Purchasing Manager, BlueOval Battery Park Michigan

At Blue Oval Battery Park Michigan, you will

• use your entrepreneurial skills and team mindset to come up with data-driven solutions

• build and lead an agile team to deliver the advanced technology that drives the future

• create a culture of trust, encourage diversity of thought and foster leadership in others

• be part of the historic transformation of the automotive industry.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Purchasing Manager to play a critical role in the success of the Blue Oval Michigan Battery Plant (BOBM) program. This position will be responsible for managing all purchasing activities related to the BOBM project, encompassing both direct and indirect materials and services. The Purchasing Manager will lead a team of four direct reports, providing guidance and support to ensure efficient and cost-effective procurement processes.

A key aspect of this role will involve actively participating in the testing and implementation of the new BOBM Purchasing System, providing valuable feedback to optimize its functionality.

What you'll do

Program and Sourcing Management

• Serve as the primary purchasing contact for the BOBM program.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to ensure timely delivery of high-quality materials and services.
• Lead the BOBM purchasing team in placing timely purchase orders to support production requirements at BOBM plants.
• Define, develop, and implement the BOBM purchasing system, including supplier onboarding and integration with Ford systems.
• Collaborate with plant packaging engineers and suppliers on packaging solutions.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure business continuity for the BOBM program.
• Work with engineering, operations, and other stakeholders to translate project needs into actionable procurement plans.
• Monitor engineering changes and update purchase orders to prevent material supply disruptions.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and mentor a team of four direct reports (indirect and direct purchasing specialists) located in Marshall, MI.
• Provide guidance, training, and performance feedback to foster continuous improvement.
• Delegate tasks effectively to balance workload and promote skill development.
• Cultivate a collaborative and positive work environment within the purchasing team.

BOBM Purchasing System Implementation

• Actively participate in the testing, validation, and optimization of the new BOBM Purchasing System.
• Develop training materials and standard operating procedures for the system.
• Support the successful rollout and adoption of the BOBM Purchasing System across the organization.

Strategic Sourcing and Cost Management Support

• Support central purchasing teams in conducting market research, identifying suppliers, and optimizing sourcing opportunities.
• Assist in negotiating pricing and contract terms to achieve cost savings and favorable terms.
• Support cost reduction strategies and track progress against targets.
• Monitor and identify areas for improvement in supplier performance.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies, ethical guidelines, and legal regulations.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation.
• Prepare and present regular reports on purchasing performance, including cost savings, supplier performance, and risk assessments.

You'll have

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance or a related field.

• 5+ years of progressive experience in purchasing and supply chain management.

• 3-5 + years of experience in managing direct reports and leading a team.

• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and purchasing software.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

• Travel is required- domestic and international.

Even better, you may have

• APICS or ISM certification (e.g., CPIM, CPSM).

• Experience with battery manufacturing or related technologies.

• Experience with new system implementation.

• Six Sigma or Lean certification.

• Experience working cross-culturally

• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement sourcing strategies.

•…