Buyer - Exterior Lamps

Job Title:

Buyer
- Small Exterior Lamps

Buyer
- Small Exterior Lamps

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.

In this position...

The Ford Supply Chain team is at the heart of our global transformation. We don't just buy parts; we build resilient, competitive, and technologically advanced supply strategies and networks. As the Buyer for Exterior Small Lamps, you will own the commercial strategy for a diverse and rapidly evolving portfolio (including fog lamps, lit badging, grille lighting, truck bed utility lighting, and more).

You will join a collaborative team of experienced lighting buyers, taking full ownership of your unique parts and supplier relationships sourcing the highest quality parts from around the globe while ensuring the best total cost and on-time delivery. By bridging the gap between cutting-edge design and commercial execution, you will directly influence the vehicles our customers love.

In this position you will...

• Design & Execute Sourcing Strategies:
  Develop, implement, and champion the North American sourcing strategy for the small exterior lamp portfolio (e.g., fog lamps, CHMSLs, roof/side markers, rear reflex, lit badging, grille lamps, and utility lighting).
• Manage the Commodity Business Plan:
  Ensure continuous alignment, review, and adherence to the Global Small Lamp Commodity Business Plan to support long-term sourcing stability.
• Launch Management:
  Develop and manage detailed commercial timing plans for upcoming vehicle programs, ensuring supplier onboarding and cost targets align with critical program milestones.
• Drive High-Value Negotiations:
  Lead end-to-end commercial negotiations with global suppliers, covering production parts, engineering design & testing (ED&T), and lifecycle services.
• Deliver Cost Optimizations:
  Proactively identify and execute commercial cost-saving initiatives. Evaluate supplier cost-increase requests, utilizing fact-based negotiation and market data to mitigate avoidances.
• Support Data-Driven Decision Making:
  Conduct comprehensive business case studies, including landed cost studies, total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses, and quality cost evaluations to guide executive sourcing decisions.
• Partner with Key Stakeholders:
  Act as the commercial bridge between Product Development (PD), Design Studio, Quality (STA), and Finance to deliver optimal quality, cost, and delivery (QCD) objectives.
• Cultivate Supplier Partnerships:
  Build, maintain, and leverage strong, professional relationships with key global suppliers to foster innovation and secure supply priority.
• Resolve Supply Bottlenecks:
  Actively work with cross-functional teams in resolving complex commercial, quality, or delivery issues that impact production.
• Executive Presentation:
  Prepare and confidently present sourcing strategies, business cases, and risk-mitigation plans to senior executive leadership.

You'll have...

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, strategic sourcing, or commercial contract negotiation.
• Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to evaluate large datasets, synthesize complex financial data, and present clear, actionable recommendations.
• Availability to work in our hybrid model (4 days on-site in Dearborn, MI, with 1 day optional remote).

Even better, you may have...

• 5+ years of strategic procurement or supply chain experience, preferably within the automotive or manufacturing sectors.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with a track record of collaborating across diverse, cross-functional teams.
• Prior experience sourcing electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical components (LEDs, optical components, or smart-lighting systems are highly valued).
• Master's Degree (MBA or Master's in Supply Chain/Engineering).
• Proven project management skills with a strong discipline for…