Senior Manager, Purchasing - Business Services, Engineering Services & Benefits

Senior Manager, Purchasing - Business Services, Engineering Services & Benefits 

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? 

In this position... 

Ford Motor Company is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Manager, Purchasing - Business Services, Engineering Services & Benefits to lead a critical segment of our global supply chain team. This role offers a unique opportunity to manage billions in annual spend across diverse and dynamic categories, directly impacting Ford's operations, innovation, and employee well-being.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a dedicated team of managers and buyers, driving best-in-class performance in cost, quality, delivery, service, and resiliency within our indirect supply base. This position requires a visionary leader with expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and complex contract negotiations, capable of fostering strong relationships across various internal skill teams.

What you'll do...

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute comprehensive purchasing strategies for categories including Healthcare/Benefits, Professional and Engineering Services, Special Vehicle Programs, and Ford Performance services, ensuring alignment with overall company objectives and financial targets.
• Spend Management: Oversee and optimize annual spend totaling billions of dollars, identifying and implementing opportunities for cost reduction, value creation, and process improvements across assigned categories.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of purchasing managers and buyers, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with key strategic suppliers, driving performance, innovation, and long-term partnerships.
• Contract Negotiation: Lead and execute complex contract negotiations, ensuring favorable terms, conditions, and service level agreements that mitigate risk and deliver maximum value to Ford.
• Operational Efficiency: Implement and champion best practices in sourcing processes, supplier selection, and performance management to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as a key interface and trusted advisor to various internal skill teams, including Human Resources, Product Development, Engineering, Finance, and Legal, ensuring purchasing strategies support their objectives.
• Risk Management & Resiliency: Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring continuity of supply and building resilient supplier networks.
• Market Analysis: Stay abreast of industry trends, market conditions, and technological advancements within assigned categories to inform strategic decisions.

You'll have...

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management, with a significant portion (5+ years of experience) in indirect purchasing, specifically including Business Services (e.g., consulting, legal, marketing), Engineering Services (e.g., R&D support, specialized technical services), and comprehensive Employee Benefits programs
• 5+ years of experience leading and managing purchasing teams.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-billion dollar spend categories.
• Proven expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and complex contract negotiations.

Even better, you may have...

• Master's degree (MBA or equivalent).
• Experience with purchasing in one or more of the following categories: Healthcare/Benefits, Professional and Engineering Services, and/or vehicle program.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to drive change and implement new processes effectively.

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