Category Lead - Aircraft Interiors

We are part of International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the worlds leading airline groups and owner of some of the biggest brands in the sky.

IAG Transform provides creative and innovative solutions to drive sustainable transformation by delivering procurement and airline services, as well as group-wide systems across IAG. Each operating company benefits from the Transform centralised model, driving efficiencies, automation, and economies of scale.

Purpose of the role

Reporting to the Head of Category, this role is responsible for supporting the definition and execution of sourcing strategies across Aircraft Interiors within the MRO category. The role will drive cost efficiency, supply resilience, and service performance, while ensuring alignment with operational requirements and broader business objectives.

This position requires a combination of procurement capability, technical understanding, and working knowledge of Aircraft Interiors with a focus on aircraft seating. The successful candidate must be able to operate credibly with internal stakeholders across multiple operating companies and external suppliers.

Your responsibilities

• Lead and support strategic sourcing initiatives across Aircraft Interiors within the MRO category, ensuring alignment with governance requirements and IAG Transform policies.
• Manage end-to-end sourcing activities, including tendering, supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, and implementation.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring delivery, quality, cost, and performance objectives are achieved.
• Lead commercial management of key suppliers, with a focus on value creation, service improvement, and long-term category performance.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders across procurement, engineering, customer, and finance to ensure sourcing strategies reflect business needs.
• Identify and deliver cost reduction and value improvement opportunities through market analysis, benchmarking, and data-driven negotiation.
• Proactively assess and manage supplier risk, including operational, financial, contractual, and reputational exposure.
• Support the resolution of commercial disputes and contractual issues, ensuring business interests are protected.
• Deliver complex sourcing projects within demanding timelines and across multiple stakeholders and locations.
• Maintain awareness of market developments, supplier capability, and trends within the Aircraft Interiors and Aircraft Seating.

Your skills, experience and qualifications

• Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Economics, or another relevant discipline closely aligned to the role.
• 5 to 10 years of relevant experience in procurement, technical, or category management roles, with a strong preference for experience gained within aviation, aerospace, airline, or OEM environments.
• Strong understanding of the Aircraft Interiors environment, including the commercial, technical, and supplier performance.
• Demonstrated procurement experience in complex categories, including sourcing strategy, contract negotiation, supplier management, and cost optimisation.
• Candidates must bring either strong procurement experience supported by technical credibility, or strong technical experience with clear exposure to procurement and commercial activities.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in large, complex, and international organisations.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with the ability to assess total cost, value levers, contractual risk, and business impact.
• Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and influencing cross-functional decision-making in fast-paced environments.
• Strong contract management, negotiation, and dispute resolution capability.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Fluency in English required (Spanish desirable).
• Flexibility to travel and work across multiple locations as required.

Please note: candidates without relevant aeronautical industry understanding and either strong procurement or commercial experience aligned with this position will not be considered.

Our Benefits include:-

• Highly competitive salary
• Competitive Annual Incentive Scheme
• Life Cover

What we offer

• The chance to enjoy a challenging career in an exciting, fast-moving environment in a dynamic industry.
• The opportunity to work in a multi-cultural environment with great offices in many locations. We support our people in maintaining work/life balance, as well as providing the many benefits one would expect from a global organisation, including health insurance, pension and performance bonuses.

We are an equal opportunities employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law

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