Description
There’s never been a more exciting time to join United Airlines. We’re on a path towards becoming the best airline in the history of aviation. Our shared purpose – Connecting People, Uniting the World – is about more than getting people from one place to another. It also means that as a global company that operates in hundreds of locations around the world with millions of customers and tens of thousands of employees, we have a unique responsibility to uplift and provide opportunities in the places where we work, live and fly, and we can only do that with a truly diverse and inclusive workforce. And we’re growing – in the years ahead, we’ll hire tens of thousands of people across every area of the airline. Our careers include a competitive benefits package aimed at keeping you happy, healthy and well-traveled. From employee-run "Business Resource Group" communities to world-class benefits like parental leave, 401k and privileges like space available travel, United is truly a one-of-a-kind place to work. Are you ready to travel the world?
Key Responsibilities
The Director, Procurement – Professional Services leadership role functions as the primary interface to our Professional Services departments such as Technology, Marketing & Branding, Advertising, Management & Strategy consulting, Loyalty, Kinective Media, Cargo, and Customer organizations and will work closely with department leaders to formulate annual category plans that align with their objectives. The role is responsible for leading all procurement categories within these divisions such as consulting, digital media, advertisement, etc. The role will provide thought leadership and direction on overall sourcing strategy with a focus on optimizing processes while driving cost savings. This people leader will have to hire, develop, and retain a highly motivated team of professionals as well as develop excellent relationships with key suppliers to ensure performance against contracts and resolution of any critical issues.
- Develop annual category plans, deliverables, metrics and landmarks to support Professional Services objectives
- Negotiate and implement agreements that enhance cost savings, improve service levels, mitigate contractual risks, and build/improve overall value for United
- Guide the team with all RFx processes applying sourcing standard methodologies such as total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis framework, spend data analysis using information from a variety of sources, etc.
- Develop strong working relationships with business unit leaders to help drive procurement strategies that lower cost and risk to United and the business
- Remain abreast of internal and external factors affecting Professional Services and develop recommendations for leaders to act on
- Develop a robust talent acquisition and management strategy to hire, develop, train, mentor and retain a high-performance team
- Lead all aspects of day-to-day operations including effectively operationalizing the negotiated contracts and ensuring any issues are properly addressed
- This position is Hybrid with some time spent in the downtown Chicago and Houston office locations. 10-15% travel is required.
United values diverse experiences, perspectives, and we encourage everyone who meets the minimum qualifications to apply. While having the “desired” qualifications make for a stronger candidate, we encourage applicants who may not feel they check ALL of those boxes! We are always looking for individuals who will bring something new to the table.
Qualifications
What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):
- Bachelor’s Degree in Procurement/Supply-Chain, Finance or another business-related field
- 12+ years of relevant experience with at least 3+ years management experience in progressively challenging Sourcing roles
- Proven track record of building and leading high performing teams
- Significant experience in all aspects of sourcing/ procurement lifecycle
- Clear understanding of IT market trends and opportunities, including new technologies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and people skills
- Demonstrated excellence in leading internal team members
What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):
United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. United Airlines recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, veteran status and other protected status as required by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions. Please contact JobAccommodations@united.com to request accommodation.
Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/LGBT
WHQ00024397
