Job DescriptionWe are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we're all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?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.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. This role focuses on the steel and aluminum stamped parts and welded assemblies located on the Top Hat (upper body) of the vehicle. The role has a high-level interaction with Product Development, Manufacturing, STA, and MP&L at all levels, and requires the ability to work well in a team environment.ResponsibilitiesIn this position...
- Develop and successfully execute negotiations strategies to deliver material efficiencies (TVM) and minimize inflationary costs, which requires developing deeper understanding of cost drivers and levers.
- Support Quality initiatives by holding suppliers accountable and sourcing to Q1 sites or achieving Q1 sites where targeted/aligned.
- Develop supplier strategies based on Category Manager input, allowing team to source programs at target, on time while managing cost, quality and risk.
- Support CST and cross-functional teams in managing critical supplier concerns.
- Accountable to work closely with others to meet deadlines with excellence; drive others to deliver required materials on time and with quality.
What you'll do...Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation:
- Understand upcoming program sourcing and key milestones in support of launch.
- Align with the Category Manager on the supplier bid-list, considering industry trends, technologies, and strategic supplier analysis.
- Conduct appropriate sourcing activities that deliver a quality part at the best material cost to Ford Motor Company.
- Possess effective presentation skills to executive leadership to demonstrate the Why behind a particular sourcing decision.
- Provide feedback to valued supply partners on cost position relative to market and build effective long-term, productive relationships.
- Create supplier negotiation strategies and lead commercial TVM negotiations, and supplier QCDR meetings.
- Lead 'Fix/Exit/Leave' supplier strategies as needed.
Business Plan Development:
- Work with the strategic Category Manager, the Global Commodity Team, and Product Development to understand the latest supply base footprint, financial health ratings, technologies, and trends.
- Work directly with Supply Chain and the Finance organization to develop a holistic year-over-year commodity cost position.
- 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
- Possess effective presentation skills to executive leadership to demonstrate the Why behind a particular commercial settlement and outlook.
Supply Continuity and Support:
- Provide support to the Critical Supply Team and STA 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
- Close all commercial issues in a timely, effective, and competitive manner to not risk plant build objectives.
Other Responsibilities:
- Ad hoc travel as required to supply partners
- Be a leader - look at all existing processes and challenge if improvements could be made, regardless of scale
- Complete all systems training required to complete day-to-day operations of the Category Implementation role.
- Attend internal and external workshops with key stakeholders for continued process improvements.
- Hold effective working-level meetings with Supply partners for fast issue closure and relationship development.
QualificationsYou'll have...
- Bachelor's degree required, Master's preferred.
- 3+ years of experience in automotive purchasing.
Even better, you may have...
- Preferred direct experience with Stampings and Structural Assemblies.
- Able to communicate clearly and solve open issues in a timely manner.
- Ability to build solid relationships with teammates, suppliers, and cross-functional team members by fostering teamwork and collaboration in a virtual or face-to-face environment.
- Proficient with juggling multiple responsibilities simultaneously, staying focused on deadlines, and handling complex projects efficiently.
- Possess creativity, energy and a pursuit of learning and development to drive commodity expertise.
- Persuasive and convincing communication skills (e.g., proposals, reports, plans) to secure commitment from business leaders.
- Ability to develop and successfully execute a negotiation strategy.
- High degree of trust and maintain strong relationships with Skill Team / regional leadership.
- Strong data and analytics understanding (e.g., complex TCO modeling, presentation storyboarding skills, data analytics).
- Ability to interpret organizational needs and commercial strategies as input into global Category Strategies.
- Strong knowledge across the sourcing process.
You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:• 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.For more information on salary and benefits, click here: This position is a range of salary grades 7-8 .Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-###-####.#LI-Hybrid #LI-CW1