Buyer: (NA) Alternators & Starters

Ford • Dearborn, MI

4d • $84,480 - $162,120

About The Position

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?
What you'll do...
Commodities: Power Supply – Alternators and Starter Motors
Technical or manufacturing expertise in the commodities with deep understanding of costs associated including: BOM, manufacturing cost drivers, design/cost/process efficiency best practices, optimization of capital/tooling and competitive intelligence
Portfolio includes future model programs and current model programs to be re-examined
Lead process to source commodities on time and satisfy program targets.
Understand physicals of the parts, supplier costs, OCEs (Optimal Cost Estimate), and cost gaps to OCEs
Drive for data transparency from the supply base to support fact based negotiations to deliver cost targets.
Primary focus is on effectively negotiating to achieve Best Cost at Job 1. Some situations may require to negotiate annual TVM reductions to eliminate cost gaps and meet department objectives
Develop sourcing strategies, commodity business plans, issue/analyze RFQs, supplier negotiation/selection, execute Sourcing Contracts
Work with global counterparts to develop and maintain commodity strategy
Work closely with engineering teams to drive and continue to develop commodity sourcing strategies
Ability to travel as required

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, or commodity management within automotive or industrial manufacturing environments.
• 3+ years of experience sourcing technical commodities such as alternators, starter motors, power supply components, or similar electro-mechanical systems.
• Strong understanding of BOM structures, manufacturing cost drivers, tooling/capital optimization, and design-to-cost principles.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing supplier cost breakdowns, Optimal Cost Estimates (OCE), and identifying cost gaps.
• Proven ability to lead RFQ processes, conduct supplier evaluations, and negotiate sourcing contracts to meet cost and timing targets.
• Experience driving fact-based negotiations and achieving Best Cost at Job 1.
• Ability to manage sourcing for both current production programs and future model launches.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally (Engineering, Finance, Program Management).
• Ability to work in a global environment and travel as required.

Nice To Haves

• 5+ years of experience managing automotive powertrain or electro-mechanical commodities (alternators, starter motors, or related power supply systems).
• 5+ years of experience developing global commodity strategies and business plans.
• Engineering or technical degree with strong knowledge of manufacturing processes related to rotating electrical machines.
• Experience negotiating long-term agreements and annual TVM (Total Value Management) reductions.
• Experience working with global sourcing teams and international suppliers.
• Strong competitive intelligence and market benchmarking experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead process to source commodities on time and satisfy program targets.
• Understand physicals of the parts, supplier costs, OCEs (Optimal Cost Estimate), and cost gaps to OCEs
• Drive for data transparency from the supply base to support fact based negotiations to deliver cost targets.
• Effectively negotiating to achieve Best Cost at Job 1. Some situations may require to negotiate annual TVM reductions to eliminate cost gaps and meet department objectives
• Develop sourcing strategies, commodity business plans, issue/analyze RFQs, supplier negotiation/selection, execute Sourcing Contracts
• Work with global counterparts to develop and maintain commodity strategy
• Work closely with engineering teams to drive and continue to develop commodity sourcing strategies

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed