De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is a storied name in the aerospace industry, recognized worldwide for its pioneering contributions to aviation and its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, DHC currently has approximately 2,400 employees across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, as well as in markets and distribution hubs world-wide.
Established in 1928, De Havilland Canada has a rich history marked by the development of some of the most iconic and versatile aircraft ever built. These aircraft have served a variety of roles - from bush flying to commercial aviation - and are celebrated for their rugged durability, operational versatility, and excellence in performance.
Over the decades, De Havilland Canada has evolved to meet the changing needs of the aviation industry. Today, we are more than just an aircraft manufacturer; we are a comprehensive aerospace company with capabilities that span design, production, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Our operations are supported by a team of skilled engineers, technicians, and industry professionals who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation.
Position Summary
Mid-Canada Mod Center is seeking an accomplished Senior Buyer to lead the sourcing and procurement of avionics systems, electrical components, modification kits, and related aerospace materials.
The successful candidate will bring extensive aviation procurement experience, strong avionics product knowledge, and a proven ability to manage complex supplier relationships. This role works closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Program Management, and Finance to ensure materials and services are secured in accordance with technical, quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the sourcing and procurement of avionics systems, electronic components, modification kits, wiring and cable assemblies, connectors, instruments, communication and navigation equipment, and other aircraft components.
- Develop and execute procurement strategies that support aircraft modification, maintenance, repair, and upgrade programs.
- Review bills of material, drawings, technical specifications, statements of work, and engineering requirements to ensure accurate purchasing decisions.
- Issue requests for quotation, evaluate supplier proposals, and negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, warranties, and contractual conditions.
- Identify, evaluate, and develop qualified suppliers capable of meeting aviation quality, technical, regulatory, and delivery requirements.
- Manage purchase orders from placement through delivery, including expediting critical materials and resolving shortages or schedule risks.
- Monitor supplier performance against cost, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and contractual expectations.
- Work closely with Engineering and Quality to address technical questions, non-conforming materials, rejected components, obsolescence, and supplier corrective actions.
- Support new projects, aircraft modification programs, customer requirements, and urgent operational demands.
- Identify procurement risks, including long lead times, sole-source suppliers, component obsolescence, allocation constraints, and counterfeit-part exposure.
- Develop mitigation plans and alternate sourcing strategies to maintain continuity of supply.
- Maintain accurate pricing, lead-time, supplier, purchasing, and material-planning information within the company’s ERP or MRP system.
- Analyze purchasing trends, supplier capacity, market conditions, and material requirements to support forecasting and program planning.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, customer requirements, applicable aviation standards, and contractual obligations.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory, cost reduction, supplier performance, purchasing processes, and material availability.
- Provide guidance and technical purchasing support to junior buyers and other members of the Supply Chain team.
Qualifications and Experience
- Postsecondary degree or diploma in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering Technology, Aviation, or a related discipline.
- A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive procurement or supply chain experience, with significant experience in aviation, aerospace, aircraft maintenance, modification, manufacturing, or defence.
- Extensive experience purchasing avionics systems, electrical components, aircraft parts, or other technically complex aerospace materials.
- Strong knowledge of aircraft modification or maintenance environments and their associated material requirements.
- Demonstrated experience managing high-value and technically complex purchase orders.
- Proven ability to negotiate commercial agreements, pricing, lead times, warranties, and supplier terms.
- Experience interpreting bills of material, engineering drawings, technical specifications, and aircraft-related documentation.
- Strong knowledge of supplier qualification, performance management, and procurement risk mitigation.
- Experience using ERP or MRP systems for purchasing, material planning, inventory management, and reporting.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Professional supply chain designation, such as SCMP, CSCMP, CPSM, or an equivalent credential, is considered an asset.
- Experience working within a Transport Canada-regulated aviation environment is considered a strong asset.
Skills and Competencies
- Advanced negotiation and supplier-management skills
- Strong technical and commercial judgment
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to manage competing priorities and urgent operational requirements
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Ability to build productive relationships across Engineering, Quality, Production, Finance, and Program Management
- Strong sense of accountability, urgency, and follow-through
- Ability to make sound purchasing decisions in a fast-paced aviation environment
- Commitment to quality, regulatory compliance, and ethical procurement practices
Working Conditions
- Primarily office-based in Waterloo region, with regular interaction with Production, Engineering, Stores, and Quality personnel.
- Occasional travel may be required for supplier meetings, audits, industry events, or program support.
- May be required to respond to urgent material or aircraft-on-ground requirements outside normal business hours.
Why work at De Havilland?
De Havilland Canada is a Canadian-owned and operated aircraft manufacturer dedicated to providing rewarding opportunities in a diverse and welcoming workplace.
- Work with a team that makes a true difference in the world-making it possible for people to travel around the globe efficiently, comfortably and safely.
- We’ve manufactured over 5,600 aircraft including the most advanced turboprop in the air today. Our experience and expertise in constructing the highest performing aircraft in the industry is second to none.
- Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are dynamic workplaces led by teams that support and encourage all employees.
- With a passionate team of innovators and a global network of support, De Havilland Canada proudly carries on it’s tradition as a leader in aerospace.
In addition to plenty of opportunities for career growth in a stimulating work environment, De Havilland Canada offers:
- Competitive wages
- Paid vacation
- Extended health benefits (medical, dental, vision, paramedical)
- Life insurance
- RRSP/DPSP Plan
- Employee and family assistance program
At De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC), we are committed to protecting our people, customers, shareholders and the public through Health & Safety Excellence. As such, it is expected that all employees maintain strict adherence to Health & Safety Policies and to perform key physical tasks of the position described in the job description and interview process. This may include but is not limited to the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions including temperature extremes, confined spaces, working at heights and with or around chemicals. Employees are expected to adhere to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when at work which must include but is not limited to the ability to maintain a positive fit test when mask use is required.
At De Havilland Canada, we aim to be inclusive and diverse and provide equal opportunity for employment. All qualified applicants, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability, are encouraged to apply. De Havilland will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise your Talent Acquisition representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
Any offer of employment is conditional on the completion of positive and satisfactory background checks, which may include, proof that you are legally entitled to work in Canada, professional references, verification of employment history, verification of educational background and criminal background checks.
