Buyer - Directed Content & Integrated Assembly; Tier II

Buyer
- Directed Content & Integrated Assembly (Tier II)
Interiors

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.

Project manager / lead for Directed Tier 2 (DT2) turnover & suppliers for Interior Cockpit and trim team. Ensure robust tracking of DT2 costs within Interior components, TVM delivery, and coordination with Tier 1 buyers & suppliers of costs, claims, multi-party agreements (MPAs). Responsible for unique sourcing components as required - including Digital scent modules, police modification parts, etc. Lead for various cockpit projects throughout the year as required.

Major Roles & Responsibilities for this position includes but is not limited to:

• Lead exercise and process of collecting and analyzing Directed Tier 2 Supplier Information for Interior Cockpit & Trim Department
• Build Directed Tier 2 Database to provide robust spend analyses and Tier 2 Part information to team members. Drive system improvements to process to reduce / eliminate manual tracking of data
• Engage and interact with buyers in other VHMs to align on TVM negotiations to ensure DT2 Savings for Interior
• Lead DT2 TVM/Claim processes for Interior VHM – collecting all required documentation and collaborating with SCBS to transact.
• Lead commodity integration team for unique sourcing activities
  - Examples include but are not limited to Digital Scent Module, Police modification parts, Inertia Locks, etc.
• MPA management/SME
  • Develop cockpit strategy for MPA commodities
  • Project manager for launching programs to ensure MPAs completed by T1/2 buyers by PA Milestone
  • Ensure MPA list/database up to date
• Bailment SME
• Manage cost, quality, and delivery of commodity over program lifetime
• Support and co-drive w/STA all supplier Q1 and quality objectives
• Understand and set cost savings goals annually to identify pure commercial leverage versus design efficiencies and end-to-end supply chain improvements
• Work with cross functional teams to understand latest supply base footprint, financial health ratings, technologies, and trends
• Sourcing execution lead & POV owner (RFP event, tactical sourcing, contract administration, etc.)
• Implement sourcing strategy for category, delivering a balanced portfolio of material that meets Ford’s QCDR (Quality, Cost, Delivery, Resilience)
• Look at all existing processes and challenge if improvements could be made, regardless of scale
• Develop material cost roadmaps that deliver corporate objectives and ensure long‑term viability
• Identify enablers to drive waste out of system/commodity
• Lead for commodity knowledge and market intelligence including cost, bill of process, etc.
• Lead cross-functional interface (primarily with Design Studio, PD, Cost Estimating)
• Lead the development and deployment of constraint mitigation actions to protect assembly plant production because of supplier constraints or catastrophic losses

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance or other related field of study
• Minimum of 3 years strategic buying or program management experience
• Proficiency in supply chain systems and procedures
• Ability to develop and successfully execute negotiations strategy
• Strong analytical skills (Must be data driven and able to analyze multiple potential scenarios / business plans)
• Cost analytics (understand commodity cost drivers, part cost breakdowns, Gap-to-OCE)

• Continuous pursuit of learning and development to drive commodity and process expertise
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes a plus
• Big Picture / Strategic Mindset (Must be able to drive the future of the desk)
• Creative thinker and problem solver
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be a self-starter/ motivated and be able to work both independently as well as in a team setting.
• Strong negotiation skills (creating leverage in both offensive and defensive situations)
• Persuasive and convincing communication skills (e.g., proposals, reports,…