourcing processes while maintaining strict compliance with FlightSafety International purchasing systems, processes, and policies. Applies tools, techniques, and processes to develop robust strategies, manage the supplier relationship, and identify areas of improvement and drive corrective actions Manages suppliers to meet business objectives, partnering with these suppliers to build capabilities that meet the expanding needs of the business through effective service, quality, cost, delivery, and innovation performance. Builds relationships with key stakeholders to ensure their objectives are supported through the understanding of the overall business needs. Communication with senior level team mates to share category strategies and key details around projects associated with the assigned categories. Source suppliers and negotiate contractual terms and conditions. Lead negotiations with vendors to secure optimal pricing, terms, and service levels, leveraging your extensive experience to maximize value for the organization. Leads the sourcing and supplier strategies for large IT efforts related to, ERP, call center, CRM expansion, network, cloud services, and telecommunications. Stay informed on emerging technologies, market trends, and regulatory changes that may impact IT procurement strategies and recommend adjustments as needed. Minimum Education Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Supply Management, preferred. Minimum Experience 5 to 10 years professional experience in procurement, project management or supply chain management, including 5+ years IT procurement; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities High degree of financial and problem-solving ability Basic understanding of e-procurement processes and systems Expertise with IT and Information Security commodities Understanding of Six Sigma and Project Management methodologies Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Familiarity with procurement philosophies, methodologies, policies and procedures, required. Experience with drafting, negotiating, and managing contractual agreements that include software licensing agreements, master service agreements, and statements of work. An understanding of software licensing and the various models in which you can procure software from the market. A working knowledge of service level agreements and other key metrics that are associated with an IT agreement. An understand of information security sourcing and the products available, the candidate will need to be able to align with the strategy of the information security team to secure the necessary products for the enterprise. Ability to interact with various levels of management in a professional manner. Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and communicate. The employee may be required to stand; walk; sit. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to view monitors, technical documents, and reference material. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.