Lead, Technical Materials, ASE, Tooling & Facilities at Kenya Airways PLC

Kenya Airways PLC is seeking an experienced professional to serve as Lead, Technical Materials, ASE, Tooling & Facilities. The role provides leadership in technical materials management, aviation equipment and tooling, facilities coordination, inventory control, and asset management to support maintenance and operational continuity.

The successful candidate will coordinate internal and external stakeholders to ensure the timely availability of aircraft materials, spares, equipment, and tools. The position also involves managing technical stores, outsourced facilities, supplier relationships, budgets, contracts, inventory systems, and process improvement while ensuring compliance with aviation, safety, quality, and company requirements.

Responsibilities include:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of best practices for inventory control strategies, policies, processes, and procedures.
• Develop tactical and operational plans aligned with departmental strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement materials movement transaction processes that ensure accurate and complete recording of material-related operational costs.
• Develop and coordinate stock management policies and procedures for company inventories across the network.
• Develop and maintain an asset management framework.
• Support third-party maintenance and business functions through effective materials and inventory management.
• Maintain receiving, issuing, and transportation operations in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Ensure aircraft spares, tools, and materials meet specifications and airworthiness documentation requirements during acceptance, storage, control, security, handling, and delivery.
• Ensure materials data is accurately recorded in the OASES system.
• Conduct cycle counts and physical inventory counts and reconcile results against OASES records.
• Monitor contracted consignment stocks and ensure timely inventory reconciliation and reporting.
• Ensure efficient distribution of technical materials to third-party MRO clients.
• Implement and manage free-trade-zone operations within the bonded warehouse.
• Develop flexible solutions that improve business efficiency and support continuous process improvement.
• Ensure operational information, reports, and performance metrics are available to relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor achievement of targets and recommend corrective action where necessary.
• Maintain warehouse facilities by planning suitable layouts and ensuring regular repair and maintenance.
• Monitor the movement of materials at outstations.
• Manage, coach, and develop a high-performing technical materials team.
• Coordinate staff leave planning, training, appraisals, recruitment, orientation, coaching, and mentoring.
• Set departmental objectives and KPIs and review the performance of direct reports.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures.
• Monitor contracted staff performance and ensure agreed targets are achieved.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to forecast, plan, and facilitate timely material availability.
• Lead communication with stakeholders regarding material availability and potential maintenance disruptions.
• Work with cross-functional teams to develop effective solutions.
• Review product change requests and communicate their impact on material availability and schedules.
• Support new business initiatives, projects, review meetings, and change processes.
• Participate in supplier meetings and negotiations to ensure material requirements are met.
• Resolve supplier concerns and evaluate supplier performance with materials management and procurement teams.
• Work closely with the purchasing team to maximize procurement strategies.
• Comply with health, safety, and environmental policies while supporting team development.
• Contribute to a positive team environment and demonstrate resilience and adaptability.
• Develop and implement the annual budget for Technical Stores.
• Prepare regular management reports to support business decision-making.
• Review and approve freight invoices for accuracy, fairness, and compliance with contractual terms.
• Identify and dispute incorrect chargebacks and unforeseen accessorial charges where necessary.
• Work with relevant stakeholders to develop, maintain, and manage supplier contracts.
• Evaluate the capabilities of the OASES aircraft MRO system and identify opportunities to improve information exchange, planning, and operational performance.
• Work with Material Planning to develop and review aircraft materials stockholding policies.
• Develop continuous improvement initiatives for Technical Stores, including KQ Way practices.

Qualifications required:

• Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Proficiency in computerized inventory control systems.
• Proven management skills with the ability to optimize team performance and staff development.
• Expert knowledge of aviation processes, component handling, and supply chain management.
• Knowledge and understanding of asset management.
• Knowledge of aircraft parts airworthiness certification requirements, including EASA, FAA, and KCAA requirements.
• Knowledge of customs regulations applicable to aircraft parts.
• Strong strategic thinking and business understanding.
• At least eight years of experience in materials management or supply chain operations.
• At least three years of experience in a management role.
• Five years of experience in an aircraft maintenance environment is preferred.
• Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and influencing abilities.
• Proven ability to deliver results through cross-functional collaboration.
• Knowledge of KQ Way practices.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to plan and deliver work within deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• High standards of integrity and professional ethics.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively under pressure.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official Kenya Airways careers platform before the advertised application deadline. Applicants should ensure that their applications clearly demonstrate their experience in materials management, supply chain operations, aviation maintenance, inventory control, team leadership, and related technical areas.

Kenya Airways PLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without discrimination based on characteristics protected by applicable laws. Candidates who require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to contact Kenya Airways for assistance.

This position offers an opportunity for an experienced aviation supply chain and materials management professional to provide strategic and operational leadership in technical stores, aircraft materials, tooling, equipment, facilities, and asset management at Kenya Airways PLC.