Ford Motor Company · 9 hours ago
Category Implementation Buyer - Platform Stampings
Dearborn, MI
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
5+ years expFord Motor Company is a global leader in the automotive industry, dedicated to building a better world through innovation. The Category Implementation Buyer is responsible for strategic sourcing, business development, and ensuring supply continuity for steel and aluminum stamped parts, playing a critical role in achieving the Ford+ plan.
AutomotiveAutonomous VehiclesManufacturingTransportation
No H1B
Responsibilities
Develop and successfully execute negotiations strategies to deliver material efficiencies (TVM) and minimize inflationary costs, which requires developing deeper understanding of cost drivers and levers
Support Quality initiatives by holding suppliers accountable and sourcing to Q1 sites or achieving Q1 sites where targeted/aligned
Develop supplier strategies based on Category Manager input, allowing team to source programs at target, on time while managing cost, quality and risk
Support CST and cross-functional teams in managing critical supplier concerns
Accountable to work closely with others to meet deadlines with excellence; drive others to deliver required materials on time and with quality
Understand upcoming program sourcing and key milestones in support of launch
Align with the Category Manager on the supplier bid-list, considering industry trends, technologies, and strategic supplier analysis
Conduct appropriate sourcing activities that deliver a quality part at the best material cost to Ford Motor Company
Possess effective presentation skills to executive leadership to demonstrate the 'Why' behind a particular sourcing decision
Provide feedback to valued supply partners on cost position relative to market and build effective long-term, productive relationships
Create supplier negotiation strategies and lead commercial TVM negotiations, and supplier QCDR meetings
Lead ‘Fix/Exit/Leave’ supplier strategies as needed
Work with the strategic Category Manager, the Global Commodity Team, and Product Development to understand the latest supply base footprint, financial health ratings, technologies, and trends
Work directly with Supply Chain and the Finance organization to develop a holistic year-over-year commodity cost position
Understand and set cost savings goals to achieve on an annual basis by identifying pure commercial leverage versus design efficiencies and end-to-end supply chain improvements
Develop material cost roadmaps that deliver corporate objectives and ensure long-term viability
Possess effective presentation skills to executive leadership to demonstrate the 'Why' behind a particular commercial settlement and outlook
Provide support to the Critical Supply Team and STA where part quality and shortages become prevalent
Work with engineering to identify alternative technologies or sources of supply to maintain a consistent flow of product into Ford production facilities
Close all commercial issues in a timely, effective, and competitive manner to not risk plant build objectives
Ad hoc travel as required to supply partners
Be a leader - look at all existing processes and challenge if improvements could be made, regardless of scale
Complete all systems training required to complete day-to-day operations of the Category Implementation role
Attend internal and external workshops with key stakeholders for continued process improvements
Hold effective working-level meetings with Supply partners for fast issue closure and relationship development
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance or another related field of study
5+ years of purchasing experience
Strong knowledge across the sourcing process
Strong data and analytics understanding (e.g., complex TCO modeling, presentation storyboarding skills, data analytics)
Ability to interpret organizational needs and commercial strategies as input into global Category Strategies
Preferred
Direct experience with Stamping and Structural Assemblies
Able to communicate clearly and solve open issues in a timely manner
Ability to build solid relationships with teammates, suppliers, and cross-functional team members by fostering teamwork and collaboration in a virtual or face-to-face environment
Proficient with juggling multiple responsibilities simultaneously, staying focused on deadlines, and handling complex projects efficiently
Possess creativity, energy and a 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 a negotiation strategy
High degree of trust and maintain strong relationships with Skill Team / regional leadership
Benefits
Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
Company
Ford Motor Company
We don't just make history -- we make the future.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$16.23BKey Investors
US Department of EnergySoros Fund Management
2025-07-29Post Ipo Debt· $3B
2023-08-17Post Ipo Debt· $4B
2023-06-22Debt Financing· $9.2B
Leadership Team
James Farley
Chief Executive Officer
Efrat Barit
COO
Recent News
2026-01-24
The Motley Fool
2026-01-22
Company data provided by crunchbase