Category Implementation Buyer-Engineering/Professional Services

Ford • Dearborn, MI

20h • $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. The role shapes Services procurement by driving cost competitiveness, advancing sourcing strategies, and enabling Product Development through high-performing supplier partnerships. The position focuses on transitioning traditional purchasing models to outcome-based, value-driven engagements that deliver measurable cost savings and operational efficiency.

The buyer develops and executes category strategies aligned with Product Development priorities; leads cost optimization and sourcing transformation; manages supplier strategy and complex negotiations; and partners across Supply Chain, business stakeholders, Finance, Legal, and external partners. The position also supports operational excellence through sourcing governance, contracting frameworks, compliance, and continuous improvement of procurement processes, tools, and systems.

This is a hybrid position. Candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub location may be required to work onsite four or more days per week. The salary range is $63,480–$166,200, with the final salary grade and base salary determined by skills, experience, job scope, responsibility, and market value. Visa sponsorship is not available. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in supply chain, purchasing, or category management, with exposure to services or technical procurement.
• 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 and experience with complex commercial agreements and contract structuring.
• Ability to translate technical requirements into effective sourcing and commercial strategies.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including spend analysis and cost modeling.
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and lead without direct authority.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, transformation-driven environment.
• Proficiency with procurement tools such as Ariba, advanced Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute forward-looking category strategies aligned with Product Development priorities, focusing on cost optimization and value delivery.
• Transform time-and-material engagements into deliverable-based, performance-driven sourcing models to improve cost predictability and accountability.
• Identify and implement sourcing levers such as global benchmarking, should-cost modeling, demand management, and supplier consolidation.
• Deliver year-over-year savings through strategic negotiations, commercial restructuring, and continuous market testing.
• Analyze spend, supplier cost structures, and industry benchmarks to identify cost-reduction opportunities and improve total cost of ownership.
• Partner with Finance and other stakeholders to align budgets, forecasts, and sourcing strategies with enterprise cost targets.
• Build and manage a competitive supply base of specialized service providers.
• Lead negotiations for complex, high-value supplier contracts, securing appropriate pricing, terms, and service levels.
• Manage supplier performance using KPIs, SLAs, and continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, and innovation.
• Continuously improve procurement processes, tools, and systems to enhance efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decision-making.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain, business owner stakeholders, Finance, Legal, and external partners to align sourcing strategy and execution.
• Influence stakeholders to adopt best-in-class sourcing practices and challenge legacy approaches.
• Lead or support strategic initiatives, workshops, and supplier engagements, including technology days and benchmarking reviews.
• Execute sourcing events and contract renewals on time and ensure compliance with corporate purchasing policies.
• Implement contracting frameworks such as MSAs, SOWs, and SLAs that incentivize performance and mitigate risk.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup child care.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• 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