Senior Supply Operations Manager Aviation Fuel - French Speaking

At World Fuel, our employees are the key to our global success. We are industry leaders due to the innumerable talents of our approximately 5000 strong professional team. Our people thrive in an entrepreneurial and culturally-diverse environment, where innovative thinking, collaboration and efficient execution are highly valued. Our high-performance culture is what allows us to drive sustained growth. Stronger together, we promote an environment where individuals can thrive.

Senior Supply Operations Manager (Aviation Fuel - France, UK&I) | French Speaking

Location: Canary Wharf, London

About the Role

World Fuel is seeking a highly experienced Senior Supply Operations Manager to lead and optimise aviation fuel supply operations across France, the UK, and Ireland.

Reporting to the European Operations Director, you will be responsible for the end-to-end management of aviation fuel supply, logistics, procurement, inventory strategy, and operational performance across the region. This role plays a critical part in ensuring supply security, maximising profitability, managing commercial risk, and driving continuous improvement across the fuel supply chain.

As a senior leader, you will provide strategic direction to Supply Operations Managers, foster cross-regional collaboration throughout Europe, and build strong relationships with suppliers, logistics partners, airport operators, and key internal stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded supply chain leader with experience in fuel, energy, commodities, aviation, logistics, or large-scale operational environments.

Key Responsibilities

Supply Strategy & Commercial Optimisation

• Lead regional aviation fuel supply strategies across France, the UK, and Ireland.
• Analyse supply and demand trends to identify opportunities for value creation, margin enhancement, and operational efficiency.
• Drive forecasting accuracy and monitor actual performance against supply plans.
• Develop strategies around purchasing and sales cycles to manage pricing exposure and optimise profitability.
• Evaluate market dynamics, inventory positions, logistics constraints, and commercial opportunities.
• Support new business opportunities by providing supply chain solutions and cost modelling.

Logistics, Distribution & Inventory Management

• Maintain a deep understanding of regional fuel supply networks, logistics routes, storage infrastructure, and operational capabilities.
• Ensure optimal inventory management and fuel availability across airport locations.
• Identify potential supply risks and implement proactive mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate spot purchases and fuel sales where required to maintain efficient stock levels.
• Drive operational efficiency and maximise profitability across all airports within the region.

Pricing, Risk & Market Exposure

• Work closely with Pricing and Risk teams to monitor and manage aviation fuel exposure.
• Support the daily execution and monitoring of fuel pricing positions.
• Use market intelligence and supply data to support commercial decision-making.
• Ensure purchase and sales strategies align with wider business objectives and risk management requirements.

Supplier & Contract Management

• Lead negotiations and relationship management with key fuel suppliers, storage operators, transport providers, and logistics partners.
• Drive supplier performance through effective contract management and KPI reviews.
• Conduct quarterly performance reviews of haulage and logistics agreements.
• Identify opportunities to improve service quality, reliability, and cost efficiency across the supply chain.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Supply Operations Managers.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Create clear development plans and succession pathways for team members.
• Share best practices across European operations and promote operational excellence.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to support team capability growth.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant fuel supply regulations and industry standards.
• Lead regional compliance activities relating to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandates.
• Support external audits and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate operational reporting and submissions to governing authorities.
• Ensure all activities operate within company policies and compliance frameworks.

Budget Management & Business Planning

• Lead the annual operational budgeting process across assigned regions.
• Monitor volume changes, new business opportunities, and operational requirements impacting budgets.
• Provide regular forecasts and performance updates to senior leadership.
• Support long-term strategic planning and capacity management initiatives.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience

• Significant experience within fuel supply, aviation fuels, energy, commodities, logistics, procurement, or supply chain management.
• Fluent verbal and written communication skills in French and English.
• Proven experience managing complex regional operations and logistics networks.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience identifying opportunities to improve profitability and operational performance.
• Experience negotiating and managing high-value supplier and logistics contracts.
• Advanced analytical and financial skills, including forecasting and KPI management.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with responsibility for coaching and developing teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills across operational, commercial, and executive-level audiences.

Desirable Experience

• Aviation fuel supply experience.
• Knowledge of aviation infrastructure, airport operations, and into-plane services.
• Exposure to fuel pricing, commodity markets, or risk management activities.
• Understanding of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) regulations and mandates.
• Experience operating across multiple European markets.

Why Join World Fuel?

• Lead strategically important aviation fuel operations across multiple countries.
• Influence commercial performance and operational excellence in a global organisation.
• Work with senior leaders, industry partners, and major aviation stakeholders.
• Drive innovation, supply chain optimisation, and sustainable aviation initiatives.
• Be part of a collaborative, high-performing team with significant scope for professional growth and impact.

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