at United Airlines in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Description
There’s never been a more exciting time to join United Airlines. We’re on a path towards becoming the best airline in the history of aviation. Our shared purpose – Connecting People, Uniting the World – is about more than getting people from one place to another. It also means that as a global company that operates in hundreds of locations around the world with millions of customers and tens of thousands of employees, we have a unique responsibility to uplift and provide opportunities in the places where we work, live and fly, and we can only do that with a truly diverse and inclusive workforce. And we’re growing – in the years ahead, we’ll hire tens of thousands of people across every area of the airline. Our careers include a competitive benefits package aimed at keeping you happy, healthy and well-traveled. From employee-run “Business Resource Group” communities to world-class benefits like parental leave, 401k and privileges like space available travel, United is truly a one-of-a-kind place to work. Are you ready to travel the world?
We believe that inclusion helps us thrive and grow at United across our collaborative Finance teams consisting of Financial Planning & Analysis, Internal Audit, Treasury, Global Procurement, Controllership, Investor Relations and more. These teams provide the financial fuel that keeps our operation running from providing detailed analyses of financial planning, performance, and forecasts to managing our investments and financial strategies. Our Finance team plays an integral role in making our airline profitable and successful by meeting our financial goals.
Description
The Global Procurement organization at United Airlines is responsible for procuring goods and services and developing/managing relationships with third-party providers with the objective of reducing total cost and risk to the company while improving levels of quality, service, and technology.
The MD of Procurement Enablement (PE) ensures strategic Procurement functions and tactical processes are executed with the highest quality and agility. Supporting the Chief Procurement Officer, this leader implements innovative strategies and process optimizations to maintain efficient and current procurement practices aligned with organizational goals. This individual centralizes cross-category enablement functions (e.g., spend analytics, systems management), prioritizing sustainable reductions in total cost of ownership while enhancing procurement process quality and service levels. They also direct strategic supplier management and supplier risk management, fostering robust relationships with key suppliers while mitigating risks to continuity of supply. Additionally, this leader manages the Director of Procurement Operations, supervising all tactical buying and repeatable contract management tasks.
Key Responsibilities:
+ Establish and communicate a clear vision for procurement operations in support of the strategic sourcing teams in GP, aiming for standard processes and optimal partnership with the business. Continuously refine procurement practices to remain innovative, efficient, and industry-leading, including a digital tool strategy for the function.
+ Lead Procurement analytics activities to support category strategy definition, identify cost-saving opportunities, and manage Procurement performance. Implement cost-saving initiatives to increase value for the airline and achieve sustainable reductions in total cost of ownership. Monitor and report value capture results to senior leadership.
+ Oversee the procurement operations organization, centralizing tactical buying and supporting strategic category management teams. Manage contract management, tactical buying, RFx preparation, and supplier onboarding processes efficiently. Ensure seamless integration and alignment of procurement operations with broader category management strategies.
+ Drive the development and implementation of procurement systems, policies, and governance frameworks. Ensure robust process governance, compliance, and tech enablement to support efficient procurement operations. Lead capability-building initiatives to enhance procurement skills and performance across the organization.
+ Develop strong working relationships with strategic suppliers and relevant internal teams to drive sourcing strategies that lower cost and manage supplier risk to United and the business. Presents executive summaries about strategy, risk, performance, or innovations to executive leadership team and partners.
+ Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for talent acquisition and management within the Procurement Enablement organization. Attract top talent and foster a culture of continuous learning and development. Provide training and career growth opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of the Procurement team.
Qualifications
Qualifications
+ Bachelor’s degree in Procurement/Supply-Chain, Finance, or another business-related field
+ 10+ years of related experience, including 7+ years in managing supply chain/sourcing activities
+ 5+ years of management experience in progressively challenging sourcing roles
+ Comprehensive knowledge of procurement business process and strategies
+ Proven track record of building and leading successful teams
+ Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
+ Demonstrated excellence in leading internal team members
Preferred
+ Master’s degree in Business or Finance, CFA preferred
+ 7+ years of experience in leading large Technical operations and/or aircraft parts portfolios
+ Demonstrated understanding of engines and aircraft components market prices and risk management
+ Sophisticated understanding of buy or sell-side of markets
+ Solid understanding of the aviation field
Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented groups/Women/Veterans/Disabled/LGBT
United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. United Airlines recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, veteran status and other protected status as required by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions. Please contact JobAccommodations@united.com to request accommodation.
Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/LGBT
