Aviation Operations Manager Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

We are on a mission to #MakeItBetter

McFarlane Aviation, a rapidly growing aviation company with over 50 years of experience, specializes in designing, manufacturing, and distributing high-quality aircraft parts for the aviation markets. We are committed to delivering superior parts with exceptional, "old-fashioned" customer service.

The Supply Chain Manager provides leadership and strategic direction for McFarlane Aviation’s Supply Chain department, overseeing procurement, sourcing, inventory control, and logistics operations. This is a working leader role—balancing day-to-day execution of supply chain activities with coaching, mentoring, and guiding the team to achieve operational and strategic goals.

In this role, you’ll lead a team responsible for competitive cost sourcing, on-time delivery, and supplier performance, while driving continuous improvement and aligning supply chain strategy with company objectives.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Duties

• Work with leadership to develop and execute supply chain strategy.
• Set departmental goals, KPIs, and performance metrics aligned with company strategy.
• Actively participate in key procurement, vendor management, and operational problem-solving activities to model best practices.
• Provide oversight/management guidance and training for other Buyer/Purchasing team members.
• Provide procurement support and coverage on spend categories, ensuring competitive cost sourcing of quality goods and services.
• Responsible for commodity leadership, strategy, and implementation of key procurement processes within assigned commodities / categories, ensuring key procurement objectives are met.
• Negotiate and manage long-term pricing agreements on critical commodities such as resale and distribution products and raw materials.
• Develop sources of supply and monitor supplier performance.
• Support the logistics channels and review and set Long Term Agreements (Fed Ex, UPS, etc.) and approve major contracts within established authority limits.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on supply chain performance, risks, opportunities, and strategic initiatives.

Vendor/Supplier Management

• Optimize supplier performance and minimize risk in the supply chain.
• Qualify vendors, evaluate bids and negotiate prices and terms for purchased goods and services.
• Monitor supplier performance by ensuring that product is delivered as scheduled and meets specifications; maintaining appropriate files and records of meetings with suppliers to ensure company requirements are met and that supplier is aware of their performance concerning purchasing operations.
• Expedite with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of goods.
• Perform onsite vendor visits for Qualification and Corrective Action/Preventive Action Review.

Other Duties

• Plan, schedule, and administrate purchase orders to ensure quality products are delivered on time.
• Buy items at the best value, create purchase orders, and solicit bid proposals.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to align supply chain activities with production and service goals.
• Lead ERP/MRP optimization to improve forecasting and materials management.
• Establish and enforce departmental SOPs, ensuring compliance with policies, regulations, and quality standards.
• Process non-conforming material requests and RMA requests with supply chain partners.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending workshops and reviewing professional publications.
• Assist internal and external customers by interpreting laws, policy, codes, and regulations pertaining to purchasing.

Skills & Experience You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or related field (master’s preferred).
• 7+ years of supply chain experience with a minimum of 2 years in a leadership role.
• Strong negotiation skills and working knowledge of procurement and contract law.
• Knowledge of MRP processes and ERP systems.
• Ability to interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• CPSM, CSCP, or CPIM certification preferred.
• Aviation and/or manufacturing industry experience is strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of import freight movement.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication, listening and presentation skills.
• Specialist in complex technical and business matters.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to respond consistently with a high degree of initiative to resolve issues or complex problems that may arise.

Why McFarlane?

At McFarlane Aviation, you’re a part of a team that takes pride in Making It Better. Whether you're assembling parts or sharing ideas, you play a key role in keeping the skies safe. We believe in old-school customer service, doing the right thing, and building better parts through real teamwork and integrity.

We offer:

• A collaborative, hands-on culture where ideas take flight and your voice matters.
• A supportive crew of aviation pros who are passionate about what they do.
• Competitive pay and benefits, growth opportunities, and a role that makes a difference.

McFarlane Aviation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe diverse perspectives make us stronger, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join our journey.