Director, Purchasing

Director, Purchasing

Job details

General information

Entity

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.

Join Safran Aerosystems: an international leader in aviation safety, fluid management and fuel systems. Our strength? Innovating to enhance flight safety (oxygen systems, evacuation systems, flotation systems) and driving the transition toward decarbonized aviation through sustainable fuels. 6,200 employees, operations in 7 countries, and one shared objective: a safer sky.

Reference number

2025-164031

Job details

Domain

Performance and Support

Job field / Job profile

Purchasing - Management of purchasing domains

Job title

Director, Purchasing

Employment type

Permanent

Professional category

Professional, Engineer & Manager

Part time / Full time

Full-time

Job description

Safran Aerosystems' Wall Township, New Jersey facility is home to the North American headquarters of our Evacuation Systems Business Unit (SEV). Here, you will help design, manufacture, maintain, and support life-saving aircraft evacuation systems, including emergency slides, life rafts, and flotation devices.

The Purchasing Director will direct and oversee the company's Purchasing Department supporting the Evacuation Systems business with a portfolio of over $130 million of materials, supplies and services spend. This position will identify, lead, and execute strategic activities that will generate long term supplier relationships while managing cost reduction opportunities. The position will work collaboratively and in close coordination with the Supply Chain department. This position will be responsible for strategic procurement activities, negotiations, contract management, and supplier performance management, ensuring compliance to the Safran Purchasing Handbook and One Safran Processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directly responsible for the overall administration, coordination and evaluation of the Purchasing function. Developing and implementing purchasing strategies aligned with the organization's overall business objectives.

• Develop the Department's annual strategic plan and oversee the Purchasing Department's execution of the annual plan and progress toward that plan as well as other Department goals.

• Responsible for the continuous development of a strategic and qualified global “Approved Supplier” base that will annually provide approximately $130 million of materials, supplies and services

• Responsible for the negotiation of multi-year contracts to ensure optimal pricing, quality and delivery of commodity materials used at all facilities.

• Collaborate with other business functions to search out the most cost effective solutions to complex supply problems.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers. including monitoring vendor performance and identifying areas of improvement.

• Build an organization capable of supporting the purchasing needs and maintain a long-term plan to effectively optimize spend in the company.

• Analyze market trends and identify opportunities for cost reduction and value creation.

• Ensure One Safran principles are applied across purchasing processes.

• Ensure that all work carried out / completed by the Purchasing (Contracts, SPM, Data Administration, Strategic, etc) are compliant to meet the requirements of Internal Control.

• Guide and mentor staff on purchasing strategic view; customer service and project management skills.

• Embrace a robust pre and post contract approach and the deployment of tools and techniques to improve the process.

• Participate in committees, teams and special projects throughout the Safran organization.

• Other duties as assigned

But what else? (advantages, specificities, etc.)

At Safran, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As a global leader in aerospace, we foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where diverse perspectives drive innovation and excellence.

We believe professional growth is a journey, which is why we offer extensive learning resources, career development opportunities, and internal mobility across roles, sites, and business units worldwide.

Beyond the workplace, we actively invest in our communities through educational partnerships, outreach initiatives, and career events that inspire the next generation of aerospace talent.

What We Offer:

• On-site cafeteria with meal options, snacks, and complimentary coffee and tea

• Well-Being Committee promoting employee engagement and wellness

• Employee Club supporting social connections and team events

• Life Event Recognition Program celebrating employee milestones

• Active sports culture including golf, running, volleyball, and soccer clubs

Comprehensive Benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage

• FSA and HSA options, plus supplemental health benefits

• 401(k) with generous company match

• Profit-sharing program

• Paid time off and holidays

• Employee assistance and wellness programs

• Tuition assistance

Join Safran Aerosystems USA and become part of a team developing innovative aerospace solutions that shape the future of flight. Here, you can look to the skies and proudly say, "We did that."

Candidate skills & requirements

At Safran Aerosystems USA, we value service-oriented team players who demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to adapt to our dynamic, innovative environment.

Education and/or Experience

• BA/BS in Supply Chain Management, Economics, Finance, Operations, Engineering, Business, Accounting or Manufacturing related field or equivalent experience preferred, MBA a plus.

• Minimum 8+ years purchasing experience and experience in strategic sourcing.

Knowledge/Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including word, excel, access and outlook

• General knowledge of the principles and practices of World Class Supply Chain Systems

• Exceptional negotiation skills with above average communication skills

• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems - Expert

• Knowledge of various office software packages - Expert

• Demonstrated excellence in negotiation skills - Expert

• Demonstrated skills in leadership, management and delegation - Expert

• Excellent overall organizational and communicational skills – Expert

• Ability to work in a cross-functional/international team environment – Expert

• Strong interpersonal skills to work with team members, clients, and suppliers

• Assertive, resilient, and welcomes change

• Proven record of initiating and carrying out cost reduction programs

• Engages in and influences interest and participation of others

• Excellent organizational and time management skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

• Able to work well under pressure and handle emergency and stressful situations

• Demonstrates leadership and coaching skills

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Professional certificates (CPM, APICS) highly desirable

Annual salary

$140,000-170,000

Job location

Job location

North America, United States, New Jersey

City (-ies)

Wall Township, NJ

Applicant criteria

Minimum education level achieved

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum experience level required

More than 8 years

Additional Languages preferred

English (Fluent)

ITAR Controlled Position: Select "Yes" if role requires U.S. citizenship/permanent residency

No