Buyer - Indirect

Job Description

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 chain so that we can continually produce the vehicles our customers want.

In this position...

Ford Motor Company is seeking a strategic, results-driven Category Implementation Buyer to lead sourcing and category strategy for Engineering/Professional Services. This role is responsible for shaping the future of Engineering Services procurement by driving cost competitiveness, advancing sourcing strategies, and enabling Product Development through high-performing supplier partnerships.

The ideal candidate brings a strong combination of commercial acumen, engineering alignment, and forward-thinking strategy, transitioning traditional purchasing models into outcome-based, value-driven engagements that deliver measurable cost savings and operational efficiency.

• Strategic thinker who challenges the status quo and drives innovation in sourcing approaches
• Cost-focused leader who proactively identifies and delivers value beyond traditional savings
• Strong collaborator who can influence Engineering and business stakeholders with credibility
• Data-driven decision-maker with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Influential leader who drives alignment across teams, customers, while fostering a high-performing, accountable culture
• Resilient and adaptable, able to navigate ambiguity and lead through transformation

Responsibilities

What you'll do...

Category Strategy & Transformation

• Lead development and execution of forward-looking category strategies aligned with Product Development priorities, with a strong focus on cost optimization and value delivery.
• Drive transformation from time & material engagements to deliverable-based, performance-driven sourcing models to improve cost predictability and accountability.
• Identify and implement innovative sourcing levers including global benchmarking, should-cost modeling, demand management, and supplier consolidation.

Cost Leadership & Financial Performance

• Deliver year-over-year cost savings through strategic negotiations, commercial restructuring, and continuous market testing.
• Analyze spend, supplier cost structures, and industry benchmarks to uncover cost reduction opportunities and improve total cost of ownership.
• Partner with Finance and other key stakeholders to align budgets, forecasts, and sourcing strategies with enterprise cost targets.

Supplier Strategy & Relationship Management

• Build and manage a high-performing, competitive supply base across specialized engineering service providers.
• Lead supplier negotiations for complex, high-value contracts, ensuring optimal pricing, terms, and service levels.
• Drive supplier performance through KPIs, SLAs, and continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, and innovation.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as a key interface between Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, Legal, and external partners to ensure alignment on sourcing strategy and execution.
• Influence stakeholders to adopt best-in-class sourcing practices and challenge legacy ways of working.
• Lead or support strategic initiatives, workshops, and supplier engagements (e.g., tech days, benchmarking reviews) to drive innovation and capability building.

Operational Excellence & Governance

• Ensure timely execution of sourcing events, contract renewals, and compliance with corporate purchasing policies.
• Implement robust contracting frameworks (MSAs, SOWs, SLAs) that incentivize performance and mitigate risk.
• Continuously improve procurement processes, tools, and systems to enhance efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications

You'll have...

Minimum

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in supply chain, purchasing, or category management, with exposure to Engineering Services or technical procurement.
• Strong 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 with experience in complex commercial agreements and contract structuring.
• Ability to translate technical engineering requirements into effective sourcing and commercial strategies.
• Strong financial and analytical acumen, including spend analysis and cost modeling.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and lead without direct authority.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a…