An Inside Look at the Assistant Manager Role in Vendor Maintenance Operations at United Airlines

United Airlines is currently hiring for an Assistant Manager position within their Vendor Maintenance Operations team. As one of the largest airlines in the world operating a vast global network, United handles complex maintenance, repair, and overhaul tasks across numerous aircraft and components. Their vendor operations play a key supporting function.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what this leadership role entails, the day-to-day responsibilities, travel benefits, and career advancement potential. By learning more about United’s needs and internal processes, candidates can assess fit and see how their skills might contribute to such an iconic aviation brand.

About United Airlines

Founded in 1934, United proudly serves hundreds of destinations across six continents. With hubs located in Houston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Newark, and Washington D.C., the airline reaches over 90 US metro areas and operates over 4,500 daily flights on average.

A focus on customer experience, continuous innovation, and maintaining one of the most modern fleets have kept United at the forefront of the industry. However, with thousands of aircraft requiring scheduled maintenance work, the company relies on efficient vendor relationships to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

The Vendor Maintenance Operations Role

The Assistant Manager would join United’s Procurement and Supply Chain team responsible for all repair, overhaul and component services performed externally by maintenance vendors. Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting in directing 3rd party maintenance sites and activities across North America
• Overseeing performance metrics, quality control, and compliance of multiple vendors simultaneously
• Coordinating shipping and delivery of aircraft parts and components between sites
• Preparing and analyzing vendor performance reports for leadership
• Supporting contracts, negotiation, and cost-saving initiatives
• Ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule and on budget
• Mentoring other vendor operations coordinators on processes, systems, and regulations

It’s a high-impact role requiring excellent organizational skills to juggle priorities across a complex supply chain. Candidates must be able to quickly problem-solve issues and communicate effectively with all levels of the maintenance community.

Day-to-Day Operations

Typical duties would involve reviewing vendor performance dashboards daily and addressing delays or quality concerns. Coordinating incoming/outgoing aircraft ferry flights ensuring parts arrive precisely as needed. Auditing paperwork and invoices for accuracy. Conducting site visits and inspections to approved vendors. Participating in procurement meetings and contract negotiations as needed. Producing detailed reports for leadership evaluating long-term partnerships.

Flight & Travel Benefits

Being a United employee comes with incredible perks including free or reduced-rate standby travel worldwide for leisure or to visit vendor locations. Flying on United aircraft at a moment’s notice to anywhere their huge network flies is an amazing perk of the job. Mileage accrual for family and companion certificated also opens up travel possibilities.

Career Growth Opportunities

There is substantial room for growth within United’s Procurement & Supply Chain division. Experienced Assistant Managers often transition to Manager roles overseeing larger staff or specific product categories. From there, Directors head procurement for entire aircraft fleets, and upper leadership helps strategize partnerships globally.

Employees develop specialized expertise in maintenance, inventory or logistics domains along with business administration skills. United also supports ongoing education benefits to achieve professional certifications further strengthening resumes for career opportunities across the industry.

An Ideal Candidate

To succeed, candidates will need 3+ years in aviation maintenance, supply chain, or procurement coordination experience. A hands-on understanding of repair stations, components, regulations, and documentation is preferred. Strong analytical, communication and Microsoft Office abilities are essential for producing reporting.

Bachelor’s degrees in Logistics, Procurement, Aviation Management or similar fields are preferred but not required if experience is substantive. Most importantly, candidates must be highly organized self-starters with meticulous attention to detail who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.

In Summary

Joining United Airlines’ prestigious Procurement team as an Assistant Manager in Vendor Maintenance Operations presents an incredible opportunity. Not only is it a career at one of the world’s largest aviation companies, but the position holds much responsibility and sees the inner workings of how United’s complex maintenance network functions globally.

In addition, travel benefits unlock opportunities to explore destinations worldwide. It’s a role where growth potential is substantial for those who can handle high-pressure coordination. Overall, it will appeal greatly to supply chain and aviation professionals seeking to advance within the industry.