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Location: Manchester Airport (MAN)
Department: Supply Chain
Reports To: Procurement Manager
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
STS Aviation Services is hiring a Materials Lead to support operations at our Manchester Airport base. This key position ensures the timely procurement and management of aircraft spares and services in support of customer aircraft. The Materials Lead acts as a critical liaison between Planning, Engineering, and the Customer, helping to track and manage material requirements with precision, urgency, and a proactive mindset.
Job Overview
The Materials Lead is responsible for effective procurement or stock management for all aircraft parts and services related to customer aircraft. You will coordinate material status between Planning, Engineering, and the Customer, and own the shortage sheet from end to end. This role requires regular customer engagement and full involvement in all areas of the Supply Chain function, including logistics and procurement.
Key Responsibilities
Stock and Purchase Management (65)
- Manage and control all stock requests using WMS systems
- Own all material shortages and track them through resolution
- Organise stock transfers between STS sites when required
- Purchase all required materials and liaise with approved suppliers
- Expedite purchase orders to meet operational needs
- Track shortages and communicate updates internally
- Negotiate material terms with suppliers
- Work closely with Quality and Procurement to manage supplier relationships
- Maintain accurate shortage data and shift handovers
- Provide supply chain support across locations as needed
- Purchase non-aircraft items for wider business use
Customer Liaison (10)
- Meet regularly with customers to discuss supply needs
- Represent the Supply Chain team professionally at all times
- Ensure customer requirements are captured and reflected in shortage sheet
- Communicate outside meetings to maintain continuous information flow
- Provide thorough handovers for all customer-facing tasks
Supply Chain Support (25)
- Support logistics activities as needed
- Support procurement operations at other STS locations
Reporting Structure
This Role Reports To: Procurement Manager
Direct Reports: None
Key Stakeholders Include:
- Head of Supply Chain
- Procurement Manager
- Base Managers and Check Managers
- Logistics Managers
- Procurement Buyers
- External Customers
Qualifications & Experience
Essential:
- Significant experience in supply chain operations
- Strong negotiation skills
- UK driving licence
- Ability to challenge and influence opinions constructively
- Understanding of continuous improvement methods
- Aviation procurement knowledge
- Experience in a commercial environment
- Familiarity with aviation supply chain principles
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Experience with PROMRO
Desirable:
- Experience in a UK/EU MRO setting
- Proven history of high-quality customer service delivery
Required Skills
- Strong verbal and written communication
- High attention to detail
- Ability to adapt to unique or unexpected events
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Ability to challenge established norms
- Strong stakeholder management
Key Behaviours
- Professional and trustworthy
- Leads by example
- Embraces diversity and supports team members
- Demonstrates knowledge, reliability, and a positive attitude
- Dedicated to continuous improvement and service excellence
Pre-Employment Requirements
- May include standard or aviation-specific background checks
- BPSS clearance required
About STS Aviation Services
STS Aviation Services is the UK’s leading MRO provider, serving global customers from strategically located facilities across the country. We deliver fully integrated solutions for base maintenance, line maintenance, engineering, and component services. At STS, we invest in our people and are committed to fostering an inclusive, high-performance culture where your career can truly take off.
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