Category Implementation Buyer - Beam and Non-Beam Axles

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

The Ford Purchasing team adds critical value to the entire organization. You’ll help us source the highest quality parts and services from around the globe while ensuring optimal cost and on-time delivery. You’ll also contribute to establishing a robust supply chain so that we can continually produce the vehicles our customers want.
 

In this position... 
You will manage high-value and complex technology that is key to delivering Ford’s driveline vehicle strategy. The Category Implementation Buyer for Beam & Non-Beam Axles will manage components such as full axle assemblies with different architectures, RDU (Rear Drive Units), eIWE (Electronic Integrated Wheel Ends) and Axle Tube Assemblies supporting multiple vehicle programs. These parts integrate with many other different driveline components to propel our vehicles. 

The successful candidate will engage early in the vehicle-program and product-definition life cycles, collaborate with extensive x-functional teams, gain deep understanding of product cost structure, and integrate sourcing and product strategies to deliver excellent cost and quality for our customers.

What you'll do...

• Develop sourcing strategies in collaboration with Engineering and Advance Product Planning
• Lead sourcing projects and facilitate cross-functional alignment to deliver sourcing recommendations at competitive prices, on time, and with supply chain resilience
• Explore the marketplace and develop category expertise that allows you to enhance and challenge our category strategies
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of products and resolve any issues that may arise
• Identify and secure cost reductions and negotiate cost avoidances
• Assist in the resolution of cost, quality, and delivery issues affecting supply
• Work closely with others to meet deadlines with excellence; drive others to deliver required materials on time and with quality

You'll have...

Minimum

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, Engineering or a related field of study
• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, and/or sourcing experience
• Proficiency in Purchasing systems and procedures
• Clear understanding of the purchasing program life cycle
• Strong analytical skills (Must be data driven and able to analyze multiple potential scenarios / business plans)
• Negotiation skills (creating leverage in both offensive and defensive situations)
• Project Management skills and process discipline
• Ability to evaluate and analyze data to enable decision-making
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work cross functionally

Even better, you may have...

• Ability to clearly present recommendations to leadership
• Comfortable dealing with internal and external conflicts
• Must be a self-starter/ motivated and be able to work both independently as well as in a team setting
• Continuous pursuit of learning and development to drive commodity expertise
• Persuasive and convincing communication skills (e.g., proposals, reports, plans) to secure commitment from business leaders
• Ability to develop and successfully execute negotiations strategy
• Familiarity with axle assembly manufacturing processes
• Big Picture / Strategic Mindset (Must be able to drive the future of the commodity)
• Creative thinker and problem solver
• Highly organized self-starter with demonstrated leadership skills

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matte