Purchasing Manager – JIT Seats

Ford • Dearborn, MI

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Purchasing Manager – JIT Seats
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.
In this position...
Seat Supply Chain Manager leads a section of buyers responsible for:
Seat Jit sourcing strategy development, program sourcing activities, material cost reductions, risk and resilience management, supplier relationship management, Market analysis, cross functional collaboration etc.
Serves as the Supply Chain interface with enterprise thought Leaders on network design, industry benchmarks, and operational excellence

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Finance, Logistics or other related field of study
• 5+ years of progressive experience in procurement or strategic sourcing
• Strong analytical skills - understanding of cost drivers and cost modeling
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills
• Proficiency in procurement software, and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).

Nice To Haves

• Strong business acumen, team building, collaboration, and communication skills – demonstrated ability to successfully lead cross-functional teams
• Master's degree in a related field or MBA
• Strategic mindset – curious, creative, and ability to see the bigger picture
• Seats supply chain manager experience a plus
• Agile and able to embrace a fast-paced environment that is evolving
• Ability to develop and communicate strategic and analytical viewpoints to purchasing leadership, carrier base, and internal customers

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute comprehensive purchasing strategies for categories, ensuring alignment with overall company objectives and financial targets. You will actively lead Pulse improvement initiatives and manage an effective team of 4 that optimizes delivering business results with employee development and fulfillment, including people development plans and career coaching.
• Actively manage supplier relationships: Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with key strategic suppliers, driving performance, innovation, and long-term partnerships. You will establish and maintain strong cross-functional relationships using Supplier Relationship Framework (SRF) principles and manage positive relationships with the supply base by acting like a partner, being accountable, trusting and being trustworthy, communicating with consistency, being fact-based while driving for results, and thinking value not just price.
• Risk Management & Resiliency: Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring continuity of supply and building resilient supplier networks. This involves monitoring the financial health of the supply base, including follow-up on further development and establishment of a back-up plan in case of risk, and utilizing SRM (Supply Risk Management) tools to intervene proactively, avoiding potential supply disruption. You will also monitor quality and supply of the supply base, including follow-up on further development/improvement and establishment of a back-up plan in case of risk.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as a key interface and trusted advisor to MP&L as well as various internal skill teams, including Product Development, Engineering, Finance, and Legal, ensuring purchasing strategies support their objectives. You will be the Purchasing representative at cross-functional program/project management and launch meetings.
• Market Analysis: Stay abreast of industry trends, market conditions, technological advancements, and evolving regulations to inform strategic decisions. Engage with external partners such as regulatory bodies, brokers, industry experts, benchmarking companies, industry associations etc to build a knowledge base on all transport modes.
• Category Management: Lead team to develop strategies that deliver cost-effective, efficient, sustainable solutions: Develop category strategy plans for Seat Structures. Include robust Resiliency Planning in this highly volatile and complex area
• Negotiate MSAs, with SOWs, Service-Level-Agreements, KPI metrics, and supplier governance processes to deliver consistently high-quality services
• Secure favorable buy terms and claims management to sufficiently protect the business (e.g. IP rights, liability, warranty)
• Ability to work cross functionally with NA Vehicle Logistics (NAVL) team, NA Materials Logistics team and our chosen Lead Logistics Providers to understand the Network design and complications, and help source to maximize efficiency within the Network
• Drive Purchasing discipline: Lean into dashboards, digital transformation and Purchasing Policy. Ensure appropriate sign-off on contracts, risk assessments, deviations in accordance with Delegations of Authority

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: Manager