Meet Pedro

Define your job title in one sentence

I am the interface between Airbus and its suppliers, responsible for supplier performance and development. 

What’s one thing that makes your job exciting or special?

I am the interface between Airbus and its suppliers, responsible for supplier performance and development. 

What’s one thing that makes your job exciting or special?

This job has given me the opportunity to discover a wide variety of companies, travel around the world, and work with excellent people from Airbus and from our suppliers.

What inspired you to join Airbus? 

Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by aviation. I remember drawing planes in the sky and playing different airplane games at a very early age. This, of course, fueled my curiosity and defined the path I chose to become an Aeronautical Engineer.

Later on, when I started my Engineering studies in Sevilla, my goal was to work at Airbus. Being close to the A400M Final Assembly Line (FAL) motivated me to apply for an internship at Airbus, and I’m grateful for this opportunity as it was the beginning of my career here.

Is there something that surprised you about working for Airbus?

The size and complexity of this company are features that greatly surprised me. It is amazing to discover the different locations where Airbus is present and the various functions that enable the company to operate.

And the scale of the Airbus supply chain is something I could never have imagined during my time at university. It caught my attention the moment I discovered it.

Explain what you do in simple terms

As a Supply Chain Quality Manager, I am responsible for leading Airbus suppliers to their peak performance levels and driving their business development toward industrial excellence.

I am dedicated to supporting both Airbus and our suppliers in overcoming any challenges that may arise during operations, ensuring Airbus’s business continuity - ranging from supply chain disruptions to any quality events that occur.

How does your role contribute to Airbus’ mission or the success of its products?

My work helps to strengthen the relationship between us and our suppliers by providing the high-level support they deserve, ensuring they are proud to be part of our supply chain.

Moreover, I serve as the ‘voice of the customer’ to our suppliers, channeling the critical priorities and requirements that are essential to our assembly lines.

How does Airbus support leadership development and innovation?

Airbus has supported me a lot in the development of my leadership career by empowering me in my role with suppliers. As a member - and at times the lead - of various Multi-Functional Teams, I have had the full support of the company to speak with the Airbus voice, rather than just my own.

Additionally, Airbus provides several career paths for leadership development along with a wealth of resources, such as mentorship and leadership programs and extensive coursework from its Leadership University.

How has Airbus supported your career growth or personal development?

Airbus has accelerated my career growth by allowing me to work with exceptional mentors. Since I joined the company, every colleague I have worked with has supported my development, helping me gain both technical and interpersonal skills. Among the most vital skills I have acquired are teamwork, negotiation, and leadership.

Consequently, when the time came, Airbus gave me the opportunity to develop as a team leader, placing its trust in me for such a significant role.

How has your career evolved since you joined Airbus?

I began my career as an intern in the A400M FAL Quality Team and later developed my skills as a VIE at Airbus Helicopters Germany, working as a Supplier Quality Manager. After five years I became  a Supply Chain Quality Manager . I served as a Team Leader at Airbus Helicopters for three years before moving to my current position at Airbus Americas.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a leader?

As a leader, the most significant lesson I have learned is that every team member, regardless of their background or level of expertise, is an invaluable asset to the team and deserves to be both respected and trusted.

What’s your most memorable experience at Airbus? Why does it stand out?

I have many memorable moments; being part of the supply chain team has given me the opportunity to travel all around the world and meet wonderful people.

If I had to highlight one, it would be the trip to Japan to discuss the conclusion of A380 programme operations with our business partner. Working in that environment and attending the closure event demonstrated the highest level of respect that two different companies can achieve.

On a personal note, I cannot omit the most significant moment of all: meeting my wife during a business trip to South Korea. Without this opportunity provided by the company, I would have missed the chance to meet my life partner.

Is there a specific project or moment you’re particularly proud of? Why?

I am truly proud to have been part of every MFT on which I have served and to have supported the resolution of every crisis that has arisen during my tenure at this company.

One of my most significant milestones was helping to recover and stabilize the A350 passenger door assembly line by resolving the counterfeit titanium crisis that surfaced in 2024. The level of professionalism displayed by both Airbus and the supplier teams to mitigate risk and secure Airbus deliveries was outstanding. During that crisis, I believe I leveraged all of my leadership skills; even though the impact was substantial, all parties were satisfied when the event concluded.

What advice would you give to someone starting a career in aerospace?

Don’t be overwhelmed by the vastness of the aerospace industry; it takes a significant amount of time to begin understanding any product, from a simple bolt to a complete aircraft. Since the company is immense, the interactions between different functions can be incredibly intricate; however, with experience, you will be able to understand all the interrelations.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Airbus?

Airbus is a great company to work for; it encompasses so many different areas that you can easily find the role that aligns best with your strengths. Furthermore, the company supports both your personal and professional development, guiding you toward career paths you may never have previously considered.

What would you say to someone who doesn’t think they “fit” in aerospace?

There are so many non-technical roles available that the company welcomes professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds to join the organization.

If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

What I appreciate most about working at Airbus are the numerous opportunities the company provides for both personal and professional development. Additionally, it is inspiring to see how everyone is engaged in our work. Even though we are geographically isolated from the European teams, every team member I work with makes a significant effort to ensure I am fully integrated into the various MFTs.

Which Airbus value resonates with you, and why?

For me, "We are one" is the key value, not only across Airbus's internal teams but also in engaging all the suppliers with whom we work. We rely on one another; a trust-based interaction is essential for our mutual success.

How does Airbus support you in maintaining work-life balance?

In my case, Airbus provides a flexible working environment with the opportunity to work from home and a comprehensive benefits package here in the USA. Because of these benefits, my family is well-covered, and we feel secure.

What motivates you to keep growing in your career?

The primary motivation for my career growth is curiosity and challenging myself every day in everything I do. I aim to explore and expand my potential within this organization by adopting new methodologies, mastering different technologies, adapting to new cultures, and assuming progressive levels of responsibility.

What’s one message you’d like to share with the next generation of aerospace professionals?

The primary motivation for my career growth is curiosity and challenging myself every day in everything I do. I aim to explore and expand my potential within this organization by adopting new methodologies, mastering different technologies, adapting to new cultures, and assuming progressive levels of responsibility.

What’s one message you’d like to share with the next generation of aerospace professionals?

Be curious, stay humble, and move out of your comfort zone. There are wonderful things that only you can achieve; so, go forth and make it fly.

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that inspires you in your work?

Rome wasn’t built in a single day, but through immense effort, it still stands thousands of years later.