We are seeking an experienced Vice President – Aircraft Customization Procurement to lead aircraft configuration strategy, customization procurement, and supplier management activities for new aircraft programs. This is a strategic role that sits at the intersection of aircraft procurement, airline customer requirements, OEM negotiations, and supply chain optimization.
This role may be based in Toulouse or another European city, depending on the successful candidate’s location and business requirements.
The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping aircraft configurations, driving commercial value, managing procurement risks, and strengthening partnerships with aircraft manufacturers and equipment suppliers. This position offers an exciting opportunity to influence fleet strategy and deliver solutions that enhance operational and financial outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
1. Aircraft Configuration Strategy & New Aircraft Program Support
- Monitor future aircraft configuration trends, market developments, and airline requirements to provide strategic guidance during aircraft purchase agreement (PA) negotiations.
- Lead the development of baseline aircraft configurations for new aircraft orders, ensuring they balance:
- Market competitiveness
- Commercial flexibility
- Customer customization needs
- Long-term asset value
- Provide expert recommendations on configuration decisions to support fleet and commercial strategies.
2. Configuration Analysis & Commercial Cost Support
- Work closely with prospective airline customers and lessees to understand customization requirements and translate them into practical configuration solutions.
- Develop accurate Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE) and Supplier Change Notification (SCN) cost estimates to support sales campaigns, lease negotiations, and bidding activities.
- Partner with internal commercial teams to ensure timely and competitive customer proposals.
3. Procurement, Cost Management & Risk Control
- Support airline letter of intent (LOI) and lease agreement negotiations, with a focus on configuration-related commercial terms.
- Lead BFE and SCN procurement activities, including supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, and execution management.
- Drive cost optimization initiatives through:
- Supplier negotiations
- Market benchmarking
- Commercial analysis against airline and lessor procurement practices
- Lead BFE General Terms Agreement (GTA) and Purchase Agreement (PA) negotiations with OEMs/vendors.
- Manage supplier contracts, purchase orders, delivery milestones, and production schedules to ensure:
- On-time delivery
- Quality compliance
- Effective risk mitigation
- Identify potential supply chain issues early and implement corrective actions.
4. BFE Supplier & Vendor Relationship Management
- Establish and maintain strong strategic relationships with BFE OEMs, suppliers, and key industry partners.
- Develop effective supplier communication frameworks to improve collaboration, responsiveness, and commercial outcomes.
- Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
5. Strategic Supply Chain Initiatives
- Collaborate with aircraft manufacturers and suppliers to develop innovative partnership models that generate measurable value, including:
- Cost savings
- Revenue opportunities
- Enhanced supplier support
- Improved operational efficiency
- Lead strategic procurement projects aligned with business growth objectives.
Requirements Professional Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or above in aviation, engineering, supply chain management, business, or related disciplines.
- 5–8+ years of progressive experience in:
- Aircraft procurement
- Aircraft configuration management
- Aviation supply chain
- Airline leasing or aircraft asset management
- OEM/vendor contract negotiations
- Proven experience managing complex commercial negotiations with aircraft manufacturers and aviation suppliers.
Core Skills & Competencies
- Strong commercial judgment and negotiation capabilities.
- Deep knowledge of:
- Aircraft configuration processes
- BFE/SCN management
- Aircraft procurement lifecycle
- Aviation leasing industry practices
- Strong analytical ability with experience in cost modelling, benchmarking, and business case evaluation.
- Excellent project management skills, including:
- Milestone tracking
- Cross-functional coordination
- Risk identification and mitigation
- Ability to influence stakeholders across airlines, OEMs, suppliers, and internal teams.
Language Requirements
- Fluent written and spoken English required.
- Mandarin Chinese proficiency preferred.
- Additional European or international languages are a strong advantage.
Pay: €120,000.00-€130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bike to work scheme
- Company pension
- Employee assistance program
- Gym membership
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
