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Sustainable Aviation Fuel Procurement and Strategy Manager

Cathay Pacific • Hong Kong • Added on Jul 15, 2026
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This senior role places you at the helm of Cathay’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) transition, where you will define and execute the sourcing strategy for Hong Kong and global outports. You will take ownership of the full procurement lifecycle, from conducting technical due diligence on new production pathways to negotiating complex supply contracts in a rapidly evolving energy market.

Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize, and SAF is currently the most viable lever for meaningful change. By securing high-quality, certified fuel supplies, you are directly enabling the airline to meet its net-zero commitments and driving the commercial viability of green energy within the Greater Bay Area ecosystem. This is a rare opportunity to turn high-level climate policy into tangible operational reality.

This suits someone who blends deep commercial procurement discipline with a technical curiosity for climate science and alternative fuels. You should be a strong negotiator comfortable operating at the intersection of energy markets, regulatory compliance, and corporate strategy.

FAQ de l’offre

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The selected individual will be responsible for defining and implementing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) sourcing strategy across Hong Kong International Airport and various global outports. This involves a heavy emphasis on market analysis to anticipate supply trends and potential disruptions in the burgeoning bio-fuel and synthetic fuel sectors. You will lead the entire supply chain due diligence process, ensuring that potential fuel sources meet rigorous sustainability and technical certifications. Beyond just buying fuel, you will be negotiating with a diverse range of stakeholders including producers, resellers, and regulatory bodies to secure long-term availability at competitive terms.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This role offers an unparalleled deep dive into the technical pathways of SAF production, including biomass-to-liquid and power-to-liquid technologies. You will gain expertise in the complex landscape of fuel particles certification and international sustainability standards that are unique to the aviation sector. Furthermore, you will sharpen your regulatory affairs knowledge, navigating the evolving climate mandates from bodies like IATA and regional governments. The position provides a front-row seat to the development of the green energy infrastructure within the Greater Bay Area, offering insights into how global logistics hubs transition to low-carbon models.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate brings at least five years of experience, specifically in strategic procurement or category management. While a background in energy or aviation is beneficial, the ability to apply commercial acumen to a new and volatile market is the most critical asset for success in this role. Technical literacy is essential; you should understand climate science and regulatory requirements enough to vet the integrity of 'green' fuels. Soft skills are equally prioritized, as the role requires the negotiation prowess to influence senior external partners and the internal confidence to drive a high-performance culture within the Aircraft Trading community.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate a clear understanding of the difference between traditional jet fuel procurement and the complexities of SAF, such as feedstock traceability and carbon intensity scores. Highlight any experience you have in 'unripe' markets where you had to build a supply chain from scratch or manage high levels of uncertainty. Your application should reflect an entrepreneurial mindset; Cathay is looking for someone who doesn't just manage contracts but actively identifies new market opportunities. Align your cover letter with the company's specific commitment to the Greater Bay Area's sustainability goals to show localized strategic thinking.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The primary focus is Scope 3 emissions reduction and the decarbonization of the airline's core operational activity: flying. By accelerating SAF adoption, the role directly impacts the company’s carbon footprint and its alignment with international aviation environmental standards. Additionally, the role focuses on supply chain integrity. You will ensure that the fuels purchased do not contribute to indirect land-use change or other negative environmental externalities, thereby protecting the company's reputation and its compliance with strict ESG reporting frameworks.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

The most significant challenge is the current global scarcity and high cost of SAF compared to traditional fossil fuels. Balancing ambitious sustainability targets with the harsh commercial realities of the airline industry requires exceptional financial agility and creative problem-solving. You may also face regulatory volatility. As governments around the world introduce different mandates and incentives, maintaining a cohesive global sourcing strategy that satisfies multiple jurisdictions simultaneously will require constant monitoring and adaptability.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with market intelligence gathering, reviewing the latest pricing trends and production announcements from SAF refineries. This is often followed by negotiation calls with global fuel suppliers or meetings with regulatory authorities to discuss certification standards. Internal collaboration is also a major component; you might spend the afternoon with the Procurement and Aircraft Trading team to align sourcing plans with flight schedules or working with the sustainability department to verify the carbon savings of a specific fuel batch for ESG reporting purposes.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

The role offers significant visibility, reporting to the Head of Procurement Operations and Sustainability and interacting with senior leadership. Success in this high-profile category can lead to executive roles within global procurement or dedicated corporate sustainability leadership. Given the strategic importance of SAF to the future of aviation, the expertise gained here is highly transferable and positions you as a subject matter expert in the global energy transition. This could lead to specialized roles in energy trading, policy advocacy, or international aviation management.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internal stakeholders primarily include the Procurement and Aircraft Trading (APD) community, whom you will mentor and transition toward sustainable practices. You will also work closely with the Sustainability and Finance departments to ensure procurement strategies align with corporate carbon goals and budget constraints. Externally, your network will be vast, encompassing fuel producers, IATA representatives, and airport authorities. You will also engage with resellers and technology providers who are developing the next generation of aviation fuels, acting as Cathay's primary ambassador in these critical technical forums.

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