Buyer - Seat Trim

Ford•Dearborn, MI

About The Position

Manage cost, quality, and material efficiencies (Total Value Management) over program lifetime. Work with the strategic Category Manager and Product Development to understand latest supply base footprint, financial health ratings, technologies, and trends. Analyze market supply/demand balances and deficit risks. 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 Seat Trim suppliers. Understand industry trends and new technologies. 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. Established and active employee resource groups

Requirements

Bachelors Degree
Minimum of 3 years strategic buying experience
Proficiency in Purchasing systems and procedures
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
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
Ability to interpret organization needs and commercial strategies as input into global Category Strategies

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with manufacturing processes a plus

Responsibilities

Manage cost, quality, and material efficiencies (Total Value Management) over program lifetime.
Work with the strategic Category Manager and Product Development to understand latest supply base footprint, financial health ratings, technologies, and trends.
Analyze market supply/demand balances and deficit risks.
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 Seat Trim suppliers.
Understand industry trends and new technologies.
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.