**Title:** Strategic Sourcing Lead **Location:** United States-Illinois-Wood Dale **Job Number:** 16245 **SUMMARY** The Strategic Sourcing Lead is responsible for both sourcing product and services as well as developing and maintaining strategic supplier relationships. In support of new and existing business, the Strategic Sourcing Lead will ensure that AAR is receiving the best overall value for products and services through managing large and small scale Requests for Proposal. The Strategic Sourcing Lead will endeavor to source and procure product that meets operational requirements and place AAR in the most strategically advantageous position. The Strategic Sourcing Lead will also ensure all compliance requirements are met while performing all assigned duties **ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES** + Identify, vet, introduce, and facilitate engagement of key strategic partners to AARs supply chain that provide the greatest value. + Understand market conditions, military aviation supply chain, and AAR targeted business development opportunities to leverage AARs volume in the marketplace. + Conduct market research utilizing military aircraft knowledge and provide leadership, business development, operations, and procurement with market conditions, technical requirements, and general strategic insight. + Establish and build strong relationships with internal customers and other key stakeholders. + Develop and maintain relationships with select strategic partners who provide best overall value and support for strategic military aircraft and business development opportunities within the organization. + Source, solicit, analyze quotes and conduct source selection to determine the vendor(s) which provide the best value while aligning with AARs operational requirements. + Conduct or support contract negotiations with vendors when appropriate to ensure AAR receives the best possible offers. + Source and procure in compliance with all AAR policies and procedures. + Confer with management to understand operational requirements to ensure product or services are appropriately sourced. + Travel is required. + All other duties as assigned **CORE COMPETENCIES** + Business Savvy + Strategic Management + Change of Direction + Building relationships and partnerships + Accountability + Building confidence & integrity Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. **EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE** + Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) from a four-year college or university and four years of related experience; or eight years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. + 1-3 years in the aviation industry or sourcing within any supply chain industry. + Must have previous corporate buying experience. + Military aircraft and related supply chain knowledge and/or experience preferred **PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT** + The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. + While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility. + The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting. Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment. \#LI-VR1 #LI-ONSITE AAR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.