Indirect Supply Chain Manager, Ford Performance Motorsports & Special Programs

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In this position… 

Seeking a dynamic and experienced Indirect Supply Chain Manager to lead the procurement and supply chain activities specifically for Ford Performance and Motorsports and Special Vehicle Programs initiatives. This critical role involves leading a dedicated team, developing and executing strategic sourcing plans, managing complex contracts, building strong supplier relationships, and ensuring efficient and compliant procurement processes tailored to the unique needs of Performance and Motorsports and Special Programs projects. The successful candidate will drive value, mitigate risks, and collaborate closely with cross functional teams throughout engineering, legal, and finance to support successful project delivery and competitive advantage throughout these spaces.

What you'll do… 

• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of procurement professionals focused on supporting Ford Performance and Motorsports and Special Vehicle Programs supply chain initiatives. Set performance objectives, provide guidance, and foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment dedicated to this specialized domain.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement both strategic and tactical procurement plans specifically tailored to oversee the entire commercial lifecycle of Performance and Motorsports projects and contracts, ensuring alignment with the overall objectives of these programs.
• Sourcing & Negotiation Leadership: Lead the end-to-end sourcing process for all goods and services required for this space. This includes defining requirements with stakeholders, conducting RFx (RFI, RFP, RFQ) processes, leading strategic market tests, conducting thorough supplier assessments, evaluating proposals, and leading complex negotiations with suppliers to achieve favorable terms, pricing, and service levels. Ensure timely and quality sourcing activities in collaboration with the Performance and Motorsports and Special Vehicle Programs teams.
• Contract Drafting, Negotiation, & Management: Oversee the creation, review, execution, and management of competitive contracts. Ensure contracts are detailed with clear deliverables, terms & conditions, payment terms, and pricing models to protect organizational interests. Ensure contracts comply with company policies and legal requirements and manage contract renewals or terminations. Collaborate closely with Performance and Motorsports Business Owners and Legal teams to mitigate risk within these contracts.
• Commodity Strategy Development: Maintain and evolve a Procurement Commodity Strategy specifically tailored to these spaces. Identify and execute supplier and commodity-focused sourcing plans designed to achieve savings targets and support technical requirements within this specialized area.
• Supplier Relationship & Performance Management: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers supporting Ford Performance and Motorsports and Special Vehicle Programs. Monitor supplier performance against contractual obligations and KPIs, conduct regular business reviews, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Act as the primary point of contact for critical supplier issue resolution and crisis management within the supply chain to mitigate risks and maintain continuity.
• Cost Management & Savings: Identify, analyze, and pursue opportunities for cost reduction and value improvement. Track, report, and forecast savings achieved through strategic sourcing and negotiation efforts in this domain.
• Market Data Analysis & Benchmarking: Conduct comprehensive market data analyses and perform benchmarking activities (via market tests, third-party studies, etc.) to establish expertise within the specialized categories. Leverage this knowledge for superior sourcing strategies, informing decisions and competitive positioning.
• Process, Policy & Systems Management: Ensure adherence to company procurement policies, procedures, and ethical standards across the team and all sourcing activities. Identify opportunities to streamline procurement processes and improve efficiency using procurement systems and tools. Oversee the accurate creation and issuance of purchase orders (e.g., in Ariba) based on requisitions from the business teams, ensuring all necessary information is accurately reflected.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential risks wit