Category Manager - Ground Operations

Summary

The Category Manager – Ground Operations Services & Equipment is the strategic procurement leader for all ground operations-related categories. This role encompasses a broad portfolio of critical services and equipment, including ground handling, passenger wheelchair assistance services, aircraft deicing, on-call aircraft maintenance services, aircraft cleaning, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE). The Category Manager owns the full procurement lifecycle for these categories – from strategy development and strategic sourcing through contract negotiation, supplier performance management, and cost optimization. The mission is to assure that all stations (airports) have the services and equipment needed for safe and efficient operations – on time and to standard – while obtaining the best possible terms, conditions, and cost for the airline. This involves driving initiatives to reduce the total cost of ownership and mitigate operational risks, without compromising on safety or service quality.

As a leader, the Category Manager also oversees a dedicated team to support these objectives. The team includes one GSE Category Lead (who focuses on GSE procurement strategy) and two GSE Technical Specialists (reporting to the GSE Lead) handling day-to-day equipment sourcing and logistics, as well as two Contract Analysts who manage sourcing, contracting, and operational procurement support for ground handling, wheelchair services, deicing, on-call maintenance, and cleaning contracts. The Category Manager provides direction and mentorship to these team members, ensuring effective execution of procurement activities and professional development of the staff. The role requires working closely with stakeholders at all levels – from station and operations managers on the ground up to senior executives – and demands a high degree of influence, analytical decision-making, and adaptability. The successful candidate will be skilled at balancing urgent operational deadlines with strategic cost-saving goals, knowing when to expedite an emergency purchase and when to enforce competitive bidding for long-term benefit. In summary, this role is both tactical and strategic: ensuring critical operational services run smoothly day-to-day, while continually seeking improvements and savings that benefit the airline’s bottom line and operational reliability.

Visa Sponsorship Available: No

Minimum Requirements

Combination of Education and Experience will be considered. Must be authorized to work in the US as defined by the Immigration Act of 1986. Must pass a Criminal Background Check.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree

Education Details: Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related discipline, or equivalent experience.

Years of Experience: Minimum five (5) years in procurement, contract negotiations, and/or a clear understanding of ground operations in aviation or transportation. Incumbent knowledge of airline operations, direct business experience, or other closely related work that provides relevant expertise may be considered as a substitute for the five years of direct experience in a similar role.

Ability to establish goals and objectives and constantly measure the performance.

Committed to the importance of safety, serving the customer, and having excellent customer service focus.

Ability to read, write, and speak English in order to receive and understand instructions, directives, and ensure safety, as well as the ability to interact with customers, is a requirement of the job.

Good planning and organizational skills.

Preferred Requirements

MBA or advanced degree.

Previous experience in airline or ground operations.

Strong planning and organizational skills.

Proven ability to set goals, measure vendor performance, and ensure service standards are met.

Commitment to safety and customer service excellence.

Ability to attend required training.

Well-developed planning and organizational skills.

High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office software and general ability to use information technology.

Job Duties

Strategic Category Management

Develop and implement comprehensive procurement strategies for all Ground Operations Services & Equipment categories.

Analyze spending patterns and market trends across ground handling, deicing, cleaning, on-call maintenance, and GSE.

Identify opportunities for cost reduction, value improvement, and risk mitigation.

Set annual and multi-year cost reduction targets and service level goals for the category.

Drive initiatives such as supplier consolidation, equipment standardization, and long-term agreements.

Ensure procurement strategies align with operational forecasts (new station openings, seasonal changes, fleet growth).

Develop lifecycle management plans for GSE (procurement, refurbishments, retirements).

Regularly review and adjust category plans based on business priorities and market conditions.

Balance long-term strategic initiatives with immediate operational demands.

Evaluate procurement decisions using Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles (e.g., lease vs. buy, multi-year service costs).

Deliver continuous cost savings, service enhancements, and risk reductions for ground operations procurement.

Sourcing & Contract Negotiation

Lead major sourcing projects and negotiations within ground operations categories.

Prepare and execute Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and competitive bidding for services and equipment.

Collaborate with Contract Analysts to ensure thorough and fair sourcing processes.

Take direct lead in negotiations for high-value or strategic contracts.

Evaluate proposals using financial analysis and operational assessments (price, staffing, equipment quality, performance, safety).

Utilize supplier scorecards and TCO models for decision-making.

Negotiate contracts to secure optimal terms, including cost reductions, volume-based pricing, and robust SLAs.

Negotiate purchase or lease agreements for GSE, considering warranty, maintenance, and end-of-life options.

Maintain competitive pressure using market research and alternate supplier options.

Make prudent trade-offs when necessary to mitigate operational risks.

Oversee contract execution, ensuring proper review, approval, and communication of key terms.

Manage contract renewals and proactively renegotiate or re-bid contracts ahead of expiration.

Supplier Management & Operational Continuity

Serve as primary owner of relationships with key suppliers in ground operations and GSE.

Implement structured Supplier Performance Management processes for major contracts.

Define and monitor performance metrics (on-time performance, equipment uptime, safety incidents, etc.).

Conduct regular business reviews with vendors and manufacturers.

Collaborate with Contract Analysts and station operations teams to monitor service delivery.

Ensure swift corrective action for service issues or underperformance.

Negotiate service credits or action plans with underperforming vendors.

Prepare contingency arrangements (alternate suppliers, backup agreements) for critical services.

Ensure supplier adherence to contractual terms and compliance requirements (insurance, safety standards, training).

Partner with Safety and Compliance teams to include appropriate clauses and audit supplier compliance.

Oversee GSE availability and allocation across stations, expediting replacements as needed.

Identify supplier-related risks and develop mitigation plans (dual-sourcing, strategic spare pools).

Minimize operational disruptions and maintain smooth ground operations under challenging conditions.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Service Delivery

Act as the bridge between procurement and Ground Operations departments.

Work closely with internal stakeholders (Station Managers, Airport Affairs, Maintenance & Engineering, Inflight/Customer Service, Finance, Planning).

Engage stakeholders