Senior Buyer - Seating

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

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. In this position, you will be the North America Seat JIT Buyer, responsible for managing cost, quality, delivery, and resiliency of the Ford Seat JIT (Just in Time) supply chain. You will lead Ford's sourcing strategy, commercial cost reduction actions, and supplier relationships for Ford North America JIT (Just in Time) supply. Additionally, you will lead the integration of seat trim covers into the tier 1 seat assembler to deliver industry-leading cost and quality seat assemblies into the Ford Production plants.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Engineering, Data Analytics or another related field of study
• Minimum of 3+ years strategic purchasing experience
• Strong analytical skills (Must be data driven and able to analyze multiple potential scenarios / business plans).

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Maximize quality integration of tier 2 components into final seat assembly.
• Analyze market supply/demand balances and deficit risks.
• Conduct regular design reviews with engineering to identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Sourcing execution lead (RFx event, tactical sourcing, spot buy, contract admin, etc.).

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: Senior