Technical Contracts Lead - BFE

Role Overview

Technical Contracts Lead – BFE at Etihad Airways. This is a leadership role within Technical Procurement based in Abu Dhabi, responsible for overall technical sourcing, contract negotiation strategy, and contract execution for a strategic portfolio with total spend value exceeding $2 billion over 5 years.

Company Overview

Etihad Airways is the UAE's national airline. From the hub in Abu Dhabi, the airline connects people across continents and cultures. The organization is executing a "Journey 2030" ambition to double the fleet, expand the network, and grow the people for a new era of excellence.

Role Purpose

To lead end-to-end sourcing and contracting for Etihad's portfolio of Cabin Furnishings and Equipment (BFE) products, encompassing First Class and Business Class seats, Economy Class seats, In-Flight Entertainment, In-Flight Connectivity, lavatories, galleys, and other BFE products. The role ensures fit-for-purpose processes are established within governance, manages day-to-day sourcing and contracting, and drives optimal commercial outcomes through senior stakeholder engagement and supplier negotiations while optimizing Total Cost of Ownership.

Key Responsibilities

Sourcing & Contracting

• Own the end-to-end sourcing and contracting value streams for Etihad's portfolio of BFE products with focus on complex, strategic, high-value projects.
• Ensure fit-for-purpose sourcing strategies are established and execute high-value RFPs and sourcing projects.
• Work closely with end users and stakeholders to ensure internal processes and approvals are followed, including Delegation of Authority and Investment Committee requirements.
• Prepare contract summaries, schedules, and other outputs required to hand over contracts to end-users.

Negotiation & Strategy

• Develop contract negotiation strategy and own negotiations on contractual terms and conditions with suppliers.
• Ensure alignment with Etihad stakeholders, including at leadership and executive levels, to deliver optimal outcomes for Etihad Airways.
• Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers to ensure the best outcome for Etihad Airways.
• Engage with senior leaders across Etihad including management, executives, and C-suite.

Stakeholder Management & Partnership

• Ensure internal alignment with Aircraft Programs, CAMO, Product & Hospitality, Legal, Finance, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and Procurement Business Partner to stakeholders in Technical, Product & Hospitality departments and others as required.
• Engage OEM and MRO leadership and internal leadership teams.

Reporting & Planning

• Prepare project plans and report on status updates for key stakeholders.

Process Improvement & Digital Transformation

• Identify and implement process improvement opportunities leveraging digital tools and solutions, including AI, Machine Learning, and RPA.
• Drive efficiencies and effectiveness in execution.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all relevant airworthiness regulations, policies, and procedures are followed to support continuing airworthiness (CAMO function) of the airline, with safety as the number one priority.

Leadership & Development

• Coach and mentor staff across the department on contract and sourcing management.
• Lead other projects and initiatives as directed by line manager and/or Head of Department.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 10 years in procurement, category management, or contracting roles.
• Aerospace or Aviation Technical background strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related qualifications.
• Demonstrated ability to drive multiple, strategic, high-value sourcing and contract engagements.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, able to translate complex data and requirements into clear strategies.
• Strong senior-stakeholder and executive influencing skills.
• Ability to engage OEM and MRO leadership and internal leadership teams.