Buyer - Indirect

Ford • Dearborn, MI

17h • $63,480 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford Motor Company is seeking a strategic, results-driven Category Implementation Buyer to lead sourcing and category strategy for Engineering/Professional Services. This role is responsible for shaping the future of Engineering Services procurement by driving cost competitiveness, advancing sourcing strategies, and enabling Product Development through high-performing supplier partnerships. The ideal candidate brings a strong combination of commercial acumen, engineering alignment, and forward-thinking strategy, transitioning traditional purchasing models into outcome-based, value-driven engagements that deliver measurable cost savings and operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in supply chain, purchasing, or category management, with exposure to Engineering Services or technical procurement.
• Strong track record of delivering measurable cost savings and driving strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Experience developing and executing category strategies, including market analysis, benchmarking, and supplier segmentation.
• Advanced negotiation skills with experience in complex commercial agreements and contract structuring.
• Ability to translate technical engineering requirements into effective sourcing and commercial strategies.
• Strong financial and analytical acumen, including spend analysis and cost modeling.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and lead without direct authority.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, transformation-driven environment.
• Proficiency in procurement tools (e.g., Ariba), Excel (advanced), and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

• Master degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of forward-looking category strategies aligned with Product Development priorities, with a strong focus on cost optimization and value delivery.
• Drive transformation from time & material engagements to deliverable-based, performance-driven sourcing models to improve cost predictability and accountability.
• Identify and implement innovative sourcing levers including global benchmarking, should-cost modeling, demand management, and supplier consolidation.
• Deliver year-over-year cost savings through strategic negotiations, commercial restructuring, and continuous market testing.
• Analyze spend, supplier cost structures, and industry benchmarks to uncover cost reduction opportunities and improve total cost of ownership.
• Partner with Finance and other key stakeholders to align budgets, forecasts, and sourcing strategies with enterprise cost targets.
• Build and manage a high-performing, competitive supply base across specialized engineering service providers.
• Lead supplier negotiations for complex, high-value contracts, ensuring optimal pricing, terms, and service levels.
• Drive supplier performance through KPIs, SLAs, and continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, and innovation.
• Act as a key interface between Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, Legal, and external partners to ensure alignment on sourcing strategy and execution.
• Influence stakeholders to adopt best-in-class sourcing practices and challenge legacy ways of working.
• Lead or support strategic initiatives, workshops, and supplier engagements (e.g., tech days, benchmarking reviews) to drive innovation and capability building.
• Ensure timely execution of sourcing events, contract renewals, and compliance with corporate purchasing policies.
• Implement robust contracting frameworks (MSAs, SOWs, SLAs) that incentivize performance and mitigate risk.
• Continuously improve procurement processes, tools, and systems to enhance efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decision-making.

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