Buyer - Textiles

Ford • Dearborn, MI

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
The Ford Purchasing team adds critical value to the entire organization. You’ll help us source the highest quality parts and services from around the globe while ensuring optimal cost and on-time delivery. You’ll also contribute to establishing a robust supply chain so that we can continually produce the vehicles our customers want.
This role is for a Seat Trim Textiles Buyer - Responsible for procuring fabric and leather materials for seat cover manufacturing.
In this position...
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.
Analyze market supply/demand balances and deficit risks.
Align on sourcing to materials, component, and part requirements.
Work to establish material indices (Woven materials, leather) and forecasted pricing mentorship based on 3rd party data (where applicable).
Conduct regular design reviews with color & materials and engineering .

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree
• Minimum 3 years of automotive purchasing experience.
• Minimum of 3 years in leather, vinyl, and/or fabric automotive materials 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.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes a plus.

Nice To Haves

• 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

• Sourcing execution lead (RFx event, tactical sourcing, spot buy, contract admin, etc.).
• POV owner of program-specific sourcing decisions regarding leather and fabric strategy.
• 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 textile suppliers.
• Understand industry and asset specific costs and develop “should cost” for textiles materials, by spec.
• 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
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees