• Lead the development and execution of category strategies, including supplier selection, negotiation, and contract management. • Analyze market trends and data to identify opportunities for cost savings, innovation, and process improvements. • Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with business objectives. • Monitor supplier performance and manage risk through regular reviews and corrective actions as needed. • Ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards throughout the procurement process. • Continuously evaluate procurement tools and processes to identify inefficiencies and proactively recommend and implement improvements. • Independently lead complex, cross-functional procurement projects to streamline and optimize category management workflows. • Provide leadership, coaching, and feedback to procurement teams; develop performance metrics and create opportunities for professional growth to strengthen team skills and capabilities. • Help build and sustain an efficient, collaborative, and diverse procurement function that supports the success of the organization.

Location Designation: Fully Remote This position is fully remote Role Overview: Senior Associate role will be critical in supporting the team’s oversight of vendor performance. This role will be responsible for owning various projects and initiatives spanning across the Retail Life, DI, and LTC lines of business. Additionally, this role will entail training and development of other junior staff. What You’ll Do: - Ownership of the maintenance of the Vendor Governance Program documents for all vendors and all lines of business Proactively identify and implement solutions to address operational issues with limited management oversight - Support other team members by providing guidance and informal leadership on cooperative projects. Compile, generate, and provide analysis of vendor performance metrics - Develop and maintain Tableau dashboards to assist in the monitoring of various performance metrics to measure against SLAs and other contract requirements - SLA monitoring, reporting, analyzing - Conduct ongoing QA Audits of vendor services and drive improvements in the team’s audit approachDevelop presentation materials & regular meeting facilitation - Address vendor complaints and field inquiries - Ownership and execution of various initiatives and projects - Assist leadership with contract management. - Lead efforts to with Technology to catalog issues and influence prioritization & execution of service ticket resolution. - Training and development of junior level departmental employees What You’ll Bring: - Quick learner who can work under limited supervision. - Possess a continuous process improvement mindset with an ability to identify problems and propose/implement solutions. - Experience delivering high caliber service to internal and external stakeholders and customers. - Strong Microsoft Excel skills are required, and strong Tableau or other data visualization skills are necessary. - Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. - Proven experience prioritizing several concurrent projects and initiatives. - Critical thinking, data analysis, project management, problem-solving, and collaboration will be important to the success in this role. - Training and development of junior level employees as needed. development of other junior level employees as needed. - 2-4 years prior vendor management experience, insurance industry knowledge, exposure to Underwriting requiriements, project management, Third Party / External vendor party - Bachelor's Degree Pay Transparency Salary Range: $100,000-$143,000 Overtime eligible: Exempt Discretionary bonus eligible: Yes Sales bonus eligible: No Actual base salary will be determined based on several factors but not limited to individual’s experience, skills, qualifications, and job location. Additionally, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition to base salary, employees may also be eligible to participate in an incentive program. Company Overview At New York Life, our 180-year legacy of purpose and integrity fuels our future. As we evolve into a more technology-, data-, and AI-enabled organization, we remain grounded in the values that drive lasting impact. Our diverse business portfolio creates opportunities to make a difference across industries and communities—inviting bold thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and purpose-driven innovation. Here, you’ll find the rare balance of long-standing stability and forward momentum, supported by an inclusive team that honors tradition while embracing progress. As a Fortune 100 mutual company, we offer a place to grow your skills, contribute to meaningful work, and deliver solutions that matter. Your ideas drive what’s next, and your growth powers it. Our Benefits We provide a full package of benefits for employees – and have unique offerings for a modern workforce, including leave programs, adoption assistance, and student loan repayment programs. Based on feedback from our employees, we continue to refine and add benefits to our offering, so that you can flourish both inside and outside of work. Click here to discover more about our comprehensive benefit options or visit our NYL Benefits Site. Our Commitment to Inclusion At New York Life, fostering an inclusive workplace is fundamental to who we are and how we serve our communities. We have a longstanding commitment to creating an environment where individuals can contribute their best and succeed together. This foundation is rooted in our core values of humanity and integrity, ensuring that every employee feels valued and supported. By embracing a broad range of perspectives and experiences, we achieve greater success and fulfill our promise of providing financial security and peace of mind to families across all communities. Click here to learn more about New York Life’s leadership in this space.​ Recognized as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, New York Life is committed to improving local communities through a culture of employee giving and volunteerism, supported by the Foundation. We're proud that due to our mutuality, we operate in the best interests of our policy owners. To learn more about career opportunities at New York Life, please visit the Careers page of www.NewYorkLife.com. ​Visit our LinkedIn to see how our employees and agents are leading the industry and impacting communities. Visit our Newsroom to learn more about how our company is constantly evolving to meet our clients' and employees’ needs. Job Requisition ID: 93466

• Design and develop the operating system to support our quality performance priorities and strategy • This will include Sourcing Quality MORs, WORs, and support of Daily Management • Drive problem solving for Sourcing quality KPI gaps across the enterprise • Drive strategic breakthrough with Zero Defect transformation in partnership with the Part Family Quality Leaders • Serve as a coach, facilitator, educator, advocate, and accountability partner to the cross-functional quality team to drive to standards resulting in effective and efficient problem solving of quality disruptions and manufacturing defects • Coach the Sourcing quality team to FLIGHT DECK standards to advance our problem-solving skills • Partner closely with other divisions/functions to prioritize and improve critical processes across Aerospace • Share best practices across Quality • Manage and drive kaizen processes to enable continuous improvement

About Otto Aerospace OTTO is developing the world’s first fifth-generation business jet, designed for sustainability through the innovative use of advanced super-laminar aerodynamics and high-precision, net-shaped composites. Flight tests of our technology demonstrator validate a dramatic reduction in fuel burn and allow a sizeable improvement in cabin comfort. Otto Aviation is designing world-class aircraft from first principles physics and delivering ground-breaking aircraft and economic performance. About the Role Otto Aerospace is seeking a Strategic Procurement Specialist to join Otto Aviation’s Supply Chain team. This role will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials, components, and services necessary for the SuperNatural Vision project. This role requires extensive knowledge of the aerospace or consumer electronics industry, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in procurement within the aerospace or electronics sector and possess exceptional analytical and communication skills. What You'll Do - Develop and implement procurement strategies specific to the SNV business needs, considering factors such as technological advancements, regulatory requirements, and market trends - Conduct extensive market research to identify aerospace/electronics suppliers, evaluate their capabilities, and assess their compliance with industry standards and regulations - Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including engineering, production, and quality assurance teams, to align procurement strategies with the organization's projects and objectives - Identify and qualify aerospace/electronics suppliers based on stringent criteria, including quality, reliability, certification compliance (such as AS9100), capacity, financial health, and reputation - Negotiate contracts and establish favorable terms and conditions with suppliers, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations - Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, promoting open communication, addressing performance issues, and fostering continuous improvement - Monitor and evaluate supplier performance through metrics, scorecards, and regular performance reviews - Identify cost-saving opportunities through effective negotiation, volume discounts, value engineering, and alternative sourcing strategies - Analyze pricing trends, market fluctuations, and supplier performance to make informed purchasing decisions and mitigate cost risks - Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with aerospace suppliers, ensuring compliance with industry-specific requirements and regulations (e.g., International Traffic in Arms Regulations - ITAR). Monitor contract performance, resolve disputes, and manage contract renewals and terminations - Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies, including contingency plans, dual-sourcing strategies, and supplier qualification processes - Monitor supplier financial stability, technology roadmap, and adherence to industry certifications and regulatory requirements - Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, such as SNV, Engineering, Program Management, Manufacturing, Finance, and Quality Assurance personnel, to understand their specific aerospace/SNV procurement needs and requirements - Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), such as on-time delivery, quality metrics (defect rates, reject rates), and supplier performance - Ensure strict compliance with aerospace industry regulations, standards, and certifications, such as AS9100, ITAR, and NADCAP - Maintain a strong ethical approach to procurement, promoting fairness, transparency, and integrity in all aerospace procurement activities Other Requirements - Ability to travel, approximately 15-25% travel, domestic and internationally What You'll Do Education and Experience - Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, engineering, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus - 7+ years proven procurement and supplier management experience in the aerospace industry or consumer electronics, with in-depth knowledge of aerospace materials, components, and systems - Proven experience in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data and make data-driven decisions - Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels - Proficiency in using procurement software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and Microsoft office suite - Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, managing multiple priorities simultaneously - Strong leadership skills and the ability to mentor and develop junior team members Interpersonal Skills  -  Active Listening: Practice to gain insight and truly understand all project stakeholders - Critical Thinking: Make prompt, informed and value-based decisions for the project - Organization: Focus on agenda, schedules, frameworks, and methodologies, as well as communicating tasks, updates, progress, and blockers - Problem Solving: Assess issues from different vantage points and formulate the best solution in addressing specific challenges - Self-Motivation: Exude highest level of commitment and motivation to see it through from start to finish - Teamwork and Team Building: Establish a collaborative culture where people with unique personalities and skills happily work together and accountable to shared goal - Strong Business Communication: Use the right language, tone and storytelling techniques when communicating, describing, or explaining issues over email, chat, reports, presentations and other forms and channels of communication Where You'll Be Otto Aerospace is currently a remote workplace. We will relocate to our permanent headquarters in Jacksonville, FL, beginning in late 2026. This role is expected to relocate at that time. Exceptions will be considered for exceptional candidates. This role will be required to travel 20-25% to meet at our temporary facility in Fort Worth, TX (prior to relocation) or other locations in support of program activities. Benefits Otto Aerospace provides a robust benefits package that includes competitive salaries, subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) opportunities, paid short-term disability, voluntary long-term disability and additional term life, with 15 paid days off, 13-14 paid holidays, and paid sick leave. Depending on seniority and role, some roles qualify for potential bonuses and stock options. Otto Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our hiring process. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We believe that a diverse team brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and greater success. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we become. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. #LI-Remote