Job at a glance
Category Manager - Ground OperationsSummaryThe 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 RequirementsCombination 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 DegreeEducation 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 leve