Lead – Material Planning and Control

Kenya Airways PLC is a prominent airline founded in 1950, operating within the aviation industry and based in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Lead – Material Planning and Control is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing strategies for technical material planning. This includes ensuring that all material requirements for Kenya Airways and its third-party operators are met efficiently and cost-effectively, while strictly adhering to KCAA and other civil aviation regulatory standards. The role involves strategic leadership in material provisioning, inventory management, and continuous process optimization to support operational needs and cost control.

1. Lead the creation and management of strategies, policies, processes, and procedures for aircraft material provisioning and inventory.
2. Develop and manage strategic, tactical, and operational material management plans for aircraft spares, rotables, and services.
3. Oversee component provisioning operations, including initial and ongoing material supply.
4. Continuously review material consumption and stock availability to meet expectations of KQ and third-party customers.
5. Implement and manage inventory control processes to maintain optimal stock levels.
6. Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental Policies.
7. Support and develop team members, fostering a positive work environment.
8. Optimize aircraft Material Requirements Planning (MRP) in collaboration with the IS department to manage material costs and supplier performance.
9. Analyze spend costs and patterns, providing business recommendations for best practices and corrective actions.
10. Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external customers and suppliers to ensure timely spares delivery and satisfaction.
11. Participate in supplier meetings and negotiations to protect company interests.
12. Conduct supplier performance reviews and resolve concerns with stakeholders.
13. Develop and implement service level agreements (SLAs) and ensure adherence.
14. Lead in resolving order, quote, and invoice queries from internal and external customers promptly.
15. Ensure compliance with MCM, Civil Aviation regulations, and Kenyan laws for aircraft parts and tools acquisition.
16. Develop, implement, and control the annual budget for material planning.
17. Conduct quarterly reviews of budgetary performance and make necessary adjustments.
18. Prepare regular management reports to support decision-making.

1. Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
2. Minimum of 8 years of experience in a planning function, with at least 3 years in a management role.
3. Preferred 5 years of experience in an aircraft maintenance environment.
4. Experience in aircraft maintenance and parts repair management.
5. Commercial experience.
6. Proficiency in computerized inventory control systems.
7. Desirable knowledge of aircraft parts airworthiness certifications (EASA, FAA), KCAA, and customs regulations relevant to aircraft parts.
8. Good understanding of IATA resolutions and industry rules.
9. Experience in setting and managing contracts with clear targets.
10. Strong strategic thinking and business understanding.
11. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
12. Strong analytical skills.
13. Unquestionable integrity and ethics.