Category Director - Maintenance, Repair, & Operations (MRO)/Consumables

Job Description Role Summary
The Category Director for MRO and Consumables is responsible for the strategic leadership and end-to-end management of the MRO and Consumables spend category. This role focuses on optimizing the procurement of non-production materials, facility maintenance supplies, and operational consumables across multiple sites. The primary objective is to drive total cost of ownership (TCO) reductions, mitigate supply chain risks, and implement sustainable sourcing strategies while ensuring 100% operational continuity for critical defense infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Category Management
- Strategy Development: Develop and execute a multi-year category strategy for MRO and Consumables that aligns with BAE Systems' operational goals and financial targets.
- Market Intelligence: Conduct continuous market analysis to identify emerging trends, new technologies, and potential suppliers to ensure a competitive and resilient supply base.
- Spend Analysis: Perform deep-dive analysis of spend data to identify leakage, consolidate suppliers, and leverage volume for better pricing.
2. Sourcing & Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
- Strategic Sourcing: Lead complex RFx processes, from requirement gathering and supplier selection to contract negotiation and award.
- Contract Lifecycle Management: Oversee the negotiation of Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs), ensuring strict adherence to legal and corporate governance standards.
- Performance Management: Establish KPIs and conduct quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with strategic partners to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
3. Operational Excellence & Compliance
- Risk Mitigation: Identify vulnerabilities in the MRO supply chain (e.g., single-source dependencies) and develop robust contingency plans.
- Compliance: Ensure all procurement activities comply with ITAR, EAR, and other relevant defense industry regulations and BAE Systems internal policies.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Facilities Management, Engineering, and Finance to ensure the category strategy supports the actual operational needs of the plant floor.
4. Financial Stewardship
- Cost Reduction: Deliver annual cost-saving targets through negotiation, demand management, and process optimization.
- Budgeting: Provide accurate spend forecasts and budget projections to senior leadership. Actively manage rebate programs including forecasting and financial reporting.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in procurement or strategic sourcing, with at least 5 years specifically managing MRO, Indirects, or Consumables in a heavy industrial or aerospace/defense environment.
- Certification: CPSM, MCIPS, or PMP certification is highly desirable.
Technical Skills
- ERP Proficiency: Working knowledge of Oracle, Deltek or similar enterprise procurement systems. Experience in the use of Coupa or Ivalua preferred.
- Analytical Tools: Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for spend analysis.
- Contract Law: Strong understanding of commercial contract law and negotiation tactics.
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic Influence: Ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
- Change Management: Proven track record of implementing new procurement processes or digital transformation initiatives.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, capable of presenting complex strategies to executive leadership. Maintain complete records and traceability of projects as they are executed.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Preferred Attributes
- Experience managing "Vendor Managed Inventory" (VMI) or "Just-in-Time" (JIT) programs for MRO.
- Knowledge of sustainable sourcing and "Green Procurement" initiatives.
- Previous experience operating within a matrixed global organization.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $138267 - $235053

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems, Inc. BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.

Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.