Position Title:    Material Planning Associate
Job Code        Grade:    TBD
Function:    Engineering     Location:    Gurugram
Reports to:    Material Planning Incharge    Role Level:    

A.    Job Purpose

•    To ensure seamless material availability for aircraft maintenance operations, optimizing inventory levels and minimizing downtime through precise forecasting and strategic supplier management.
•    Coordinate the procurement and replenishment of aircraft spares, including Rotables, Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE), and Inflight Entertainment (IFE), to meet Entry into Service (EIS) and maintenance demands effectively.

B.    Key Accountabilities
 
Functional Activities
•    Conduct inventory assessments and reviews to maintain optimal stock levels and ensure data accuracy, supporting efficient operational and maintenance activities.
•    Strategize and implement actions to ensure materials are available to support operations at agreed service levels.
•    Manage maintenance inputs and fulfill both long- and short-term planning requirements in a timely manner.
•    Analyze historical data and industry trends to accurately forecast material requirements for aircraft maintenance and repair operations.
Strategic Activities
•    Conduct regular reviews of inventory and planning triggers, analyzing component and repairable failure rates to maintain optimal stock levels.
•    Compile accurate data, calculate Economic Order Quantity, and review surplus and slow-moving items to reduce and optimize inventory.

•    Carry out Initial Provisioning review of all spares and components for aircraft, engine, Cabin/IFE/BFE and commercial, by analyzing manufacturer recommendation and establishing requirements to be able to effectively support fleet growth and maintain dispatch reliability.

Material Procurement and Coordination
•    Review Bill of Material for planned Maintenance Work Packages and coordinate with various departments and external suppliers to arrange and procure required material and tooling.

•    Support periodic audits of inventory parameters including but not limited to Re-order point, Order Quantity, Lead Time, Average Monthly Usage (AMU) and recommend areas to improve metrics. 

•    Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, and delivery schedules to secure favourable terms for the airline.

•    Monitor supplier performance, addressing any issues or discrepancies to maintain smooth procurement processes.

Inventory Control and Management
•    Carry out Monthly & Quarterly reviews of Gross Stock Value, Service Levels, Inventory Float and Quantities, Usage and other Planning Parameters of Inventory Control Module in ERP system to ensure data accuracy.

•    Take action on Aircraft on Ground (AOG) requirements and coordinate with engineering sections, logistics providers, and external vendors to ensure material and tooling availability.

•    Support periodic audits of inventory parameters and recommend areas for improvement.

•    Assist in data collection for alternate parts advice procedure and class change requests, drafting forms and collating supporting documentation for approval.

Any other additional responsibility could be assigned to the role holder from time to time as a standalone project or regular work. The same would be suitably represented in the Primary responsibilities and agreed between the incumbent, reporting officer and HR.

C.    Skills/Qualities Required

Analytical Proficiency    
Supplier Relationship Management
Logistical planning & coordination skills     
Problem-Solving Skills
Excellent Communication Skills    
Time Management and Prioritization
Results orientated and organized.    
Proven analytical, planning and problem- solving skills

D.    Key Performance Indicators

Inventory Management Metrics    
•    Carrying Cost of Inventory
•    Inventory Shrinkage Rate.
Operational Performance    
•    Demand Forecast Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE)
•    Complete Customer Order Rate
•    Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

E.    Key Interfaces

Internal Interfaces
Procurement Teams    
•    Coordinates with the procurement team to execute material purchase orders, negotiate supplier contracts, and manage supplier relationships. 
•    Works collaboratively to optimize procurement processes, minimize costs, and ensure timely delivery of materials to meet operational needs.

Engineering Department    
•    Collaborates closely with engineering teams to understand maintenance schedules, project requirements, and technical specifications. 
•    Ensures that material planning aligns with engineering activities to support aircraft maintenance and repair operations effectively.

Logistics Department    
•    Engages with the logistics team to coordinate transportation, warehousing, and distribution of materials. 
•    Ensures efficient logistics operations to support material flow, minimize lead times, and maintain inventory accuracy throughout the supply chain.

Key External Interfaces
Vendors/Suppliers    
•    Interacts with external suppliers and vendors to procure materials, negotiate pricing, and manage supplier relationships. 
•    Communicates material requirements, delivery schedules, and quality standards to ensure timely and reliable supply of materials for aircraft maintenance activities.

F.    Educational and Experience Requirements

Minimum Education requirements    
•    Bachelors degree in engineering, business administration, logistics, operations, supply chain management, or related field.

Experience    
Minimum    
•    2-4 years of experience in material planning, inventory management, or procurement.    
Desired
•    5+ years of experience in material planning, inventory management, or procurement, with demonstrated expertise in forecasting, supplier management, and inventory optimization.
•    Experience in aviation industry is plus.