Senior Purchaser

We’re all about the craft.KF Aerospace is proud to deliver innovative aircraft solutions for corporate, commercial, and military customers worldwide. Launched 50 years ago out of Canada’s Okanagan Valley, KF has grown to specialize in a wide range of aviation services including maintenance and modifications, air cargo operations, military pilot training and aircraft leasing. With facilities across Canada, KF is home to a 1,000 strong, highly skilled workforce. Our passion for our craft fuels every project we touch.JOB OVERVIEWThe Senior Purchaser position reports to the Procurement Lead and is responsible for delivering a high level of customer service in the procurement of goods and services for our customers at the lowest total cost of ownership. Doing so requires independent decision making, non-standard problem solving, trouble shooting and development/training of entry level Purchasing employees. This will be achieved by:Through the expertise and effectiveness of our people in Supply Chain Management (SCM) by incorporating SCM strategies and best practices in conjunction with market intelligence and effective supplier alliances and CI initiativesThrough the development of stronger relationships with team members and cross-functional groupsThrough the development of strategies to achieve established Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) that are consistent with corporate objectivesThrough on-going development of your team for future growth opportunities to ensure both functionality and effectivenessDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe Senior Purchaser position is responsible for the following key areas:Sourcing of materials, parts, and services Sourcing and procuring required goods and services to fulfill customer and company requirements for all bases in a cost effective and timely manner by:Possessing a solid working knowledge of aviation parts and materials and comprehension of the differences between rotables and consumablesAdhering to the customer financial approval limits and cooperatively resolving any issues arising in this area when approval limits are exceededRecommending continuous improvement initiatives to reduce costsCommunicating/collaborating effectively with all bases and departmentsAnswering non-standard requests by independently using advanced searching and problem solving and possessing a thorough understanding of internal systemsProviding recommendations on alternative approved parts or finding a higher assembly to help complete the purchase order to meet customer timelinesConducting market research and ensuring market intelligence is utilized fully to offer supply chain strategies and best practices to our customersEffectively dealing with part exchanges and warranty claimsDocumentation and Administration Solid understanding of company paper flow, systems and requirements of other departments and the ability to collaborate as required with a high degree of accuracy, including:Timely processing and distribution of purchase orders in the M3 systemExpediting and updating of purchase orders in the M3 system with confirmed delivery dates and air waybill numbersMonitoring parts status reports to ensure all parts are purchased and delivered within the required dock dates for maintenance projectsFamiliarity with Purchasing manual and policies and adhering to themCustomer Service Takes the initiative to provide a high level of customer service by: Setting a positive and professional example in all situationsMaking recommendations and generating alternatives to improve customer service along with challenging the status quoEnsuring proactive follow-up within 48 hours (non AOG) to customers and coaching other team members to do the sameCollaborating with internal and external customers to meet customer requirementsExercising collaborative decision-making and resolution of issues with key areasInstilling a sense of personal ownership and accountability in interpersonal interactions with other employees, customers, and suppliersVendor Interaction Cultivating effective working relationships with Suppliers by: Having a working knowledge of all approved vendors and an understanding of their core product linesHaving the ability to complete an analysis of commodity team strategic supplier base with the Procurement and Inventory Supervisor to develop business cases, where appropriate, to rationalize supply base and leverage spend to properly negotiate on behalf of KFManaging Supplier performance through established KPI’sDeveloping strategic alliances with suppliers based on risk and spend such as VMI initiativesOptimizing choice of Supplier in terms of price, timing of delivery and consolidation of orders as well as any strategic rebate programsActing as a liaison between Suppliers and other bases as requiredCultivating industry contacts and sharing with team to assist in customer serviceREQUIREMENTS Grade 12 graduateMinimum 5 years of experience as a Purchaser with proven ability to competently perform all job functionsMust hold or be working towards a Purchasing accreditationExperience in Aviation purchasing is considered an asset Proactive problem solving and advanced trouble shooting skillsDemonstrated interpersonal communication skillsAdvanced computer skills in MS Office programs, specifically ExcelCompetent in the use of an Enterprise Resource Planning systemProven verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated active listening skills – seek first to understand then be understoodStrong customer focusPlanning, organizing, multitasking skills and attention to detail are required; andAble to work productively in a fast-paced environment and independently as requiredBENEFITSFull-Time staff benefits include (but are not limited to):Health and DentalShort & Long-Term DisabilityHealth Spending AccountPaid vacation and Personal time offThe opportunity to bank overtimePension matching plan and voluntary RRSPEmployee & Family Assistance ProgramFree financial adviceA bonus program based on organizational performanceSALARYThe wage band is KF level 8, $67,000 - $84,000 annually. The expertise and technical skill level of the candidate is assessed during the selection process for placement within the band. Note: The salary range maximum signifies full job knowledge