Aerospace procurement, from someone who has done it inside Airbus
Aerospace procurement combines the longest lead times, the most demanding quality and export regimes, and the least tolerance for supplier failure of any manufacturing sector. Every part has a certified source, every source has a paper trail, and the programme does not wait.
Founder Tom Evans MCIPS worked inside Airbus on strategic procurement and supply chain projects before founding Pro Outsourcing. We bring that discipline to OEM suppliers, Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturers and MRO operations that need senior procurement capability without adding permanent headcount.
Why aerospace procurement is hard
Aerospace procurement is the sourcing, qualification and management of materials, components, engineered parts and services for aircraft manufacture, tier supply and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), under aerospace quality standards such as AS9100 and export control regimes such as ITAR and EAR.
Qualification takes longer than the programme allows
Approving a new source can take a year. Sourcing decisions have to be made early and dual sources built deliberately, because switching in a crisis is not an option.
Compliance is layered
AS9100 and ISO 9001, ITAR and EAR, EASA, FAA and CAA requirements, plus customer-specific approvals. Procurement has to evidence all of it, supplier by supplier.
Cost pressure never stops
OEM cost-down targets flow through every tier. Suppliers that cannot take cost out of their own supply chain lose the next rate ramp.
MRO runs on availability
In maintenance, the right part at the right time beats the cheapest part. Spares forecasting, supplier consolidation and lead-time management decide aircraft-on-ground exposure.
Aerospace procurement support
Strategic sourcing of materials and engineered parts
Sourcing critical components, raw materials and engineered parts from approved and qualifiable sources, with the audit trail aerospace customers expect.
Supplier audits and risk assessment
On-site capability, quality system, financial and export compliance audits before onboarding, and ongoing performance management for on-time delivery and quality.
Cost-down programmes
Design-to-cost, long-term agreements and consolidation that take cost out of tier supply chains without touching qualification status.
Compliance-ready procurement processes
Procurement procedures, approvals and records that satisfy AS9100 and export control audits without slowing the buyers down.
MRO sourcing and spares
Spares forecasting, supplier consolidation and lead-time management for maintenance operations.
Embedded procurement leadership
A senior procurement lead inside your team, part-time or for a programme, who has worked at the OEM end of the chain.
Relevant delivery experience
Airbus
Global aerospace OEM
- Worked directly on strategic procurement and supply chain projects inside Airbus
- Supplier selection and sourcing strategy aligned to Airbus procurement standards
- Category management and procurement efficiency initiatives
Schlemmer Group
Precision automotive and industrial components, Germany
- Global sourcing and new product introduction across 2014 to 2015
- Supplier audits in several territories against strict CSR and quality standards
- €1.2m additional savings identified
Moveero Group
Off-highway wheels for JCB and New Holland, UK, Denmark and USA
- ERP and MRP effectiveness assessment across three countries
- Rough-cut capacity planning for each site
- €6m inventory reduction identified
Why aerospace suppliers choose Pro Outsourcing
We have sat on the OEM side of the table. That changes how we source, audit and negotiate on behalf of tier suppliers and MROs, because we know what the customer's procurement and quality teams will ask for and why. Combined with hands-on manufacturing procurement delivery for precision component businesses, it means practical work that survives a customer audit, not a slide deck.
Book a Free Procurement ReviewServices that support this work
Strategic Sourcing
Category-led sourcing that reduces cost and strengthens the supplier base.
Supplier Due Diligence
Financial, quality, ethical and capability checks that protect you from supplier failure.
Fractional Procurement Leadership
Senior procurement direction, part-time, without a permanent hire.
Aerospace procurement: common questions
Do you have direct aerospace experience?
Can you help a Tier 2 supplier meet an OEM's procurement and quality expectations?
How do you approach cost reduction in aerospace without affecting qualification?
Do you work with MRO operations as well as manufacturers?
Procurement that survives the customer audit
Book a free 30-minute procurement review with Tom Evans MCIPS. We will look at your critical sources, your qualification pipeline and your cost-down position, and tell you where the risk and the savings are. No obligation, no jargon.
Book a Free Procurement Review