Purchasing Manager - Restraints

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.

Ford is seeking a dynamic and strategic professional to lead sourcing efforts for the Seats commodity, driving initiatives across sourcing strategy development, program sourcing activities, material cost reduction, risk and resilience management, supplier relationship management, market analysis, and cross‑functional collaboration. This is a business‑critical, high‑visibility position with a direct and significant impact on Ford's overall turnover and bottom‑line performance.

In this role, you will lead the Restraints sourcing strategy, partnering closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver innovative, cost‑effective, and resilient supply solutions that support Ford's broader business objectives. This position offers substantial career growth potential, with a clear path to Senior Manager and the opportunity to advance one to two levels as part of Ford's ongoing investment in developing top talent within this team.

• Strategic Leadership: develop and execute comprehensive purchasing strategies for Restraints categories, ensuring alignment with overall company objectives and financial targets. Actively lead Pulse improvement initiatives and manage an effective team of 4 that delivers business results while fostering employee development and career coaching.
• Actively manage supplier relationships: cultivate and maintain robust relationships with key strategic suppliers, driving performance, innovation, and long‑term partnership. Establish and maintain strong cross‑functional relationships using Supplier Relationship Framework principles and manage positive relationships with the supply base by acting like a partner, being accountable, trustworthy, communicating consistently, and focusing on value rather than price.
• Risk Management & Resiliency: proactively identify and mitigate supply‑chain risks, ensuring continuity of supply and building resilient supplier networks. Monitor the financial health of the supply base, follow up on development, establish backup plans in case of risk, and use SRM tools to intervene proactively to avoid supply disruption.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  serve as a key interface and trusted advisor to MP&L as well as various internal skill teams, including Product Development, Engineering, Finance, and Legal, ensuring purchasing strategies support their objectives. Represent purchasing at cross‑functional program, project management, and launch meetings.
• Market Analysis: stay abreast of industry trends, market conditions, technological advancements, and evolving regulations to inform strategic decisions. Engage with external partners such as regulatory bodies, brokers, industry experts, benchmarking companies, and industry associations to build a knowledge base on all transport modes.
• Category Management: lead the team to develop strategies that deliver cost‑effective, efficient, sustainable solutions:
  • Develop category strategy plans for Restraints commodities; include robust resiliency planning in this highly volatile and complex area.
  • Negotiate MSAs, with SOWs, Service‑Level Agreements, KPI metrics, and supplier governance processes to deliver consistently high‑quality services.
  • Secure favorable buy terms and claims management to protect the business (e.g., IP rights, liability, warranty).
  • Work cross‑functionally with NA Vehicle Logistics, NA Materials Logistics, and chosen Lead Logistics Providers to understand network design and complications, and help source to maximize efficiency within the network.
• Drive Purchasing discipline: lean into dashboards, digital transformation, and Purchasing Policy. Ensure appropriate sign‑off on contracts, risk assessments, and deviations in accordance with Delegations of Authority.

• Bachelor's degree required
• 5+ years of progressive experience in procurement or strategic sourcing

• Strong business acumen, team…