The Aircraft Trading division of the Procurement and Aircraft Trading Team (APD) is responsible for key supplier relationships between the group airlines and aircraft manufacturers, aircraft operating lessors, flight simulator manufacturers and flight training providers, as well as end-of-life aircraft retirement and disposal activities. The team's scope covers new and existing business activities and requires involvement and coordination with internal and external stakeholders through all stages of product and service evaluation, acquisition, negotiation and contracting along with longer term contract and relationship management.

- Direction and management of key operating lessor relationships on behalf of group airlines (Cathay Pacific Airways (passenger and cargo), HK Express, Air Hong Kong).
- Devising and implementing strategies for the acquisition of aircraft from the leasing markets and proactively identifying and implementing strategies for cost savings during the lifetime of each leasing transaction.
- Taking an active role in the preparation of and conduct of requests for proposals and full scale commercial and contractual negotiations for aircraft operating lease contracts, as well as their amendments and restructuring.
- Running aircraft sale and leaseback tenders for new and used aircraft.
- Management of aircraft lease return activities, including any required commercial negotiation and contracting, in collaboration with in-house technical and legal teams.
- Taking the lead in coordinating internal and external stakeholders in the identification and evaluation of competing value propositions, including lease-versus-buy decision making for aircraft.
- Coordination and collaboration with internal stakeholders in network planning, engineering, finance and flight operations teams to ensure all airline business requirements are understood and considered.
- Contract and supplier relationship management of aircraft operating leases throughout the duration of the business relationship.
- Accountability for value extraction from the supplier relationship management process, contributing to and driving cross-functional strategies and steering groups.
- Identification and delivery of year-on-year value and procurement savings through ensuring that key suppliers are continually delivering relevant goods and services that meet dynamic expectations.
- Ensuring key lessor creditworthiness and performance is tracked and leading regular business review meetings to make sure key suppliers remain accountable for their quality and performance.
- Supporting and coordinating all intra-group leasing activities.
- Internal and external direction setting and reporting, with the ability to influence the decision-making process. Preparation of comprehensive business rationales and approval paperwork as required.
- Advising the business on the latest market developments in aircraft leasing and financing as well as industry trends across both passenger and cargo businesses.
- People leadership in respect of the operating leasing category, coordinating both direct report(s) and other team members involved in operating lessor transactions and management.

- Experienced professional in aircraft leasing with sound knowledge of the aviation and leasing industries and demonstrated ability to define and implement strategies.
- Recent experience working in a similar role in an airline or leasing company will be a distinct advantage.
- University graduate in a relevant domain with at least 7-10 years of relevant industry experience and a proven track record of performance.
- Strong commercial acumen and ability to evaluate competing product and service offers including financial modelling skills in support of decision making processes.
- Experience in contract origination and negotiation, with and without in-house/external legal support, and ability to express oneself verbally and in writing, identifying and mitigating risk exposure for the group.
- Comprehension of procurement methodology and processes, including strategic category and supplier management. Prior experience with the Ariba platform will be an advantage.
- Excellent people and presentation skills, including a developed leadership skillset and ability to set direction and manage performance for involved team members.
- A highly developed ability to communicate with and advise internal stakeholders including the senior management of the airline, and influence stakeholders both internal and external.
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
- Approachable and decisive with high attention to quality and detail.