Lead, Technical Materials, ASE, Tooling & Facilities

Role Overview

This position is accountable for the end-to-end management of technical inventory, warehousing, and distribution across an aviation maintenance network, ensuring that aircraft spares, tools, and certified materials are available exactly when and where operational maintenance demands them. Day to day, the role leads a team of warehouse and materials professionals, oversees outsourced facility maintenance contracts, and coordinates with planners, procurement, and third-party MRO clients to keep supply chains moving without disrupting aircraft turnaround schedules. The work directly protects the airline’s operational continuity, cost efficiency, and regulatory compliance, while also feeding strategic insight to leadership on market trends and growth opportunities in the MRO space.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct all technical materials and tooling operations, including receiving, issuing, storage, distribution, and cycle counting, while reconciling every transaction against the OASES aircraft maintenance system.
• Set and enforce compliance protocols for the acceptance, security, handling, and delivery of aircraft spares and documents, referencing KCAA, EASA, FAA, and customs regulations for every inbound and outbound movement.
• Oversee global consignment stock and outstation inventory, monitoring material movements, conducting reconciliations, and maintaining clear reporting for all outsourced locations.
• Coordinate with outsourced facility maintenance providers to ensure corrective maintenance is completed within contractual SLAs, chairing performance reviews and following up on unresolved issues.
• Lead warehouse and free-trade zone operations, continuously reviewing layout, physical condition, and storage procedures to optimise space, workflow, and staff safety.
• Develop and implement the annual technical stores budget, review freight invoices for contractual accuracy, and provide management reports that support data-driven decisions.
• Build and maintain a high-performing team through recruitment, training, appraisals, coaching, and performance management, while embedding health and safety practices across all shifts.
• Drive process improvement initiatives across the materials function, evaluating system capabilities and collaborating with stakeholders to align inventory policies with business strategy.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, combined with commercial and financial acumen.
• At least 8 years of experience in materials management or supply chain operations, including a minimum of 3 years in a management or supervisory role.
• At least 5 years of experience within an aircraft maintenance environment is strongly preferred, with expert familiarity of aviation component handling and airworthiness documentation.
• Hands-on proficiency with computerised inventory control systems, particularly OASES, and a working knowledge of import/export and customs regulations relevant to aircraft parts.
• Demonstrated leadership capability, with the ability to manage, develop, and motivate teams while working flexibly and calmly under operational pressure.
• Strong analytical and planning skills, with a track record of solving problems, negotiating favourable outcomes, and delivering results through cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent communication, integrity, and attention to detail, including experience with free-trade zone operations and bonded warehouse environments.