Category Implementation Buyer - Climate Commodities

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Category Implementation Buyer is responsible for the strategic sourcing, business development and supply continuity that are critical to achieving the Ford+ plan of improving bottom-line automotive operations and securing Ford Motor Company’s place in the ever-changing automotive landscape of tomorrow. Category Implementation team members interface with internal and external stakeholders alike to ensure that the right supply partner is chosen to deliver the best product, on the right vehicle, at the right price with outstanding quality and on-time performance.

Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree required
• 5+ years of direct procurement and supply chain experience
• Ability to work autonomously
• Persuasive and confident communication skills (e.g., proposals, reports, plans) to secure commitment from business leaders
• Ability to develop and successfully execute negotiations strategy
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners
• Excellent data analysis skillset
• Sourcing process knowledge

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Global Lead for Climate Commodity.
• Understand upcoming program sourcing and key milestone in support of launch
• Learn product attributes, cost targets, marketing expectations and footprint requirements to develop a comprehensive bid-list
• Conduct appropriate sourcing activities that deliver a quality part at the best material cost to Ford Motor Company, while ensuring a resilient supply base
• Provide feedback to valued supply partners on cost position relative to market to build effective long-term, productive relationships.
• Support future Program Workshops - identify opportunities to achieve vehicle competitive pricing
• Work with Product Development to understand latest supply base footprint, financial health ratings, technologies and trends
• Understand and set cost savings goals to achieve on an annual basis by identifying pure commercial leverage versus design efficiencies and end-to-end supply chain improvements
• Develop material cost roadmaps that deliver corporate objectives and ensure long-term viability
• Lead global supplier negotiations to support 2025/6 Priorities (TVM, E2E, Inflation, CRID), develop Action Plan to achieve TVM and Inflation targets
• Provide direct support to Supplier Quality and Material, Planning & Logistics where part quality and shortages become prevalent
• Work with engineering to identify alternative technologies or sources of supply to maintain a consistent flow of product into Ford production facilities
• Develop resiliency support plans for all flagship programs at the Tier 1 and Tier 2 levels
• Close all commercial issues in a timely, effective and competitive manner so as to not risk plant build objectives.
• Travel as required to supply partners
• Be a leader- look at all existing process and challenge if improvements could be made, regardless of scale
• Complete all systems training required to complete day-to-day operations of Category Implementation role
• Attend internal and external workshops with key stakeholders for continued process improvements
• Hold effective working-level meetings with Supply partners (issue closure, communication, and relationship development)

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