Buyer - Stampings & Structural Assemblies

Buyer – Stampings & Structural Assemblies – Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is seeking an experienced Buyer to lead commercial negotiations, manage supplier relationships, and optimize costs for the procurement of steel and aluminum stamped parts and welded assemblies. This role is part of Ford’s Global Supply Chain organization and works collaboratively with cross‑functional teams to ensure the right supply partner delivers the best product on the right vehicle, at the right price with outstanding quality and on‑time performance.

• Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation:
  • Conduct appropriate sourcing activities that deliver a quality part at the best material cost within program timing requirements.
  • 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.
  • Develop supplier strategies based on Category Manager input, allowing the team to source programs at target, on time while managing cost, quality and risk.
  • 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.
  • Support quality initiatives by holding suppliers accountable and sourcing Q1 sites or achieving Q1 sites where targeted/aligned.
• Business Plan Development:
  • Develop and successfully execute negotiation strategies to deliver material efficiencies (TVM) and minimize inflationary costs.
  • Develop material cost roadmaps that deliver corporate objectives and ensure long‑term viability.
  • 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.
  • Lead supplier Quarterly Business Reviews and/or Supplier Quality/Cost/Delivery meetings.
• Supply Continuity and Support:
  • Provide support to the Critical Supply Team and Supplier Technical Assistance 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.
• Other Responsibilities:
  • Ad hoc travel to supply partners as required.
  • Champion process improvements and challenge existing processes regardless of scale.
  • Accountable to work closely with others to meet deadlines with excellence; drive others to deliver required materials on time and with quality.
  • 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.

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3+ years of experience in procurement, preferably within the automotive industry
• 3+ years of experience with manufactured commodities and manufacturing processes

• Master’s Degree
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, preferably within the automotive industry
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic procurement software
• Experience with stampings and structural assemblies
• Strong business and commercial acumen and excellent written and verbal abilities
• Ability to build solid relationships with teammates, suppliers, and cross‑functional team members by fostering teamwork and collaboration in a virtual and face‑to‑face environment
• Proficient with juggling multiple responsibilities simultaneously, staying focused on deadlines, handling complex projects efficiently, and solving open issues in a timely manner
• Strong analytical skills (sourcing evaluations, business case studies)
• Strong negotiation skills (creating leverage in both offensive and defensive situations)
• Cost analytics (understand…