Senior Category Manager Aviation
Erlanger, KY, USA
Posted on Jul 21, 2026
About DHL and Procurement:
DHL Group the logistics provider of the world with over 600,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories. We are an organization that is not just moving goods around, we have a very clear purpose, and we are: Connecting People. Improving Lives. We provide challenges and opportunities for personal and professional development; we recognize the difference you bring to our business and together we share the pride of building one of the largest world leaders in logistics and supply chain.
DHL Corporate Procurement is a trustworthy business partner that builds a competitive ecosystem for the DHL Group – SUSTAINABLE, AGILE, CONNECTED, FORWARD LOOKING. We transform the way DHL is sourcing products, systems and services from external partners, leveraging modern digital tools and technologies. Our global procurement team is our biggest asset and by focusing on clear priorities, we drive tangible value for our colleagues. As our business keeps growing, we want you in our AMERICAS region.
Ready to immerse yourself in the exciting world of Procurement? Join the team and bring your expertise on board! As part of the DHL Group, you will be working with a global network of Procurement colleagues and benefit from a wide range of development opportunities.
Job Purpose:
DHL’s Global Business Services (GBS) Procurement group is hiring a Senior Category Manager Aviation in Cincinnati, Ohio. You have more than 8 year’s procurement management experience in the airline, aircraft-maintenance, -conversion, or -leasing business. In this role, you will develop and implement best regional and global procurement strategies, take responsibility for supplier relationship management and lead strategic supplier negotiations of major contracts at global and regional level jointly with our DHL Express business colleagues.
DHL operates a fleet of >275 jet aircraft across 19 different airlines. The Aviation Sourcing team is situated in 5 different locations close to our key business partners and supports the sourcing for the operation of this fleet.
In your career, you are a highly experienced procurement manager who manages within a nominated sub-function and is responsible for short to mid-term (1-3 years) execution of functional strategy and operational direction. The problems you’ve faced are often complex and require extensive investigation and analysis. You’ve been responsible for driving innovation for business within specific category.
Your tasks:
- Provide professional sourcing support for key business initiatives, supply market research / intelligence to support business decisions in investments and budgets and establishment of global or regional frame contracts
- Specialize in strategic sourcing of capital intensive goods and services in order to reduce costs and ensure quality and supply as needed by the business / function in scope, i.e., MRO contracts for engine maintenance, APU maintenance, heavy components (landing gears, wheels, brakes, T/R, etc.) and line and base maintenance in a highly regulated and certified industry.
- Lead Supplier Relationship Management for assigned strategic providers.
- Act as interface between the Global Aviation senior leadership based in CVG and the global Aviation Sourcing community
- Identify requirements and service level expectations and develop into actionable projects with the Business Partner.
- Develop and implement long-term category strategies and manage categories with an understanding of market dynamics, supplier market developments and external innovation management
- Prepare and lead negotiations using advanced negotiation techniques
- Communicate and influence senior business leaders outside of own job area to accept practices and approaches
- Develop strong, trusting relationships with senior business leaders across DPDHL
- Implement corporate compliance and ESG rules
Your Profile:
- Bachelor’s Degree, commercial or technical or flight operational
- At least 8 years in airline, aircraft maintenance or aircraft leasing business
- With management function in Administration, and / or Technical, and / or Flight Operations
- Procurement / contract management skills
We offer:
- Great opportunity to work for the biggest logistics company in the world
- International and virtual environment
- Flexibility and great opportunity to learn
- Tempting Compensation and benefits
DHL is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/eeo-law-poster
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
