Buyer, Stamping and Welded Assemblies

In this position... As a Buyer, Stamping & Welded Assemblies at Ford Motor Company, you will advance strategic sourcing objectives through commercial negotiations, supplier management, cost optimization, and supply continuity. As part of Ford’s Global Supply Chain organization, you will partner with Product Development, Manufacturing, Supplier Technical Assistance, MP&L, Finance, and suppliers to ensure the right supply partner delivers the right product at the right cost, with exceptional quality and on‑time performance.

This role supports steel and aluminum stamped parts and welded assemblies for vehicle Top Hat (upper body) applications and requires strong commercial acumen, analytical and negotiation skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

What you'll do...

Lead strategic sourcing and commercial negotiations to achieve competitive material costs while meeting program timing, quality, delivery, and supply continuity requirements. Partner with Category Management and cross‑functional teams to develop supplier strategies, bid lists, sourcing recommendations, program sourcing plans, negotiation strategies, cost roadmaps, and business cases aligned with Ford’s strategic, financial, and product objectives.

Drive cost competitiveness and value creation by analyzing supplier cost structures, commodity and market trends, manufacturing economics, and gaps to optimal cost. Develop and execute initiatives supporting Total Value Management (TVM), material efficiencies, inflation mitigation, annual cost objectives, and continuous improvement.

Manage supplier performance, capability, and risk by evaluating financial health, technology, footprint, capacity, manufacturing capabilities, and supply‑chain resilience. Build productive relationships with strategic suppliers, lead business reviews and Quality/Cost/Delivery discussions, and establish clear expectations for performance and accountability.

Protect supply continuity and resolve complex issues by partnering with Supplier Technical Assistance, Engineering, Manufacturing, Critical Supply, MP&L, Finance, and suppliers to address quality, capacity, cost, and delivery challenges. Identify alternative suppliers, technologies, processes, and supply‑chain solutions to mitigate risk and improve competitiveness.

Influence decisions and drive execution by presenting sourcing recommendations, negotiation strategies, business cases, and commercial settlements to senior leadership. Lead cross‑functional teams and suppliers to deliver commitments on time, challenge existing processes, and implement improvements that enhance cost, quality, efficiency, and supplier performance. Travel to supplier locations and attend internal or external workshops as required.

You’ll have...

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred, with 3+ years of automotive industry experience.

Strong commercial and business acumen with demonstrated negotiation, cost analysis, problem‑solving, and influencing skills, including the ability to evaluate cost structures, business cases, commodity trends, manufacturing economics, and sourcing alternatives.

Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate recommendations and influence senior leadership, suppliers, and cross‑functional stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to build collaborative supplier relationships, manage multiple priorities and complex projects, and deliver results within aggressive timelines.

Strategic understanding of automotive industry trends, technologies, manufacturing processes, supply‑chain challenges, and purchasing practices, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant purchasing systems.

Initiative, creativity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and continuous improvement.

Leverage AI tooling, data analytics, and emerging technologies to improve cost analysis, market intelligence, sourcing decisions, and purchasing processes.

Even better, you may have...

Direct purchasing or sourcing experience with steel/aluminum stampings, welded assemblies, automotive…