Buyer - Head Restraints & Armrests

Ford • Dearborn, MI

9d • $72,480 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is for a Seat Head Restraints and Armrest Buyer responsible for managing the cost, quality, delivery, and resiliency of the Ford Head Restraints and Armrest supply chain. The Ford Purchasing team adds critical value to the entire organization by sourcing high-quality parts and services globally, ensuring optimal cost and on-time delivery, and establishing a robust supply chain for vehicle production. The buyer will manage cost, quality, and material efficiencies over the program lifetime, set annual cost savings goals, and work with the strategic Category Manager and Product Development to understand the supply base. They will also maximize quality integration of tier 2 components, analyze market supply/demand, and conduct design reviews to identify cost reduction opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Accounting, Engineering or other related field
• Minimum 3 years of automotive purchasing experience.
• Proficiency in Purchasing systems and procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Extremely high energy with a relentless pursuit of learning and development to drive commodity expertise.
• Ability to influence senior executives to drive decision-making.
• Ability to develop and successfully execute negotiations strategy.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes a plus.
• Strong analytical skills (Must be data driven and able to analyze multiple potential scenarios / business plans).
• Big Picture / Strategic Mindset (Must be able to drive the future of the commodity).
• Creative thinker and problem solver.
• Must be a self-starter/ motivated and be able to work both independently as well as in a team setting.
• Strong negotiation skills (creating leverage in both offensive and defensive situations).
• Persuasive and convincing communication skills (e.g., proposals, reports, plans) to secure commitment from business leaders.

Responsibilities

• Manage cost, quality, and material efficiencies (Total Value Management) over program lifetime.
• Understand and set cost savings goals annually to identify pure commercial leverage versus design efficiencies and end-to-end supply chain improvements.
• Work with the strategic Category Manager and Product Development to understand latest supply base footprint, financial health ratings, technologies, and trends.
• Maximize quality integration of tier 2 components into final seat assembly.
• Analyze market supply/demand balances and deficit risks.
• Conduct regular design reviews with engineering to identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Sourcing execution lead (RFx event, tactical sourcing, spot buy, contract admin, etc.).
• POV owner of program-specific sourcing decisions.
• Implement sourcing strategy for category, delivering a balanced portfolio of material that meets Ford’s capacity, cost, timing, and ESG (Environmental , Social, Governance) needs.
• Manage relationships with existing and future Head Restraint and Armrest suppliers.
• Work with suppliers to define integration opportunities within the supply chain.
• Look at all existing processes and challenge if improvements could be made, regardless of scale.
• Develop material cost roadmaps that deliver corporate objectives and ensure long-term viability.

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